This paper examines how the Camburi Quilombo community in Ubatuba, Brazil, can be empowered to develop cultural resilience and conserve its Afro-Brazilian heritage in the face of challenges posed by climate change, urbanization and cultural erosion with the adverse consequences of tourism and inadequate infrastructure.
Emphasizing traditional knowledge, the project consisted of data collection, climate risk assessments and the development of an action plan in collaboration with academic institutions, governmental bodies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).
Aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs), the project contributes to zero hunger, quality education, sustainable cities, climate action and life on land. Seed exchange fairs, decentralized seed banks and education initiatives foster environmental awareness and sustainable agriculture, impacting the community directly and over 1,000 individuals indirectly. While demonstrating short-term changes and mid-term viability, the project faced some challenges due to local communication complexities and overlapping jurisdiction.
Serving as a bridge between scientific research and local knowledge, the project aims to promote a paradigm shifts toward recognizing, respecting and incorporating indigenous practices, so that a more environmentally aware future can be envisioned for these communities amidst climate challenges. Reflecting on achievements, the project underscores integrating diverse cultural knowledge for community resilience.
Introduction
Located in the south-eastern region of Brazil, in the city of Ubatuba, state of São Paulo, Camburi Quilombo serves as a shining example of resilience and the embodiment of Afro-Brazilian culture. The municipality in which it is situated is characterized by a landscape of steep, environmentally preserved mountain slopes that cascade down to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. This territory is the home of Camburi Quilombola Community. Historically, Quilombos (or Maroons) emerged in Brazil during the Portuguese colonial period as settlements for enslaved individuals who managed to escape. These communities were often in relatively remote locations to ensure their protection, and they had a complex, and not always harmonious, relationship with the indigenous communities. The construction of the Rio-Santos highway and other infrastructure projects reshaped the region and resulted in an influx of tourists and new residents. It also led to the introduction of electricity, urban amenities such as refrigeration and processed foods and the possibility of new jobs away from traditional activities (Santos, 2004, 2014). The Quilombo community found themselves pushed to more marginal land and in an entirely new reality. With the advent of urban “modernity,” much of their local knowledge gradually faded into obscurity.
Added to the difficulties already mentioned, intensifying rainfall patterns pose a grave threat as indicated by both recurrent historical disasters and future climate projections. Climate scenarios suggest a trend toward erratic precipitation, with shorter periods of intense rainfall, heightening the community’s exposure to flooding and landslides. These environmental threats compound a host of existing vulnerabilities, encompassing factors such as saturated soil, a lack of demographic data, absence of local early warning systems, emergency preparedness and response plans, steep terrain and limited infrastructure and public investment. Today, this community, which once harmoniously coexisted with its natural surroundings, faces numerous challenges to its survival, ranging from community disintegration to the loss of traditional dietary practices and habits. There is also an escalating risk of floods and landslides, as well as the complete destruction of access routes to its territory, resulting in isolation. Within the territory, there is significant resistance to acknowledging climate change, largely due to the influence of neo-Pentecostal religions that actively propagate denialist ideologies.
The challenges faced by both the city and the community are substantial, as evidenced by data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE – Instituto Brasileiro De Geografia E Estatística, 2023). Approximately, 34.2% of Ubatuba’s population earns a monthly income of less than half the minimum wage, and only 25.8% of the population has access to formal employment. IBGE’s data reveal that a mere 60.3% of the population enjoys access to proper sanitation, while 4,678 individuals (5% of the city’s population) reside in areas at risk of flooding, flash floods and landslides. The Brazilian Government has carried out hazard vulnerability assessments in the light of recent disasters (Daunt et al., 2021).
The Camburi Quilombo and climate changes
In this context, we developed our project “The Camburi Quilombo and Climate Changes.” The primary goal is to empower the community by bolstering its autonomy. Secondary aims include exploring traditional land cultivation and use methods, such as backyard spaces, nurturing and strengthening trust-based relationships within the community and fostering broader discussions on the impacts of climate change. Quilombolas possess a profound understanding of their territory. This traditional knowledge extends to observation and early warning to predict extreme weather events and facilitating swift and effective responses to extreme risk events. Sustainable agricultural practices are integral to their food security and environmental sustainability, with traditional methods tailored to local climates and soil management techniques. Notable among traditional practices are agroforestry backyards, serving as spaces for sustainable cultivation and empowering female autonomy.
Strategizing climate resilience
The project has been segmented into several phases. In the first phase, the team consolidated prior observations based on historical data, archival research, consultations with municipal and state government bodies and on-site visits to the territory. The second phase was an intensive three-week study in Rome, Italy, at the ICCROM headquarters, where the core team correlated the gathered data with a climate risk assessment to formulate an action plan. The primary climate-related hazard for the community was identified as intense rainfall in a short period of time, disproportionately affecting many residents, particularly children and the elderly.
