Tension in Acre: Understand the resex operation that stopped br and generated controversy and threats

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The Extractive Reserve (Resex) Chico Mendes, in Acre, became the epicenter of an intense dispute and an environmental and social crisis after the beginning of Suçuarana operation, triggered by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) last June 5.

Operation started on June 5/Photo: Reproduction

The action, which aims to curb environmental offenses within the conservation unit, especially deforestation and illegal cattle breeding, generated a wave of protests, with blocked roads and accusations of abuse of power by farmers.

The situation worsened this Friday (13), with the total interdiction of BR-317, the main way of access to the region, directly impacting the flow of people and goods. The operation has no date to finish.

SUÇUARANA OPERATION: ICMBio Performs withdrawal of 400 heads of illegal cattle within the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve/Photo: Reproduction

What is the suduarana operation?

Operation Suçuarana, a name that refers to the parda jaguar, a native feline of the region, is an ICMBio initiative to oversee and combat illegal activities that compromise the integrity of the Chico Mendes extractive reserve. It is noteworthy that Resex Chico Mendes has been pointed out as the most deforested extractive reserve in Brazil.

The operation has no date to finish/Photo: Reproduction

According to ICMBio, the operation focuses on curbing deforestation for the formation of pasture, cattle breeding in unable areas and illegal exploitation of wood. The primary objective is to ensure the protection of local biodiversity, the sustainable use of natural resources and the maintenance of the quality of life of traditional extractive communities living in Resex, in accordance with the unit’s management plan.

Controversy and accusations of abuse

Since its inception, Operation Suçuarana has been the subject of severe criticism and complaints by the region’s farmers. They accuse the ICMBio of acting with truculence, apprehending cattle, destroying improvements and applying fines considered exorbitant.

“They arrived without warning, knocked over, released cattle and said everything was illegal. We lived here for decades, taking care of the land, and now we are treated as bandits,” said João Silva, rural producer at Resex Chico Mendes. “We are not deforesters, we just want to work and support our families. Where are we going to put this cattle now?”

Another producer, Maria Souza, reports having had her small creation seized. “I have only a few heads of cattle to complement family income. It’s not on a large scale, it’s for subsistence. They took everything and left me with nothing. This is absurd, a persecution,” he said, thrilled.

Reactions of authorities and organs

In a statement, ICMBio defended the legality of the operation, stating that it is acting in strict compliance with the environmental legislation and the Resex Chico Mendes Management Plan.

“Operation Suçuarana aims to combat environmental crimes that cause irreparable damage to reserve biodiversity and natural resources. Actions are punctual and directed to areas where there is proof of illicit, such as deforestation and illegal creation of large -scale cattle, which do not fit the subsistence practices of extractive communities. All actions are carried out based on rigorous analysis and respect for the rights of the rights of the rights of the rights of the rights of the rights of the rights of the rights of the rights of the rights of Residents, ”said a spokesman for the institute, who declined to be identified.

Operation at Reserve Chico Mendes aims at the withdrawal of illegal occupants/Photo: Reproduction

ICMBio stressed that the removal of illegal cattle at Resex Chico Mendes does not affect extractive families, as the inspection focuses on large -scale ranchers who do not fulfill reserve rules, noting that “extractivists living from their small scale production are not being targeted by the operation”.

ICMBio also claimed to be open to dialogue, but stressed the importance of curbing activities that misrepresent the purpose of the conservation unit.

The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), although not the body responsible for primary inspection within Resex, expressed support for actions to combat environmental offenses. The agency said it can only suspend embargoes in the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve through the environmental regularization of the properties. This means that in order to dismantrate embargoed areas or properties, producers need to present evidence that they are in accordance with environmental standards. “Ibama supports any action aimed at the protection of the environment and the fight against illegal deforestation in Brazil. It is essential that conservation units are protected from activities that compromise their integrity and purpose,” said a representative of Ibama.

Ibama defends the operation/Photo: Reproduction

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MMA), led by Acreana and Minister Marina Silva, said he is following the situation at Resex Chico Mendes and will seek to mediate the dialogue between ICMBio and local communities.

“It is crucial that there is a balance between environmental inspection and the needs of traditional communities living in conservation units. We are in contact with ICMBio to understand the details of the operation and local leaders to seek solutions that guarantee environmental protection without harming the way of life,” the ministry said through public note.

Acre politicians repudiated ICMBio action

Senator Márcio Bittar made harsh criticism of Operation Suçuarana, contextualizing it in a broader view of the Amazon. He warned that “the left is taking properties in the Amazon,” referring to these ICMBio operations as a form of indirect expropriation.

“What is happening in Acre with ICMBio is a scandal. They are taking the cattle of hard -working producers who invest and generate jobs, on the grounds of environmental protection. This is part of a larger agenda to ward off the rural man from the forest and is a threat to our sovereignty and our economy,” said the senator. He argued that actions impair the production and subsistence of rural families.

Federal Deputy Colonel Ulysses was another who vehemently criticized the operation. He denounced ICMBio’s actions in the state, classifying them as “inhuman” and “abusive.”

“ICMBio is acting with truculence and disrespecting the families of rural producers living in Resex for years, they built their lives there. They are apprehending cattle, applying absurd fines and expelling people without alternatives. This is absurd and a disrespect to those who produce in the countryside,” said the parliamentarian. The deputy also mentioned his intention to propose a legislative decree to protect rural producers from actions that he considers excessive by environmental agencies.

Threats to Raimundão, cousin of Chico Mendes

Amid the tension generated by the Suçuarana Operation, the extractive leader Raimundo Mendes de Barros, known as Raimundão and cousin of environmentalist Chico Mendes, became the target of attacks and threats.

It is accused by environmental offenders to foster the operation of ICMBio that resulted in the seizure of cattle. Threats with threats, circulating in Whatsapp groups, even imply that he “seeks to take lead” in a clear allusion to the death of Chico Mendes.

Raimundão, however, denies being afraid: “If I was afraid, I had already dug a hole and buried me.” The situation of hostility in the region has also caused fear in his family, including his daughter, Raiara Barros, who expressed concern about the climate of intimidation. The case gained national repercussion, with Minister Marina Silva and artists leaving in defense of Raimundão, asking for protection to the extractive leader.

Protests and blockade of BR-317

The dissatisfaction of producers and residents of Resex Chico Mendes climbed to protests that culminated in the BR-317 blockade at km 34, near the reserve entrance. Since the morning of Friday (13), tires, tree trunks and other materials have been used to prevent traffic in both directions of the highway, which connects the capital Rio Branco to cities such as Xapuri and Brasiléia, and also connects with the Bolivian border.

“We will not leave here until ICMBio does not suspend this operation and sit down to talk to us,” said one of the movement leaders. “We want respect and a solution to this situation. BR-317 will only be released when we have a concrete response.”

The block generated long lines of vehicles and inconvenience for those who need to move around the region, including trucks with goods and passenger vehicles.