THE REPRESENTATION OF THE CERRADO IN THE BRAZILIAN AGRICULTURAL FRONTIER IMAGINARY IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

The aim of this work is to present and identify the different conceptions about the Cerrado biome and its representations as a contemporary agricultural frontier. Based on the historical construction of the Cerrado concept as a frontier, we seek to understand this biome from the conflict established between the conservationist /preservationist and utilitarian views that characterize it. A theoretical methodological procedure privileged the qualitative research of bibliographical orientation, from the historical context of the Sertão and the different agricultural expansions to Central Brazil. However, we focus the analysis in the region known as Matopiba, at the intersection of Cerrado Biome areas between the states of Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí and Bahia. The results point out that the historical construction of the Cerrado different representations empowers the utilitarian view, which characterizes this biome as a commodities producer region, but not for its rich biodiversity.