HISTORY

Initial research focus was on three different aspects: (1) quality of life in communities in the urban peripheries in metropolitan São Paulo* (2) artisanal fishing communities along the São Francisco River with the project Artisanal fisheries and resources conflicts** and along the Brazilian coast with the project Participatory rapid appraisal of the fishing communities in Arraial do Cabo***, (3) urban agriculture with the project: “From Conucos to current-day urban agriculture: Cuba’s communal answer to food and health sustainability”, and (4) perspectives on aquaculture focusing on "The livelihoods of traditional fishing communities in coastal Brazil and the introduction of mariculture".

Under the leadership of Dr. Gutberlet, and with the engagement of a large number of CBRL members, numerous research projects have been, and continue to be, carried out.

Related publications:

* Gutberlet, J. (2000). Quality of life in marginal spaces: The urban frontier in São Paulo/Brazil. In: Seik, F. T., Yuan, L. L. & Khei Mie, G. W. (Eds.), Planning for a better quality of life in cities. Singapore, School of Building and Real Estate, National University of Singapore, Singapore, pp. 210-225.

**Gutberlet, J. & Carneiro, A. M. (2007) Conflitos de Pesca e Uso dos Recursos Naturais numa Reserva extrativista Marinha (Fisheries conflicts and natural resources use in a Marine Extractive Reserve). Projeto Gestão Socioambiental de Reserva Extrativista Marinha para o Ecodesenvolvimento.  COPPE: UFRJ. 16 pp.

*** Gutberlet, J. & Takahashi, N. (2012). Pesca artesanal e pesquisa participativa: Aprender com a comunidade de pescadores em Arraial do Cabo, Brasil (Artisanal fisheries and participatory research: Learning from fishing communities in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil). In: Caldasso, L. Valle, R. & Vinha, V. In: Governança em Reserva Extrativista Marinha. Rio de Janeiro: Pod Editora. ISBN: 978-85-8225-009-9, pp. 113-128

Significant work followed the initial research initiatives on food, health, and sustainable aquaculture. The focus shifted towards questions relating to waste and livelihoods.

Some of that work happens in our own local community and involves, the informal recyclers called Binners, 'Valoristes', or diverters in Victoria, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Other research on the geographies of waste, currently in progress, encompasses international perspectives and engages scholars from various universities, as well as grassroots social movements and community groups in countries such as Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Kenya, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Tanzania, and Sweden.

Lessons learned early on from the community-led research the CBRL has conducted in Brazil, is now informing research concerning many communities across the world. The network of actors involved in these research projects are constantly expanding and diversifying. 

CBRL is networking widely and is also supporting many other likeminded initiatives, with which sometimes strong relations get established.

Until now, many students and volunteers have trained in the Lab, some of which have become trainers themselves, building the capacity of other Lab members and beyond.

The CBRL has enabled and invigorated learning and skill buildings, which has ultimately contributed to the research outcomes and to the capacity building of its members and participants.