BIOECONOMY AND GEOECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIO: THE CASE OF BAILIQUE/AP - BRAZIL

Abstract

Climate change is an undeniable reality, and the island of Bailique finds itself in a vulnerable position, experiencing the effects of Atlantic Ocean tides, flooding from the Amazon River, the phenomenon of "falling lands," and primarily, the influence of hydroelectric power plants on its river system. Over time, the traditional communities in this region have learned to cope with the local peculiarities. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in flooding periods, with the ocean encroaching upon the archipelago's islands, and a reduction in the flow of the Amazon River due to the construction of hydroelectric plants on the Araguari River. Both phenomena result in the salinization of the freshwater from the Amazon River. This salinization leads to social, economic, and environmental issues, directly impacting the primary economic activity of the local communities: açaí cultivation, traditionally carried out by families organized in the Amazonbai cooperative. The salinization of water, crucial for açaí palm growth, hampers the development and productivity of this crop, as indicated by previous studies. The situation is concerning as the communities economically depend on the açaí production chain, considered one of the most sustainable in Brazil. Through bibliographic research and data gathering, it has been observed that the impacts caused by natural phenomena due to the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Amazon River have intensified over the years, influenced by anthropogenic actions in the region. It has been noted that during flood periods when the island is inundated by ocean waters.