THE PROBLEMATICS OF RESETTLEMENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

The last few decades have been marked by economic growth which has involved the exploitation of mineral energy resources, the construction of other infrastructures (roads, viaducts, industries) and consequently the growth of cities. This scenario brings with it problems in the communities where the projects are implemented and generally leads to involuntary resettlement of local populations. The aim of this paper is to understand and analyze the problems of involuntary resettlement caused by development projects and to put solutions into perspective. In order to carry out this work, we used a bibliographical review of 25 works on this subject, including scientific articles, dissertations and theses. The results revealed that involuntary resettlements caused by development projects always create profound changes in the lives of those affected in various ways: economic, social and environmental. On the other hand, in the majority of resettlements the companies do not keep their promises, a situation which makes it urgent to adopt and implement policies to support the communities directly and indirectly affected by the resettlements in order to minimize the suffering of the communities and preserve the environment.