Esse Rio é minha rua: práticas de lazer nos rios urbanos de Altamira-PA, no contexto da construção da Usina Hidrelétrica Belo Monte

Abstract

The overarching objective of this thesis is to comprehend the persistence and emergence of leisure activities along Altamira's urban rivers, particularly the inherent contradictions between the logic of capitalist reproduction and the continued (re)existence of riverside culture. The research was conducted in a section of the Xingu River, specifically the urbanized area of Altamira which the river runs along and its tributaries, locally known as Altamira stream, Ambé stream, and Panelas stream. The objective was to address the following research question: In light of the historical relationship between the Altamira-PA people and the rivers for leisure experiences, how has the construction of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Station (UHBM) (re) defined the dynamics of leisure in these riverine spaces? The theoretical-methodological instrument was based on the existence of two distinct and interdependent periods, as systematized concept of “event” by Santos (2017). The "1 st Time" provides a context for understanding the leisure practices that existed in urban rivers before to the construction of the UHBM, while the "2nd time" reflects the emergence of the "new" dynamics of leisure in urban rivers after the materialization of the UHBM event. The methodological approach was qualitative in nature and included a bibliographical study associeted to the participation of 40 volunteers, 30 of them were respondents and 10 were interviewees. The findings of the study permit an understanding of the leisure practices on Altamira's urban rivers in the two distinct periods mediated by the UHBM event. Previous UHBM building, the leisure activities on Altamira's urban rivers were predominantly associated with the centrality of freshwater beaches, as well as bars and restaurants situated along the riverside. The UHBM event thus precipitated a series of socio-spatial transformations in Altamira's river leisure activities, as evidenced by the establishment of artificial beaches and linear parks, in addition to the mandatory displacement of at least 22,000 inhabitants from the banks of urban rivers. Following the UHBM event, new forms of leisure content emerged on Altamira's urban rivers characterised by the creation of reclassified places, including linear parks, river ports, private river areas such as marinas and private river risorts. Furthermore, new habits have emerged, such as kayaking and swimming, the last of which has introduced a competitive element. The results indicate that, despite the significant socio-spatial transformations initiated by the UHBM, Altamira's urban rivers continue to serve as a focal point for diverse leisure activities.