Abstract Controversies about Environmental Licensing have been featured in the public agenda as the National Congress advances a policy reform being debated since 2004. In the National Council for the Environment, given its legal attributions, the Environmental Licensing rules and possible changes have been discussed since the first meetings. Through the analysis of Council meeting documents, the objective was to highlight such speeches and the players who pronounced them. For this purpose, memoirs and minutes of meetings of instances of the Council in the period 1984-2021 were examined. Essentially, discourses were found about the screening stage and environmental impact studies, with the absence of criticisms and proposals regarding the definition of the scope of the studies and the follow-up stage. There was a prevalence of discourses centered on administrative efficiency, without acknowledging the objectives of this environmental policy instrument, or challenges to increase its effectiveness.

Resumen El Licenciamiento Ambiental ha sido parte de la agenda pública con debates sobre una ambicionada reforma legal, que se tramita en el Congreso Nacional desde 2004. Sin embargo, en el Consejo Nacional del Medio Ambiente, dadas sus atribuciones legales, posibles modificaciones a las normas de Licenciamiento Ambiental permean los discursos con cierta frecuencia. A través del análisis de los documentos de las reuniones del Consejo, se ha buscado evidenciar dichos discursos y a sus ponentes. Para tal efecto, se examinaron memorias y actas de reuniones de instancias del Consejo en el período 1984-2021. Esencialmente, se encontraron discursos sobre la etapa de selección y sobre los estudios de impacto ambiental, con ausencia de críticas y propuestas sobre la definición del alcance de dichos estudios y la fase de seguimiento. Hubo un predominio de discursos centrados en la eficiencia administrativa, sin reconocer los objetivos de este instrumento de política ambiental ni de los desafíos para aumentar su efectividad.

Resumo O Licenciamento Ambiental tem ocupado a agenda pública com debates acerca de uma ambicionada reforma legal que tramita no Congresso Nacional desde 2004. No Conselho Nacional do Meio Ambiente, dadas suas atribuições legais, discutem-se o regramento do Licenciamento Ambiental e possíveis alterações desde as primeiras reuniões. Por meio da análise de conteúdo de documentos de reuniões do Conselho, objetivou-se evidenciar tais discursos e os atores que os pronunciaram. Foram examinadas memórias e atas de reuniões de instâncias do Conselho no período 1984-2021. Encontraram-se, essencialmente, discursos acerca da etapa de triagem e sobre os estudos de impacto ambiental, estando ausentes críticas e propostas referentes à definição do escopo dos estudos e à fase de acompanhamento. Houve prevalência de discursos centrados na eficiência administrativa, sem reconhecimento dos objetivos desse instrumento da política ambiental nem dos desafios para lhe aumentar a efetividade.

RESUMO Nova legislação que determina a descaracterização de barragens de rejeitos de mineração motivou esta revisão de métodos e técnicas de descaracterização e seus impactos ambientais. Foram identificados 105 artigos, publicados desde 1983, que descrevem soluções ou discutem desafios ao fechamento de barragens, quanto à estabilidade geotécnica e geoquímica, revegetação ou reutilização dos rejeitos, usualmente almejando a integração segura da barragem ao entorno. Apenas seis artigos abordam impactos ambientais das obras de descaracterização — como aumento do tráfego rodoviário —– e riscos associados à fitorremediação — particularmente a transferência de metais à cadeia alimentar. O assunto é pouco explorado na literatura internacional. Não há entendimento compartilhado sobre o significado de descaracterização, fechamento e termos relacionados. A experiência brasileira que resultará do atendimento à legislação, se devidamente analisada e documentada, contribuirá para o avanço do conhecimento e das técnicas de fechamento de barragens de rejeito.

ABSTRACT New legislation that requires “decharacterizing” or decommissioning tailings storage facilities (TSFs) has motivated this review of “decharacterization” methods and techniques for and their environmental impacts. Out of 105 papers, published since 1983, that describe solutions or discuss challenges to closed TSFs, regarding geotechnical and geochemical stability, revegetation, or reuse of tailings, generally aiming at safely integrating the facility to the landscape, only six papers approach environmental impacts of decommissioning works – such as increased road traffic —, and risks associated with phytoremediation — in particular the transfer of metals to the food chain. The subject is little explored in international literature. There is no shared understanding about the meaning of decommissioning, closure and related terms. The Brazilian experience that will result from complying with legislation, if properly analyzed and documented, will contribute to the advancement of knowlegde about TSFs closing techniques.

