The Well Living in Territory of Mato Grosso do Sul: The historical (re)existence of Pantanal and Cerratenses populations

This study explores the concept of Well Living (Buen Vivir) as an alternative to the dominant neoliberal capitalist development model, focusing on the socio-environmental and cultural dynamics of the Pantanal and Cerrado regions in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. By examining the knowledge, practices, and identities of traditional and indigenous communities, the research highlights the interconnectedness of cultural preservation, ecological sustainability, and territorial resistance. Interculturality emerges as a crucial framework for fostering equitable exchanges between diverse cultural worldviews, opposing hegemonic and exploitative paradigms. Furthermore, Environmental Education, particularly from a critical perspective, is presented as a transformative tool for integrating ancestral wisdom with global efforts toward social and ecological justice. The study advocates for a paradigm shift that prioritizes community autonomy, intercultural dialogue, and the principles of Well Living to counter the systemic inequalities perpetuated by the capitalist model.