Bio-diversity

This project will take place in Serra do Cip , in the state of Minas Gerais. The local community will be organized for the constitution of the handcraft and home-made food production cooperative. This will generate an alternative source of income for the local population. An assessment of existing handcraft activity will be carried out. The project s activities and intentions will then be explained to the population to marshal participants, who will be offered workshops for design of crafts using the Sempre viva dried flowers. A craft center for commercialization of the finished products will also be built. Tourism in the area has grown significantly in the recent years, due to the proximity to the state capital. This has not been translated into financial benefits for the local population, however. The inns and vacation homes are owned by outsiders , and the only employment available is in housekeeping. In order to make better use of this inflow of wealthy tourists, an organized effort to offer handcrafts produced through sustainable use of the local biodiversity is a promising alternative to generate income for the population as a whole.

Brazil