The Quilombo Lagoa de Melquíades and Amâncio: A Traditional Territory in Struggle
In the southwest of Bahia, about 50 kilometers from Vitória da Conquista, is located the Quilombo Lagoa de Melquíades and Amâncio, a traditional territory that houses a quilombola community with a rich ancestry. In this place, the preservation of creole seeds free of transgenics and agrotoxins has become a frontline in the fight against the siege of monoculture, the land limbo caused by the slow demarcation of lands and changes in the rainfall regime.
The Knowledge of a Quilombo in Seeds
The sustenance of this community is kept in small grains of pure corn and beans, which are part of a seed bank managed in a community manner. The handling of these grains is not a recent agricultural practice, but rather a legacy passed down from grandparents to their children and grandchildren. Over time, it was possible to find new paths, and the task of preserving these seeds ended up in the hands of Tiago França da Silva, 34 years old, leader of the Bahian quilombo.
The House of Seeds: A Space of Resistance
In 2017, the Casa de Sementes was born, a space where Tiago began to act as a guardian of the grains, leading an organizing committee that selected and evaluated the seeds. Later, due to his work, he was chosen by the community to be the general leadership of the quilombo. The Casa de Sementes is more than a seed storage space; it is a symbol of resistance and struggle for the preservation of quilombola ancestry.
Why This Matters: The Risks and Consequences
The loss of these creole seeds not only represents the loss of an ancestry, but also has significant implications for biodiversity and the community's food security. Contamination by transgenics and agrotoxins can lead to the loss of the purity of these seeds, making them unusable for the community. Furthermore, the proximity of the quilombo to large cattle farms and eucalyptus monoculture pressures the limits of the ancestral territory, threatening the community's survival.
The Mechanism Behind Seed Preservation
Seed preservation is a complex process that involves the selection, evaluation, and storage of these grains. The quilombola community has developed a seed bank system that allows for the exchange and multiplication of these seeds, ensuring their availability for future generations. In addition, the community has also developed sustainable agricultural practices that minimize environmental impact and maximize productivity.
Broader Context: The Struggle of Quilombos for the Preservation of their Ancestry
The struggle of the Quilombo Lagoa de Melquíades and Amâncio is not isolated. Throughout Brazil, quilombola communities face similar challenges in preserving their ancestry. Land demarcation, environmental protection, and biodiversity preservation are just a few of the challenges these communities face. The preservation of creole seeds is an example of how these communities are fighting to keep their ancestry alive and ensure their survival.
What's Next: Challenges and Opportunities
The future of creole seed preservation in the Quilombo Lagoa de Melquíades and Amâncio is uncertain. The community faces significant challenges, including contamination by transgenics and agrotoxins, territorial pressure, and lack of resources. However, the community also has opportunities to move forward, including partnerships with environmental organizations and training for its members. The preservation of creole seeds is an example of how quilombola communities can work together to protect their ancestry and ensure their survival.
Conclusion: The Importance of Preserving Creole Seeds
The preservation of creole seeds is fundamental to the survival of quilombola communities. These seeds not only represent the ancestry of these communities, but are also essential for biodiversity and food security. The struggle of the Quilombo Lagoa de Melquíades and Amâncio is an example of how quilombola communities are working to preserve their ancestry and ensure their survival.
Source / Reference
Original article published in Mongabay Brasil