Abstract Objective: to analyze the labor incorporation processes of Haitian nationals who arrived to the Metropolitan Zone of Monterrey during the 2021 migration wave. Methodology: statistical data were used to characterize the population, and the working trajectory was used as an analytical tool to systematize labor experiences collected through semi-structured interviews. Results: the informants perceived certain ease in finding employment. Two labor incorporation patterns were identified based on the expectations and knowledge of the interviewees. Limitations: the scarce information concerning the Haitian population in México. Value: this research helps to provide clues about Haitian nationals labor incorporation process in México, and to dimension the role that the country has as a recipient of immigrants, a facet that has been poorly studied. Conclusions: the labor market of the metropolitan zone of Monterrey was a context of middle receptivity for this population.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar los procesos de incorporación laboral de los haitianos que arribaron a la zona metropolitana de Monterrey durante la oleada migratoria de 2021. Metodología: se emplearon datos estadísticos para caracterizar dicha población y se utilizó su trayectoria de trabajo como herramienta analítica para sistematizar las experiencias laborales que se recabaron mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas. Resultados: los informantes percibieron cierta facilidad para encontrar empleo. Se identificaron dos patrones de incorporación laboral en función de las expectativas y saberes de los entrevistados. Limitaciones: escasa información sobre la población haitiana en México. Valor: la investigación contribuye a obtener pistas sobre el proceso de incorporación laboral de haitianos en México y a dimensionar el papel que el país representa como receptor de inmigrantes, una faceta que ha sido poco estudiada. Conclusiones: el mercado laboral de la zona metropolitana de Monterrey fue un contexto de receptividad media para esta población.

Resumen: En este documento se analiza el retorno de mexicanos desde Estados Unidos con base en el volumen y distintos procesos de migración que se observaron en el periodo 2015-2020 y que coincide en parte con el contexto antimigratorio propiciado por Trump. Se emplean distintas fuentes de datos entre las que resalta el Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020 en México. Los resultados muestran que durante el último quinquenio continuó descendiendo la migración de retorno, destaca un mayor decremento en el caso de grupos familiares con presencia de menores nacidos en Estados Unidos. Aunque se identifica una diversidad de perfiles, el retorno sigue explicándose principalmente por la migración de trabajadores a ese país que posteriormente regresan a México para reunirse con su familia. Se debe resaltar además un incremento en la edad de los retornados, lo que refleja parte del proceso de envejecimiento de los mexicanos residentes en Estados Unidos.

Abstract: The return of Mexicans from the United States is analyzed based on number and different migration processes during the period 2015-2020 that coincides in part with the anti-immigration context promoted by Trump. Different data sources are used, mainly the 2020 Population and Housing Census in Mexico. The results show that in the last five years return migration continued to decline, there was even a greater decrease in the case of family groups with the presence of minors born in the United States. Although a large profile of situations is identified, the return continues to be explained mainly by the migration of workers to that country who later return to Mexico to reunite with their families, an increase in the age of the returnees should be noted, which reflects part of the aging process of Mexicans residing in the United States.

Abstract By using data from the Survey on Migration in the Northern Border of Mexico, we analyze how the intentions to return to the Uni ted States of the men deported by the immigration authorities of that country vary, according to how they are affected by the deportation system, that criminalizes the undocumented migrants and their reentry into the US territory and according to the members of their families who remain in that country after deportation. Additionally, we examine the figures of deportations, family separations, prohibitions of reentry and intentions of reentry.

Resumen Mediante el uso de datos de la Encuesta sobre Migración en la Frontera Norte de México, analizamos cómo varían las intenciones de regresar a Estados Unidos de los varones deportados por las autoridades migratorias de aquel país en función de cómo son afectados por el sistema de deportación -que criminaliza a los migrantes en situación irregular y su reingreso al territorio estadounidense- y según los integrantes de sus familias que se quedaron en aquel país tras la deportación. Adicionalmente, examinamos las cifras de deportaciones, prohibiciones de reingreso, separaciones familiares e intenciones de reingreso.

