Petroleum Territories: an environmental education experience under the Environmental Licensing of Gas and Oil in Brazil

Abstract

The text analyzes the research and extension project called “Petroleum Territories” carried out by the State University of Norte Fluminense and Petrobras in ten municipalities in the Campos Basin region, RJ, Brazil. The project is a mitigation measure required by the Federal Environmental Licensing conducted by IBAMA-Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. Its objective is to leverage critical environmental education actions within the scope of the Federal Environmental Licensing of Petrobras gas and oil production activities. The focus of the actions is to mitigate the information deficit on Royalties and special interests from oil exploration in the region. Based on socio-analysis and participatory methodologies, access to contemporary languages ​​and forms of digital communication is promoted among disadvantaged communities impacted by the oil industry, training and mobilizing citizens to form Citizen Vigil Centers. The centers are spaces dedicated to continuing education and the qualification of community participation in the critical socio-environmental debate. The project combats historical asymmetries and provides alternatives for better access to information on the oil industry and its impacts, prioritizing the issue of oil income and the public discussion of the social control of these resources.