Growing up in Belém do Pará, a bustling city in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, I was fortunate to have a unique perspective on the intricate relationship between its people and the environment. My story is one of rediscovery, as I ventured beyond the urban landscape and explored the homes and lives of the ribeirinhos, the people of the forest.
Belém do Pará, a city with nearly 1.5 million people in its metropolitan area, was my home. But it was my visits to my grandfather's countryside house that allowed me to bridge the gap between the urban and natural world. These visits brought me in touch with the ribeirinhos, people who lived harmoniously with the forest, blurring the lines between their homes and the wilderness.
The ribeirinhos shared their invaluable knowledge of the forest with me. They guided me through the Amazon's lush landscapes, both inside their homes and in their backyard. The scent of wooden walls and the generosity of fresh fruits and vegetables remain etched in my memory. These families were old friends of my grandfather, exemplifying the bond between man and nature.
My formal education took me to a "good school" in Brazil, but it rarely delved into the wisdom and sustainable practices of the ribeirinhos. Instead, the curriculum often focused on the biology and myths of the forest, portraying the people of the forest as uneducated and naive. This stark contrast with my personal experiences left me puzzled about the true essence of their knowledge.
Even during my university studies in Brazil, where I explored the history of indigenous architecture, ribeirinhos' architecture remained neglected. Their ingenious bioclimatic designs and sustainable practices remained overlooked, a significant oversight in the study of Amazonian ecosystems.
It wasn't until I embarked on my master's dissertation in Belgium, focusing on sustainability and architecture, that I decided to return to the Amazon rainforest. I was determined to unravel the sustainability hidden within the ribeirinhos' houses. What I discovered left me both amazed and ashamed. I was proud to have discovered their sustainable practices, yet ashamed that, as a white Latina with what was considered a "good education" in Brazil, I had remained oblivious to the profound wisdom of these communities.
In conclusion, my journey has led me to a profound realization - that knowledge of sustainable architecture and ecological harmony exists in the humble dwellings of the ribeirinhos. It is a knowledge that deserves recognition, respect, and integration into our understanding of the Amazon rainforest's rich heritage.
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