Abstract The massive deportation of Mexicans from the United States, including aging adults, has shocked the lives of millions of families. The main purpose of this article is to analyze the sociodemographic and migratory factors that influence the economic and social reintegration of aging deported Mexicans. For this purpose, a mixed methodology is used, combining descriptive statistics from the Survey on Migration in the Northern Border of Mexico with five semi-structured interviews about the life histories of older adults who now reside in Tijuana. The main findings of this study reveal that the longer the residence in the United States, the greater the legal consequences of deportation. In addition, strong social networks in both countries and command of the English language positively affect integration. On the other hand, advanced age, low educational attainment and a chronic disease such as diabetes hinder this process.

Resumen La deportación masiva de mexicanos de Estados Unidos hacia México, incluidas las personas adultas mayores, ha conmocionado la vida de millones de familias. El objetivo central de este artículo es analizar los factores sociodemográficos y migratorios que influyen en la reintegración económica y social de los mexicanos deportados envejecidos. Para este fin, se utiliza una metodología mixta, combinando estadísticas descriptivas provenientes de la Encuesta sobre Migración en la Frontera Norte de México con cinco entrevistas semiestructuradas sobre las historias de vida de adultos mayores que ahora residen en Tijuana. Los hallazgos principales de este estudio revelan que entre más larga fue la residencia en Estados Unidos, mayores son las consecuencias legales de la deportación. Por otra parte, las redes sociales fuertes en ambos países y el dominio del idioma inglés afectan positivamente la integración; por el contrario, la edad avanzada, una escolaridad baja y una enfermedad crónica, como la diabetes, obstruyen este proceso.

Abstract The Andrés Manuel López Obrador administration has had to handle the migration through Mexico, including migrant caravans, and deal with Trump administration demands that Mexico prevent them from reaching the United States. The aim of this article is to analyze the changes and continuities in migratory policy during López Obrador’s first year in office through documentary review and the analysis of public administration data. The authors also examine two key aspects of this policy: containing migration and protecting migrants.

Resumen La administración de Andrés Manuel López Obrador ha tenido que gestionar la migración en tránsito por el territorio mexicano -incluidas las caravanas de migrantes- haciendo frente a las exigencias del gobierno de Donald Trump de que México impida que los migrantes alcancen el territorio estadounidense. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar los cambios y continuidades en la política migratoria durante el primer año de López Obrador, a través de la revisión documental y el análisis de los datos de registros administrativos. Asimismo, son examinados dos aspectos clave de esta política: la contención de la migración y la protección de los migrantes.

Abstract Bauxite mining has been carried out around Poços de Caldas, Minas Gerais, since the 1940s. Companies operating in the region pioneered land rehabilitation in Brazil, conducted since the early 1980s. Different procedures of recontouring, runoff drainage, soil preparation and vegetation planting were employed. This research aims to evaluate current environmental rehabilitation practices employed in the region, in order to identify possible deficiencies, investigate probable causes of these deficiencies and prevent recurrence of failures, thus avoiding rework and additional costs to deliver outcomes satisfactory to land owners. Areas with different ages of rehabilitation were studied. The practices adopted in recently rehabilitated mines and in the final phase of operation were evaluated through a problem identification procedure, based on field observations, document analysis and interviews. Some unsatisfactory results were found related to ground terracing, drainage systems, block sliding, soil sampling, soil preparation, planting of vegetation and monitoring of the recovered area. Improvements are proposed, on the basis of good practices, that even if more complex and laborious, can result in future savings, as they enable, in addition to avoiding rework, the fulfillment of contractual obligations to landowners and regulatory bodies.

Abstract This article examines the deportation of Mexicans from the United States since 2000, highlighting what happened in the first year of the Trump administration. It also analyzes the impact of this deportation on cities in the border region of Mexico in relation to the deportees’ plans for their future, which includes trying to reenter the United States. A descriptive and comparative analysis of administrative records and surveys of both countries is used which shows a downward trend in the annual number of deportations, including 2017, as well as a decrease in the intention to reenter the United States. In addition, in 2016 only 13% of the deportees said they would remain in border cities.

