Quelônios do uatumã: manejo e sustentabilidade

Abstract

The project for releasing chelonians in São Sebastião do Uatumã has stood out in the preservation of endangered species, such as (Podocnemis expansa), known as the Amazonian turtle, and (Podocnemis unifilis), commonly called tracajá, thanks to the active involvement of the local community. In addition to returning a growing number of animals to the wild each year, the initiative promotes environmental education among residents, especially children and young people, strengthening their connection with the environment and valuing traditional knowledge. Despite ecological progress, social challenges persist, such as poor infrastructure, low income, and limited access to basic services. Community coordination is not always consistent, which can compromise results. To ensure the project's sustainability, it is necessary to invest in training, social inclusion, and economic alternatives such as ecotourism and environmental crafts.The continuity of the initiative depends on the integration between environmental conservation and social development, with support from public