Territorial governance for transformative change? Insights from the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve in the Brazilian Amazon

Brazilian extractive reserves constitute a model for the territorial governance of protected areas. With a focus on the territorial rights of traditional populations, they can serve as a catalyst for transformative change that reconciles the conservation of nature with the sustainable use of natural resources. However, the sustainability of land use in the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve (CMER) is increasingly under pressure. Located in the western Amazon, sustainable forest extractivism has traditionally constituted the main livelihood of inhabitants. Yet, over the last 20 years, deforestation rates have increased significantly. This increase has been driven by the expansion of cattle ranching, illegal land sales, and population growth. While the causes of deforestation in the CMER have been widely documented, this study aims to understand how different actors and institutions interact to shape territorial governance and land use in the CMER, and how these governance arrangements can serve as a catalyst for transformative change. The research is based on a qualitative case study design, involving qualitative interviews, participant observation, and a photo-based approach, applied during three fieldwork visits to the research region between March 2024 and April 2025. The findings indicate that governance interactions are not only influenced by state institutions. They are shaped by economic incentives provided by the market and are contingent upon the social organization of civil society. To realize its potential for transformative change, territorial governance should adopt a multilevel governance approach, consider the local context, be based on cooperation between actors, and facilitate social learning.