Resumen Este artículo examina la deportación de mexicanos desde Estados Unidos a partir del año 2000, destacando lo sucedido en el primer año del gobierno de Trump. Se analiza el impacto que ha tenido ésta sobre los planes futuros de los deportados de ciudades fronterizas de México, que incluyen intentar reingresar a Estados Unidos. Para tal propósito se realiza un análisis descriptivo y comparativo de registros administrativos y encuestas de ambos países, que muestra una tendencia a la baja en el número anual de deportaciones, incluso en 2017, así como un decremento en la intención de reingreso a Estados Unidos. Asimismo, en 2016 sólo 13% de los deportados manifestó que permanecería en las ciudades fronterizas.

Resumo Embora discutida em certos círculos acadêmicos e governamentais há mais de vinte anos, a Avaliação Ambiental Estratégica (AAE) pouco avança no país. São conhecidos cerca de 40 AAE, mas seus resultados são pífios, se considerada sua influência sobre processos decisórios. A AAE não deveria estar limitada a planos, programas ou políticas de setores cujos principais projetos já são objeto de licenciamento ambiental, mas voltada primordialmente para políticas públicas cujas consequências socioambientais são hoje amplamente ignoradas, a exemplo das macroeconômicas. Para avançar, é preciso evidenciar as vantagens da AAE para os tomadores de decisão e encontrar formas de superar a desconfiança que tem os políticos, em todos os níveis de governo, de um processo que percebem como redutor de sua margem de discrição e poder decisório. Inevitavelmente, a AAE exige maior transparência e melhor governança. Esse é o grande obstáculo à sua adoção no Brasil.

Abstract Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) has been discussed for many years in Brazil. Despite the fact that about 40 such assessments have been conducted so far, their outcomes have been piddling if we consider their actual influence in decision-making. SEA should not be limited to plans, programs or policies in economic sectors where major projects already require mandatory environmental impact assessments, but rather aimed primarily at public policies whose social and environmental consequences are barely known or largely ignored, such as macroeconomic policies. The value of SEA to decision-makers must be demonstrated to overcome distrust, especially among politicians who perceive SEA as reducing their discretionary power. Inevitably, SEA requires more transparency and better governance. That is biggest hurdle to its effective implementation in Brazil.

Resumo A produção de artigos científicos sobre licenciamento ambiental com base em Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental (AIA) no Brasil é analisada, visando identificar os principais enfoques e conclusões apresentados. Buscas em três bases de dados bibliográficos identificaram 131 artigos de 1985 a 2015, que foram classificados em: análise de casos (45%), análise do sistema de AIA (32%), discussão de métodos (15%) e avaliação de qualidade de documentos (8%). Nesses artigos: (1) são explorados casos de alta complexidade; (2) são apontadas diversas fragilidades no sistema de AIA, com reconhecimento de certos avanços; (3) estudos sobre métodos abordam algumas fragilidades identificadas em outras pesquisas; e (4) avaliações da qualidade dos estudos mostram deficiências recorrentes e evolução temporal. Alguns temas frequentemente citados, no debate público nacional e literatura internacional, como fragilidades não foram explorados nesses artigos. O campo de pesquisa está em fase inicial de desenvolvimento no Brasil, mas registra um número crescente de publicações.

Abstract Scholarly papers on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Brazil were reviewed aiming at surveying the state of research in this field. Searches in three databases identified 131 papers published between 1985 and 2015. They were classified under: case analysis (45%); analysis of the EIA system (32%), discussion about methods (15%) and evaluation of quality of EIA documents (8%). It was found that those papers: (i) deal with highly complex cases; (ii) identify several weaknesses in the EIA system, but also some achievements and improvements; (iii) address a number of weaknesses identified in other studies; and (iv) show recurrent deficiencies, as well as temporal evolution in the quality of EIA documents. Some topics often pointed as weaknesses in the national debate and the international literature were not addressed in this set of papers. This research field is at an early development stage in Brazil, but features a growing number of publications.

