Publications
Black pearls in Little Africa
A significant number of black African women were heads of household in Tejuco, now Diamantina, during the 18th century, transforming the village into a 'Little Africa.' This finding emerges from an analysis of a census and map from around 1774, revealing a dynamic and plural social configuration that challenges traditional narratives of the Diamond District. The study sheds light on the feminine geography of Tejuco, highlighting the pivotal role of black women in shaping its social fabric.
Geodiversity and geoconservation in territorial dynamics: The example of the Chapada Diamantina
Geodiversity serves as a pivotal driver for sustainable development and tourism in the Chapada Diamantina, Brazil. The study highlights how the region's geological and geomorphological features—such as caves, waterfalls, and abandoned prospector villages—have shaped its economic and cultural dynamics across two distinct cycles: mineral exploration and later, ecotourism. However, the findings underscore a critical threat to this dynamic: unchecked destruction of these geosites could collapse the region's development momentum. To mitigate this risk, the research advocates for robust geoconservation measures, including the establishment of conservation units (UCs), which are essential for preserving the region's unique natural heritage while sustaining its economic and social vitality.
O trem e a “senhorita espanhola”: a epidemia de gripe em Diamantina, 1918
The 1918 influenza epidemic in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil, revealed the town's vulnerability to disease despite its previous perception as isolated and insalubrious. The study demonstrates that the opening of the Vitória-Minas railroad in 1914 accelerated the spread of the 'Spanish flu,' challenging the narrative of Diamantina's isolation. By analyzing bibliographic and documentary sources, the research highlights the complex interplay between transportation systems, environmental factors, scientific knowledge, and health-disease dynamics during this significant public health event.
Study of the efficacy of the membranes produced on a laboratory scale for filtration: a proposal to improve the water quality of the hydrographic sub-basin of Ribeirão das Pedras, Diamantina, MG (Brazil)
Chitosan-based membranes developed for water filtration demonstrated promising efficacy in absorbing heavy metal ions, offering a potential solution to improve the water quality of the Ribeirão das Pedras sub-basin in Diamantina, Brazil. The study, conducted by Amaral et al. (2019), addresses the environmental impact of population growth and technological development on local water resources, particularly concerning heavy metal pollution from historical mining activities. Researchers prepared membranes using chitosan biopolymer and tested their filtration capacity with water samples collected from the sub-basin. While the membranes showed efficiency in removing pollutants, further investigations are recommended to refine formulations and conduct seasonal sampling for comprehensive assessment. This approach highlights the potential of biopolymer-based filtration systems as a sustainable method for mitigating heavy metal contamination in degraded aquatic ecosystems.
Mercado e perfil do ecoturista de Diamantina (MG): um estudo introdutório
Diamantina, Brazil, exhibits significant potential for ecotourism development, with diverse market opportunities and a distinct profile of ecoturists. This introductory study, conducted through bibliographic and documentary research, identifies key characteristics of visitors to the Historic Centre of Diamantina, providing foundational insights for deeper market analysis. The findings highlight the city's capacity to attract ecotourists while suggesting avenues for further exploration to better understand this growing demographic.
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