Peripheral territory in transformation: dynamics of vulnerability from memories of Barra do Jucu (Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil)

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss the territorial changes that shape the scenario of socio-environmental vulnerabilities in Barra do Jucu (Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil) caused by the historical exploitation of the territory through development projects. In this neighbourhood, located in an urban and coastal region, three talking circles were held between March and May 2023 to collect the memories of local residents, and these were recorded and transcribed. Based on these narratives, it was observed that the loss of territorial identity and its characteristics, on the one hand triggered a local social process of exposure to risks; on the other hand, it mobilized the community in a movement in favour of the cultural and ecological characteristics traditionally present in the origins of the neighbourhood. Through this leadership and pro-activity, multiple actions have been developed, such as the creation of a municipal conservation unit and the revival of the traditional craft of bobbin lace production in an ontological movement to (re)appropriate their territory. Thus, there is a chronicle of resistance and territorial struggles highlighted by the mobilization of the community and the recovery of territorial identity, which is at odds with municipal public policies based on economic rationality.