Symmetries and Asymmetries in Collective mManagement: The Case of Galician Common Lands and the Brazilian Extractive Reserves Analysis of its Role in Rural Development Processes

Abstract

"This study aims to analyze comparatively the case of Galician common lands (MVMC) in Spain and Reservas Extrativistas (common extractive reserve) in Brazil, considering the new perspectives on rural development. The role of State in juridical transformations regarding land use and management was studied. We focused on understanding changes in access to common resources and their use, as well as, to describe how the relationship established among users groups is conformed. Results are based on the analysis of 55 semi-structured interviews among seven communities with common lands in Spain and on the application of Participatory Rapid Diagnostic (PRD) techniques and interviews, for the case of the Resex of Riozinho da Liberdade in the Acre state (Brazil). The field work was developed along May 2013, April-June 2014 and February 2015. The research shows the frailties and strengths of the main management patterns in both realities. We found that, in both cases, there is a strong interference of the State, establishing normative that regulates the conditions of use and implement the management model of these areas. A common point is the perceived economic importance of natural resources as a revenue source, though the tenure of this resource becomes effective differently. It may be underlined the importance of ensuring access to land, for maintain the freedom and autonomy of the user group. This should be seen as a crucial factor for economic and social development in both cases. Finally, normative and practical arrangements found in MVMC and RESEX represent a good strategy for the rural development, considering the relationship built between user groups and the pattern of organization of land management developed with a focus on shared management."