O complexo florestal e o extremo sul da Bahia: inserção competitiva e transformações socioeconômicas na região

Abstract

This thesis aims to examine and interpret the process of competitive insertion and of socioeconomic transformation in the Extreme South of Bahia, Brazil, correlating it to the dynamics of regional development. Such process has taken place due to the expansion of the forest industry, led by great companies of the pulp and paper segment. Theoretical contributions which allow the understanding of the factors that affected regional integration, of the nature of the recent changes and of their relationship with the pattern of regional development have been established. In consonance with the theoretical and analytical references used, the study revealed that the integration of the Extreme South of Bahia, from the competitive exploration of its local resources for wood production (eucalyptus) and cellulose, constitutes an important example of the global production expansion movement - determined by the patterns and strategies of segmental and business competition. Besides the region s advantages, it was also clear that the action of the State based on approaches which associate development to progress, to spatial polarization of economic activities and competitive integration - played a major role in the redefinition of the development pattern and of regional insertion. The empirical analysis was based on data collection and on the systematization of data as well as of quantitative and qualitative information. It showed that the establishment and expansion of forest activities and of cellulose and paper production, on the one hand internalized flows of the global production cycle, and on the other hand, caused a set of transformations in the and social and productive structures in the region. This was expressed by several aspects, such as: i) a higher concentration of land ownership and an increase in business exploration; ii) the de-structuralization of the existing economic and social relationships; iii) the expansion of activities, occupations and lifestyles, predominantly, urban. Nevertheless, economic growth, especially urban, regarded as synonymous to development and modernization, has been of little use to the local society. Such evidences reveal not only the limitations in the spread of the benefits of global economic competitiveness for the local society, but also highlight the need for institutional arrangements and for synergic relationships between the local society and public and private spheres, as fundamental resources for economic and social development. Thus, in accordance with the institutionalist perspective, being competitive is not enough, it is also necessary to create an institutional atmosphere which provides coordination among the actors, enabling the use of local capacities on behalf of the development of such society.