The action plan encompassed several key actions. Initially, it involved closing the data gaps and initiating the production of a video documentary to document traditional knowledge and practices for adapting to a changing climate. Building partnerships with key stakeholders in the region and organizing a workshop for data validation with the residents were key activities. Finally, the project included field actions such as defining escape routes and safe places in case of landslides and floods, the creation of Community Nuclei for Protection and Civil Defense (NUPDEC) and the creation of decentralized seed banks for enrichment of residents’ backyards. All these activities were accompanied by training for the community, along with the production of printed materials for information dissemination.
Achieving SDG targets: project activities in action
The project’s initiatives have played a pivotal role in advancing multiple sustainable development goals (SDGs) (United Nations, 2024):
SDG 2 - Zero Hunger. Involvement in seed exchange fairs.
SDG 15 - Life on Land. Acquisition and propagation of diverse plant species and the establishment of seed banks, which serve as a repository of diverse plant species and promote agricultural biodiversity.
SDG 4 - Quality Education. Future plans that involve engaging schools to cultivate a profound understanding of environmental sustainability.
SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities. Building resilient communities by creating safe escape areas and preserving the heritage site of “Buraco da Máquina.”
SDG 13 - Climate Action. Coordinated endeavors emphasizing tree planting, herbal garden preservation and disaster preparedness.
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals. Effectiveness of partnerships is evident through joint action plans and shared resources, fostering common aspirations.
Impacts and achievements
The main goal for the community is to reinforce itself by creating tools and resources that align with their values while simultaneously seeking education and knowledge for self-empowerment. The research carried out engaged approximately 50 individuals and encompassed many aspects including foraging practices in traditional gardens and backyards; surveys focusing on plant species for medicinal, nutritional and cultural applications; exploration of territory and potential refuge spots; mapping of indigenous climate-related knowledge and educational initiatives like environmental awareness programs and heritage education. Indirectly, its influence extended to over 1,000 individuals through communication dissemination, engagement of partnering entities and documentary presentations, significantly expanding its outreach and relevance within the broader community. Immediate transformations include the establishment of flood refuge strategies and safe point signs, all informed by traditional knowledge within the Quilombola community. In the short term, the project led to heightened visibility, educational advancements, internal coordination with local associations and crucial partnerships. Active participation in seed exchange fairs revitalized interest in indigenous agricultural practices, fostering the acquisition of diverse plant species and the establishment of NUPDEC, a civil defense response, which is the first of its kind, in the city of Ubatuba. Mid-term consequences were materialized through documentary usage in festivals, financial project registrations, the establishment of secure refuge areas and the proliferation of various plants, reinforcing food security, genetic diversity and ecosystem services.
In a broader context, the project anticipates implementing short-term changes in the community to enhance their autonomy and resilience, especially in addressing the potential challenges posed by upcoming heavy rains. Envisioning the long term, the project aimed at implementing sustainable initiatives supported by new national and international financing sources, ensuring continued development and the sustained progression of their endeavors.
Recognizing challenges and knowledge gaps hindering culture’s integration at a broader level
At the local level, one significant hurdle arises from the complexities of communication and establishing harmonious relationships among diverse interest groups within the area. Overlapping jurisdiction often leads to bureaucratic complexities, slowing down decision-making processes critical for cultural integration and advancement. Expanding to a broader scale, despite substantial progress in acknowledging and valuing ancestral and indigenous knowledge on a national level, there persists reluctance among more conservative sectors to embrace the transformative potential inherent in this invaluable knowledge. This project served as a bridge between academic science and local wisdom, including ancestral knowledge. This initiative sought to catalyze a paradigm shift fostering a more inclusive and holistic approach.
Reflective analysis and future mapping – unveiling project insights
It is evident that the integration of diverse cultural knowledge systems can foster resilience and sustainability within communities. The dream mapping exercise has emphasized the importance of preserving Quilombo heritage while adapting to evolving environmental and societal dynamics. Moving forward, the project’s sustainability hinges on strategic actions and collaborations. It envisions leveraging its tangible outputs, such as reports, documentaries and academic publications, to attract further funding and support for continuous initiatives. By embedding the project’s outcomes and goals within academic research, there’s a solid framework for continued advocacy, support and resource allocation.
In conclusion, the afterlife and sustainability of the project rest on a foundation of collaborative efforts, community engagement and knowledge dissemination. By integrating indigenous knowledge into actionable initiatives, seeking continuous funding avenues and intertwining project objectives with academic research, the endeavor aims to multiply impacts, ensuring the lasting resilience and prosperity of the Camburi Quilombola Community.