Resumen La producción de artículos científicos sobre el licenciamiento ambiental basado en la Evaluación del Impacto Ambiental (EIA) en Brasil se analiza para identificar los principales enfoques y conclusiones. Las búsquedas en tres bases de datos identificaron 131 artículos publicados entre 1985 y 2015, clasificados como análisis de casos (45%), análisis del sistema de EIA (32%), discusión de nuevos métodos (15%) y evaluación de la calidad de los documentos (8%). En estos artículos: (1) son explorados casos de alta complejidad; (2) varias debilidades se identifican en el sistema, asimismo hay reconocimiento de los avances; (3) estudios sobre métodos están en línea con los puntos débiles identificados en otros estudios; (4) las evaluaciones de calidad de los estudios muestran debilidades recurrentes al lado de evolución temporal. Algunos temas a menudo citados como debilidades en el debate público y en la literatura nacional e internacional no se han explorado en estos artículos. El campo de investigación está en una etapa temprana de desarrollo en Brasil, pero dispone de un número creciente de publicaciones.

Resumo Audiências públicas são o principal mecanismo para participação em processos de licenciamento ambiental no Brasil. Criadas para informar e ouvir o público, as audiências são criticadas por sua baixa capacidade de influenciar decisões, atribuída, entre outros fatores, à realização tardia no processo de licenciamento. Buscando explorar essa temática em um setor no qual a participação pública é pouco estudada, foi realizada análise documental de 25 audiências públicas de processos de licenciamento ambiental para implantação ou ampliação de usinas de cana-de-açúcar em São Paulo. A maioria dos 62 participantes que fizeram uso da palavra são cidadãos, seguidos de representantes do Poder Executivo e de representantes de entidades da sociedade civil. Quanto às características das falas, 50,9% foram afirmações/comentários, 15,2% ressaltaram aspectos positivos do projeto/empresa, 11,2% apresentaram questionamentos, 9,4% destacaram aspectos negativos, 5,4% apresentaram sugestões, 6,5% foram de endosso ao projeto e 1,4% de oposição. Quanto aos temas abordados, geração de emprego e renda e a reputação da empresa são os mais frequentes, destacados majoritariamente em seus aspectos positivos. Estes temas diferem daqueles destacados na literatura como relevantes para discutir os impactos da expansão da cana-de-açúcar, mostrando a diferença entre a apreciação popular e a técnico-científica dos impactos socioambientais.

Abstract Public hearings are the primary mechanism for public participation in Brazilian environmental licensing. Created to inform and listen to the public, the hearings are criticized for their low influence on decision-making, resulting, among other reasons, from its late occurrence in the licensing process. Seeking to explore the theme in a sector where public participation is not usually researched, this paper presents an analysis of 25 public hearings about the process of environmental licensing of sugarcane mills in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Most of the 62 participants are citizens, followed by representatives of local governments and representatives of civil society organizations. Regarding the characteristics of speeches, 50.9% were statements/comments, 15.2% highlighted positive aspects of the project/company, 11.2% were questions, 9.4% highlighted negative aspects, 5.4% were suggestions; 6.5% were for endorsing the project, and 1.4% for opposing. As for themes, employment and income generation and the company’s reputation are the most frequent, highlighted mainly for its positive aspects. These themes differ from those discussed in the literature as relevant for sugarcane expansion impact, showing a marked difference between citizens’ and scientists’ perspectives about its social and environmental consequences.

Resumo Audiências públicas são o principal mecanismo para participação em processos de licenciamento ambiental no Brasil. Criadas para informar e ouvir o público, as audiências são criticadas por sua baixa capacidade de influenciar decisões, atribuída, entre outros fatores, à realização tardia no processo de licenciamento. Buscando explorar essa temática em um setor no qual a participação pública é pouco estudada, foi realizada análise documental de 25 audiências públicas de processos de licenciamento ambiental para implantação ou ampliação de usinas de cana-de-açúcar em São Paulo. A maioria dos 62 participantes que fizeram uso da palavra são cidadãos, seguidos de representantes do Poder Executivo e de representantes de entidades da sociedade civil. Quanto às características das falas, 50,9% foram afirmações/comentários, 15,2% ressaltaram aspectos positivos do projeto/empresa, 11,2% apresentaram questionamentos, 9,4% destacaram aspectos negativos, 5,4% apresentaram sugestões, 6,5% foram de endosso ao projeto e 1,4% de oposição. Quanto aos temas abordados, geração de emprego e renda e a reputação da empresa são os mais frequentes, destacados majoritariamente em seus aspectos positivos. Estes temas diferem daqueles destacados na literatura como relevantes para discutir os impactos da expansão da cana-de-açúcar, mostrando a diferença entre a apreciação popular e a técnico-científica dos impactos socioambientais.

