A política de segurança pública do estado Amazonas no combate ao desmatamento ilegal na fronteira do Sul do Amazonas, Brasil

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the role of the Military Police of Amazonas, as a component of the Public Security System, in combating and mitigating illegal deforestation in the border areas of the southern region of the state — territories considered priorities for being part of the so-called Deforestation Arc. The analysis covers the period from 2019 to 2023 and is based on the Public Security Policy of the State of Amazonas aimed at addressing environmental crimes, particularly illegal deforestation. The research is structured around five specific objectives, including the analysis of public policies related to environmental public security for combating illegal deforestation, the operational challenges faced by security agents in the exercise of their duties, the enforcement strategies adopted, the identification of the most critical municipalities, and the proposal of improvements. A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating documentary review, statistical analysis of Environmental Military Police data, and categorization of field actions. The results indicate a concentration of environmental crimes in the municipalities of Apuí, Lábrea, Novo Aripuanã, and Manicoré, as well as significant logistical operations in Humaitá. The research identified gaps in the territorialization of enforcement actions and suggests the establishment of permanent operational bases in strategic regions. It concludes that institutional strengthening, decentralization, and inter-institutional coordination are essential to curb the advance of deforestation in the southern region of Amazonas.