Faxinal

A faxinal is a traditional system of land management and collective resource use practiced primarily in the state of Paraná, Brazil, by communities of descendants of European (primarily Polish) immigrants. These communities are often referred to as faxinais.

The defining characteristic of a faxinal is the common use of specific areas of land for raising free-range pigs. Typically, a large area of native forest or scrubland is designated as the faxinal, where community members can release their pigs to forage for food. This area is collectively managed, and rules are established regarding the number of pigs allowed per family, times of year when pigs can be released, and methods for maintaining the health of the animals and the environment.

Beyond pig raising, faxinais also encompass other forms of collective resource management, including the sustainable harvesting of timber, fruits, and medicinal plants. The system is often associated with strong social cohesion and a commitment to traditional ways of life.

The faxinal system is increasingly under pressure from external forces such as large-scale agriculture, deforestation, and changing land use patterns. This has led to efforts to legally recognize and protect faxinais as traditional communities with specific land rights. Support for faxinais often comes from environmental organizations and social movements that recognize the ecological benefits and cultural significance of this traditional system. Recognition as a traditional community helps to preserve the faxinal’s land rights and cultural practices.