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Other Initiatives
Throughout its history, SPVS has developed numerous biodiversity conservation projects. Some of these projects are no longer active, but they still inspire our efforts and demonstrate how positive results are possible when we work to protect biodiversity.
Amazon Biodiversity
Through the project “Rescuing the knowledge and biodiversity of the Amazon,” small family farmers linked to ADM’s palm production in the state of ParĂĄ received guidance on environmental legislation, ecological restoration, and ecosystem services that generate benefits for the agricultural production of their properties.
Launched in January 2016, the project entitled Recovering Amazonian Knowledge and Biodiversity is an initiative for biodiversity conservation and environmental adaptation on small rural properties, developed in partnership by the Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education (SPVS) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).
SPVS has developed a method of managing biodiversity on rural properties that is economically viable and compatible with agricultural production and the reality of farmers.
The viability of this method was tested over 40 months on properties in the municipality of Paula Freitas, in the south-central region of Paranå, and can be replicated to the local reality of other municipalities, especially in regions with a high concentration of small family farming owners. Among the participating companies, ADM has already conducted training in partnership with Copérdia in the state of Santa Catarina and since early 2018 has been promoting support for biodiversity conservation in small family farming properties producing palm oil in the state of Parå.
To this end, ADM extension technicians and local farmers were trained in practical guidelines for managing biodiversity on cooperative members’ properties.
Biodiversity management consists of techniques that improve the conditions of natural areas, enhancing the services that nature can provide for agriculture. Biodiversity management, in addition to promoting the conservation and recovery of natural areas, can help reduce production costs and increase agricultural productivity by enhancing the natural processes that assist agriculture.
Acesse aqui o “Manual de Campo” desenvolvido no Ăąmbito do projeto
Photo: SPVS Archive ©
Meliponiculture
The Meliponiculture Project is an initiative created in 2004 that combines community development with nature conservation. Meliponiculture is characterized by the rational breeding of native stingless bees, known as meliponids, which, in addition to producing products, also contribute to the maintenance of bee species. Around 400 species of meliponines are known worldwide. In Brazil alone, there are approximately 250. These insects are extremely important for the maintenance of natural environments, as, according to some studies, they are responsible for the pollination of up to 80% of Brazilian forest species and contribute to the pollination of some food crops. Furthermore, many meliponines are threatened with extinction, and in this scenario, meliponiculture serves as an aid to species preservation.
One of the results of this project is support for the creation of COOPERCRIAPA â the Cooperative of Native Bee Breeders of the Guaraqueçaba Environmental Protection Area. The Cooperative was founded in 2007, marking the beginning of formal meliponiculture in the northern coastal region of ParanĂĄ. Currently, COOPERCRIAPA also develops courses to train other potential native bee breeders.
Photo: SPVS Archive ©
Partnerships for biodiversity
Created in 2012, Partnerships for Biodiversity is a nature conservation initiative within family farming. In December 2015, the project concluded its activities in Paula Freitas, a municipality in ParanĂĄ. Over the years, the project has developed a series of activities, such as: developing and monitoring management initiatives; producing a booklet with guidance and information on conservation; and developing a business case for agribusiness companies, aiming to demonstrate the cost-benefit of biodiversity management.
During these almost four years of activities, approximately 1,600 small rural producers from three Brazilian states received information about the importance of conserving biodiversity and ecosystem services for the sustainability of agricultural production.
Photo: SPVS Archive ©
Conservation Entrepreneurs Program (E-CONS)
The Conservation Entrepreneurs Program (E-CONS), developed by SPVS, is a pioneering initiative to strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts in Brazilian biomes. The program stands out from other support instruments by investing in the conditions for the development of successful projects, implemented by entrepreneurial individuals with a long-term commitment to their work.
The fundamental objective of E-CONS is to contribute to the promotion of conservationist entrepreneurship. The Program invests in supporting non-operational strengthening actions, enabling the expansion of positive impacts on biodiversity conservation.
During its development, the Program supported landowners in five biomes in Brazil.
Photo: SPVS Archive ©
Encouraging Community-Based Ecotourism
With the aim of organizing community-based ecotourism and developing an alternative income-generating model for the population of the Guaraqueçaba Protected Area (APA), the Guaraqueçaba Ecotourism Cooperative â CooperguarĂĄ Ecotur â was formed in 2007, with the support of the SPVS. Considering that ecotourism depends entirely on the integrity of natural environments for its promotion, the cooperative’s work is based on the fundamental need for conservation in the region, which, in turn, enables the provision of environmental services such as clean air and water, erosion reduction, and climate maintenance, in addition to maintaining scenic beauty for the communities as a whole.
In total, CooperguarĂĄ benefited 25 families of cooperative members, entrepreneurs who work in the areas of lodging, food, maritime and land transportation, handicrafts, family farming products and local drivers.
During its development, the Program supported landowners in five biomes in Brazil.
Photo: SPVS Archive ©
Araucaria Corridor
