Spatial interactions in the subregion of the Islands of Foz do Amazonas

Abstract

The article examines the spatial interactions in the Sub-region of the Islands at the Mouth of the Amazon River (SIFA), highlighting the hybridization between urban and riverside ways of life. SIFA encompasses the municipalities of Macapá and Santana, as well as several municipalities at the mouth of the Amazon River on its Pará side, characterized by a unique dynamic where urban elements permeate the riverside environment. This sub-region is marked by a river transportation system which connects cities and communities, essential for the flow of goods and people. The research employs a methodology that integrates theoretical review and empirical analysis of spatial interactions, with field visits to key areas of transportation and commerce. The concept of “urbanodiversity” is emphasized, describing the diversity of occupations and urban configurations in the Amazon. This term underscores the coexistence of urban and traditional practices, adapting to economic pressures such as mining, agribusiness, and new technologies. The hybridization between urban and riverside spaces is reflected in both infrastructure (such as internet and solar energy) and the habits of the population. The study concludes that the urbanization process in SIFA does not occur at the expense of riverside areas but rather as a complex and dynamic integration between both lifestyles, shaping a unique network of social and economic relationships within the Amazon region.