Water-Energy-Food-Forest Nexus in The Amazon Conservation Unit

Abstract

Objective: The general objective of this research is to analyze the integration of forests into the water-energy-food nexus in a Conservation Unit in the Brazilian Amazon, aiming to verify how traditional populations, in whose areas they inhabit, use two natural and non-wood resources for their survival.   Theoretical Framework: The approach to the water-energy-food nexus emerged in the last decade around concerns such as global trends in population growth, economic growth and climate changes that place pressure on water, energy, food and forest resources.   Method: The adopted methodology uses a qualitative approach, given the importance of understanding how the water, energy, food and forest resources in the Lago do Cuniã Extractive Reserve are explored. An exploratory-descriptive type of research, with a central concern in carrying out a preparatory analysis of a known context, meanwhile little explored in the Amazon. The collection of data was carried out by means of interviews with the application of questionnaire and application of non-participant observation techniques.   Results and Discussion: The results demonstrate that studies with a nexus approach with four elements provide no understanding of the exploration of sustainable development in the environment of conservation units. Furthermore, the study reveals that maintaining forest resources improves water quality not only, but also controls erosion and resilience against droughts and floods; Contributing to the energy supply, in addition, contributes to the safety of feeding the residents of the conservation unit.   Research Implications: For public policy makers, the results demonstrate the need for management practices for the conservation of forests, protection of the quantity and quality of existing rivers and lakes in the conservation unit and protection of aquatic and agricultural ecosystems.   Originality/Value: The originality of the article is in the analysis of the role of addressing water, energy and food within an area of ​​environmental protection in the Amazon, and by including the element forest it was possible to find out its triangulation with the other elements and their implications for economic, social and economic factors. you set the mood.