Abstract

KRUK, Carla et al. Socio-environmental problems in the hydrosocial territory of Laguna Merín: contributions from the interdisciplinary. Rev. urug. Antropología y Etnografía [online]. 2022, vol.7, n.2, e690.  Epub Dec 01, 2022. ISSN 2393-7068.  https://doi.org/10.29112/ruae.v7i2.1690.

The Merín lagoon basin is one of the largest sources of water in the world. In its hydrosocial territory, various activities and ecological, economic and cultural values converge. Since the last century, intensive production, mainly aimed at modifying the hydrological cycle for agricultural production, have had a profound impact, causing various socio-environmental conflicts. Using some elements of the conceptual framework of political ecology and environmental justice, we describe the main anthropic transformations and agro-industrial projects in the territory. We consider historical changes and their relationship with water from the indigenous population to the present. Main impacts of agro-extractivism are expressed in the territory, mainly through waterworks. The socio-environmental problems described are the affectation of fishing, heritage values, water quality and health. We discuss some of the indicators used to validate productive projects within the hegemonic sustainability discourse and propose some elements for a comprehensive approach to the problem from the Universidad de la República, particularly from the Centro Universitario Regional del Este located in the territory. We hope to contribute to calling attention to hidden socio-environmental injustices and struggles for the well-being of local communities.

Keywords : water; socio-environmental conflicts; Merín Lagoon; extractivism.

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