Abstract Public hearings are the primary mechanism for public participation in Brazilian environmental licensing. Created to inform and listen to the public, the hearings are criticized for their low influence on decision-making, resulting, among other reasons, from its late occurrence in the licensing process. Seeking to explore the theme in a sector where public participation is not usually researched, this paper presents an analysis of 25 public hearings about the process of environmental licensing of sugarcane mills in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Most of the 62 participants are citizens, followed by representatives of local governments and representatives of civil society organizations. Regarding the characteristics of speeches, 50.9% were statements/comments, 15.2% highlighted positive aspects of the project/company, 11.2% were questions, 9.4% highlighted negative aspects, 5.4% were suggestions; 6.5% were for endorsing the project, and 1.4% for opposing. As for themes, employment and income generation and the company’s reputation are the most frequent, highlighted mainly for its positive aspects. These themes differ from those discussed in the literature as relevant for sugarcane expansion impact, showing a marked difference between citizens’ and scientists’ perspectives about its social and environmental consequences.

Resumen:El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar y agrupar los agroecosistemas con producción ovina de la región oriente de Yucatán, México. Este estudio se realizó de agosto 2012 a abril 2013. Se aplicó un cuestionario semiestructurado mediante entrevista al 93% de los productores de siete municipios, que manejaban ovinos dentro de sus agroecosistemas. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio, análisis de conglomerados, ANOVA mediante GLM y comparación de medias por Tukey (P>0,05). Se obtuvieron cuatro grupos diferentes de agroecosistemas con ovinos: GA (responsables con edad avanzada, escolaridad media, alta cantidad de tierras, rebaños grandes y más años de practicar la ovinocultura), GB (responsables de edad intermedia, mayor escolaridad y cantidad intermedia de tierras, tamaño intermedio de rebaño), GC (responsables de edad avanzada, menor escolaridad, baja cantidad de tierras y reducido tamaño del rebaño) y GD (responsables más jóvenes, escolaridad alta, baja cantidad de tierras, rebaño pequeño y menor tiempo de realizar la actividad). La ovinocultura fue la primera, segunda y tercera opción productiva para el 12, 75 y 11,8% de los productores, respectivamente. En la región, la ovinocultura es una actividad practicada desde hace más de quince años en algunos casos, sin embargo, solamente es la prioridad económica de un pequeño grupo de productores. El acceso a recursos determinó su grado de desarrollo y fue evidente la falta de organización entre los ovinocultores.

Abstract:The aim of this study was to characterize and group agroecosystems with sheep production in the eastearn side of Yucatan, Mexico. This study was held from August 2012 to April 2013. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied while interviewing 93% of producers from seven municipalities that have sheep within their agroecosystems. Random sampling, cluster analysis, ANOVA using GLM and comparison of means by Tukey (P>0.05) were performed. Four different groups of agroecosystems with sheep production were obtained: GA (elderly people in charge, middle schooling, and high amount of land, large herds or more years practicing sheep farming), GB middle age people in charge, higher schooling, intermediate amount of land, and intermediate herd size), GC (elderly people in charge, less schooling, low amount of land and reduced herd size), and GD (younger people in charge, high schooling, low amount of land, small herd size and less time performing the activity). Sheep farming was the first, second, and third productive option for 12%, 75% and 11,8% of producers. In some cases, sheep production in the region has been practiced for over 15 years; however it is the economic priority only of a small group of producers. Access to resources determined their level of development and lack of organization among sheep producers is evident.