Brazilian cerrado aproppriation and pressure on natural resources of the Avá-Canoeiro indigenous land and surroundings (Goiás)

Abstract

The Avá-Canoeiro people can be found in two Brazilian states, namely a family in Goiás with 8 individuals and another in Tocantins with approximately 32 individuals. This study focoses on the Avá-Canoeiro people in Goiás and their Indigenous Land (IL). We aimed at analyzing environmental aspects and territorial pressures and natural resources of the IL and its surroundings, under the perspective of threats against sociobiodiversity in the Brazilian Cerrado. We performed a characterization and assessment of geoenvironmental conditions of the IL, relying on an integral landscape analysis, taking into consideration physical features and space-time use dynamics and soil coverage, including geoprocessing techniques so as to generate a transition matrix and prediction modelling. We also performed a theoretical framework on the construction of the territory and the dynamics of the Avá-Canoeiro, in the northern part of Goiás. The analysis findings showed that the Avá-Canoeiro live in a territory where economic interests of several types abound. Hydrobusiness and extensive cattle ranching are causing a reduction in the territory, changes in the landscape and loss of the Cerrado vegetation and the mineral potential in the region, which has triggered the development of research tackling projections for future exploration. Data concerning soil use and coverage indicate expansion of pasture planted in the IL and surroundings and projection for the advance of agriculture and forestry.