# O futuro climático que buscamos já existe nos quilombos | Aparecida Matos | TEDxAmazônia

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5JK2R13Bk0
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/C5JK2R13Bk0
Generated: 2026-01-30T18:03:37.737+00:00

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## Quick Overview

Aparecida Matos emphasizes that the sustainable future sought by the world already exists within Quilombo communities, where women fiercely guard their territory and practice agroecology, demonstrating that a life connected to nature, rather than one based on exploitative economic models, is possible and necessary for climate justice.

**Key Points:**
- Aparecida Matos asserts that the desired sustainable future already exists within the Quilombo communities, rooted in ancestral knowledge.
- The Quilombo territory, specifically mentioning areas like Tocantins, Arraias, Monte Alegre, and Calvalcante, encompasses 700 nuclei where women are active guardians.
- The speaker highlights the work of women in promoting agroecology, organic management, and sustainable practices, treating the land as part of themselves.
- Matos stresses that education in these communities focuses on ancestral knowledge, literacy, and cultural affirmation, rather than just formal learning.
- She contrasts this with mainstream economic models, noting that the current system encourages disposal and abandoning what is truly essential, like the land.
- The speaker champions female autonomy and financial independence, urging young women not to feel the need to leave their communities for opportunity.
- The talk concludes by affirming that these women are not just planting, but are actively constructing a possible future through their connection to the land and community.

![Screenshot at 00:20: Aparecida Matos, dressed in vibrant red lace attire and wearing a striking head wrap and white glasses, stands on the TEDx Amazônia stage, beginning her presentation about the wisdom embedded in Quilombo communities.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/C5JK2R13Bk0/00-00-20.jpg)

**Context:** Aparecida Matos delivers a TEDx Amazônia talk focusing on the inherent sustainability and resilience found within Afro-Brazilian Quilombo communities, particularly highlighting the central role of women in preserving ancestral knowledge, practicing ecological agriculture, and resisting destructive economic pressures. She frames the traditional ways of life in these communities as the blueprint for achieving climate justice and a viable future, contrasting it with external models that lead to abandonment and waste.

## Detailed Analysis

Aparecida Matos argues that the sustainable future the world seeks is already being practiced within Quilombo communities, guided by ancestral wisdom passed down through generations, especially by women. She recounts that her grandmother taught her that the land speaks and that listening to it is essential for a good life. Matos details the active work done across 13 municipalities in the Tocantins region—including Tocantins, Arraias, Monte Alegre, and Calvalcante—where Quilombola women protect 700 nuclei. Their efforts focus on creating projects like 'Mala da Leitura' (Reading Bag) and 'Teatro e Escola' (Theater and School), promoting sustainable agroecology, organic farming, and crafting traditions like basket weaving. She firmly states that true sustainability is not just about practical skills but about belonging and identity; the land is part of them, and they are part of the land. Matos criticizes the dominant economic model for promoting a culture of disposability and encouraging young people to leave their communities. She advocates for financial autonomy for women so they do not feel the need to abandon their ancestral territories, urging the audience to recognize that the deep, loving relationship these women have with the land is the key to a possible and just future.

### Ancestral Wisdom and Education

- Grandmother's teachings about listening to the land
- Education focuses on ancestral knowledge, literacy, and culture, not just formal books
- Creating projects like 'Mala da Leitura' and 'Teatro e Escola'

### Quilombola Resistance and Sustainability

- Women guard 700 nuclei across 13 municipalities (Tocantins, Arraias, Monte Alegre, Calvalcante)
- Practicing agroecology, organic management, and sustainable handicrafts
- Land care is treated as caring for one's own body

### Critique of External Models

- Current economic models promote a culture of disposal and abandonment
- Financial autonomy for women is key so they do not feel compelled to leave their territories
- Climate justice is measured by well-being, not carbon metrics

![Screenshot at 00:02: A stylized graphic showing a figure climbing a pole against a dark red, patterned background, setting an artistic tone for the presentation.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/C5JK2R13Bk0/00-00-02.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:03: A graphic pop-up featuring a traditional river boat superimposed over a woven pattern, representing movement and life in the Amazon region.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/C5JK2R13Bk0/00-00-03.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:08: A stark black and white illustration of a large Arowana fish, symbolizing the rich biodiversity of the Amazon.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/C5JK2R13Bk0/00-00-08.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:09: A striking graphic of a figure with a jaguar/feline head wearing a headdress, symbolizing indigenous or ancestral power.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/C5JK2R13Bk0/00-00-09.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:20: The full stage view showing Aparecida Matos speaking on the red circle, with a sign language interpreter standing to the left, and the TEDxAmazônia COUNTDOWN logo on the main screen.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/C5JK2R13Bk0/00-00-20.jpg)