The meeting promotes discussions to foster Conservation and Social Justice in the Amazon 

By Eduardo Matheus Von Muhlen
Translated by Luiza Campos

Between November 25^th and 29^th, 2024, the Instituto Juruá, with support from partners, such as  CI Brazil, ASL, FGV, WCS and SEMA-AM, held two integrated events that marked an important step towards the sustainable management of natural resources and social justice in the Amazon. The “Community Workshop for the Development of the Monitoring Protocol for Fishing Agreements in the State of Amazonas” and the “I Course on Fishing Agreements: A Strategy for Conservation, Sustainability, and Social Justice” brought together over 50 participants, including community leaders, researchers, public managers, and international representatives.

This meeting represents a great opportunity to share experiences, discuss challenges and build collective solutions for complex problems that affect the fishing in the Amazon. The focus was placed on the strength of local communities as protagonists in the creation and implementation of fishing agreements – a strategic tool for fisheries management in different territories, connecting environmental conservation, income generation, and social equity.

Fishing Agreements: Conservation and Improvement of the Quality of Life of Amazonian Populations

The relevance of fishing agreements goes far beyond the conservation of natural resources. These instruments have been essential in resolving territorial conflicts, protecting fish stocks and ensuring the rights of traditional populations over their territories. “No one will protect the Amazon better than those who live in it. Fishing agreements return power to communities and show how conservation can be a way of life.” Emphasized João Campos e Silva (JB), General Coordinator and President of the Instituto Juruá.

An emblematic example is the case of the Médio Juruá, where community-based management of the pirarucu has increased the species’ stocks by over 600% in the past 15 years. Today, the fishing agreement in the region—commonly known as lower Carauari or lower Médio Juruá—not only generates significant income but also strengthens the autonomy of the communities.

An emblematic example was the case of the Médio Juruá, where community management of pirarucu increased the species’ stocks by more than 600% over the past 15 years. Today, the existing fishing agreement in the region – popularly known as baixo Carauari or baixo médio Juruá – not only generates significant income, but also strengthens the autonomy of the communities. Silas, manager of this area, local leader, and Specialist in Community Management at the Instituto Juruá, shared emotionally: “Before, we had no resources and were losing our fish. Now, we can protect our lakes, feed our families, and generate income with dignity.”

Furthermore, the agreements have promoted gender equality and the leadership of women in community management. Paula Etiane, a fisheries technician and speaker at the course, stated: “Women’s participation brings solidarity and cooperation. We are changing the role of women in the agreements, from being invisible to becoming protagonists.”

Monitoring Protocol: Prospecting the future based on data and local knowledge

The community workshop’s main objective was to build a participatory protocol to monitor the 48 fishing agreements regulated in the state of Amazonas. Combining traditional knowledge and science, the protocol will aim to assess the effectiveness of the agreements based on ecological, social, and institutional parameters. The work was marked by enriching debates and the exchange of experiences among representatives from different regions.

Sannie Brum, Amazon Fisheries specialist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, reminded: “Monitoring is not just about measuring; it’s about protecting. It’s understanding what is working and where we need to improve. More than that, it’s about empowering communities to become guardians of their territories.”

Among the practical contributions presented, the proposal to integrate technology and local knowledge stood out, such as the use of citizen science apps that allow for real-time recording of fishing data and territorial invasions.

Exchange of Experiences: Unity between amazonian territories and fishers

The event was also an opportunity to strengthen international alliances and promote reflection on fisheries management on a broader, more integrated scale. Representatives from the Proyecto VASI and the Dirección Regional de la Producción de Loreto, Peru, shared similar challenges faced in Brazil, such as the difficulty of implementing public policies that address local communities. Javier Chavez, a researcher at the University of Iquitos and a member of the Proyecto VASI, highlighted the importance of dialogue: “Brazilian stories inspire us. We see that it is possible to combine sustainable management with social justice, even when facing so many challenges.”

Recent cases, such as those of the Itamarati communities, demonstrated how the exchange of knowledge can transform realities. Despite initial resistance, the implementation of a fishing agreement brought new perspectives to the region. Leonardo, a community leader in the region, reported: “We thought that management was just about closing lakes. Today, we see that it is a way to ensure our livelihood and protect our future.”

Education and Community Empowerment

The I Fishing Agreements Course was designed to deepen the understanding of the multiple benefits of these instruments. Armênio, an indigenous leader and speaker, emphasized: “Agreements are more than just a set of rules. They are tools for social empowerment that give communities a voice in decisions about their resources.”

Practical dynamics during the course allowed participants to discuss topics such as zoning, collective management, and solutions for conflicts. Success stories, such as the Baixo Carauari agreement, were highlighted. Silas shared: “With our agreement, 73 tons of pirarucu were managed in 2024, generating income for dozens of families and strengthening our local governance.”

Results and Legacy

The two events concluded with the development of a set of recommendations and commitments, which will be sent to the state government and partner organizations. In addition to the monitoring protocol, participants emphasized the need to invest in education, strengthen community leadership, and include youth in sustainable management.

As JB highlighted in the closing: “Fishing agreements teach us something powerful: when we work together, respecting our knowledge and territories, we are able to create a better future for all.”

The Juruá Institute reaffirms its commitment to the conservation of the Amazon and the empowerment of the communities living there. This week was just the beginning of new actions and partnerships aimed at implementing and strengthening fishing agreements in the Amazon, with the goal of promoting greater social justice and biodiversity protection in diverse territories.