EDUARDO JAIME BATA
Resumo:
The socioenvironmental vulnerability analysis allows us to understand the relationships, plots and socioenvironmental transformations that have occurred in the physical environment, mediated by human activities, as well as the adoption of strategies that help in decision making on issues related to social and environmental degradation. This research analyzed the social and environmental vulnerability in ruby and tourmaline exploration areas in the Nanhupo and Nséue Villages, Montepuez District, from 2004 to 2011. This analysis was based on the methodology of Figueirêdo et al (2009 and 2010), and consisted of the following steps: a) choice of system and socio-environmental issues, b) identification of indicators assessed and c) definition of criteria (exposure, sensitivity and responsiveness). Field research and questionnaires were also conducted in 98 research subjects and 5 interviews with various entities of the District and Provincial Government. Namanhumbir's IFVSA was 3.86, considered very high vulnerability, and exposure (1.15) and responsiveness (11.29) are the criteria that determined this value. Regarding the indicators, the number of schools (3.44), water supply in residential houses (2.00) and vegetation destruction, according to exposure criteria, and number of inhabitants per doctor, value of the basic basket and number of working wells, in responsiveness had greater vulnerability value. The exploitation of the precious stones is mainly carried out by young people (18 to 35 years old) and most of them work for foreigners (Guineans, Nigerians, Tanzanians), responsible for the promotion of gold mining. The beginning of this activity introduced profound socio-spatial and environmental transformations, as well as the relations between the human population of Namanhumbir and the administrative authorities of the District. On the other hand, the onset of mining has considered the increase in the basic food basket, making it more difficult for poorer human populations to access and negatively affecting the poorer purchasing population, mostly dependent on agriculture. However, despite the negative impacts of this activity on the environment, the beginning of the exploration of precious and semiprecious stones allowed the improvement of the purchasing power of people directly involved in the mining, created business opportunities for residents and fostered the generation of jobs. This research allowed us to understand the burdens (social and environmental degradation) and bonuses (increase of income and improvement of the living conditions of the prospectors) of this activity, aiming to contribute to the monitoring of the mining sites and the reduction of the health hazards of the prospectors, residents and environmental damage.
