Palmas mapping reveals challenges for riverside and fishing communities

The City of Palmas, through the Extraordinary Secretariat for Racial Equality and Human Rights (Seirdh), has released the results of a participatory mapping study focused on traditional riverside communities and artisanal fishermen. The initiative aimed to provide a realistic overview of the living conditions, environmental threats, and territorial rights of these populations to inform public administration.

The survey highlighted significant challenges, including a lack of access to basic services. Notably, 85.9% of respondents reported a lack of potable water. Environmental concerns were also prominent, with 73.3% citing a reduction in aquatic fauna and fish stocks, 60% reporting water pollution from sewage, and 56% noting sudden changes in lake levels associated with dam operations.

The presentation of these findings involved various municipal and state sectors, including health, education, environment, and fisheries departments, as well as the Public Ministry of Tocantins and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture.