Public Policies and Social Organization in Communities the Amazon

Scientific and technological advances unprecedented in history, combined with the forces of production, are driving society forward in a paradox that confronts human experience with a scenario of immeasurable transformations that contradictorily associate wealth and poverty. And, due to their calamitous implications, they affect the quality of life in different parts of the planet, with the destruction of ethnic groups and unique forms of social organization. The current situation presents a picture of social and environmental risk unparalleled in human history. Under the scrutiny of this reality, the riverside communities of the Amazon live with dilemmas, tensions, and challenges, given that this region combines rich environmental and sociocultural biodiversity. Geographically, the Amazon covers numerous Brazilian states and neighboring countries. On the one hand, it has enormous cultural and natural resource potential, but on the other, it poses a serious challenge to institutions and public policy managers.