Bio-diversity

The goal of this project is fostering rational and sustainable use of the pequi in the Paresi Indigenous Territory and propose marketing of this fruit as an alternative source of employment and income in indigenous communities, aimed at preservation and conservation of these areas. Villages which will benefit are inserted in a context of soy monocultures and cattle ranching. According to the project, Mato Grosso state produces 60% of all Brazilian soy and the municipalities of Tangar da Serra and Campo Novo do Parecis account for 25% of this production. A scenario of very high negative environmental impacts is clearly visible, expressed by uncontrolled use of agrotoxins, soil degradation, polluted waterways, deforestation and others. Implementation of this project will hopefully bring back traditional culture and community cohesion for the Paresi, in addition to capacity-building and multiplication of techniques and knowledge related to sustainable use of natural resources, as well as strengthening fair trade and ensuring food security in the community.

Brazil