Other Initiatives
Throughout its history, SPVS has undertaken numerous projects aimed at biodiversity conservation. While some of these projects may no longer be active, they continue to serve as inspiration for our ongoing efforts. They exemplify how positive results can be achieved through dedicated work for biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity in the Amazon Forest
Through the project "Resgatando o conhecimento e a biodiversidade da Amazônia" (Rescuing knowledge and biodiversity in the Amazon), small family farmers involved in ADM palm production in the state of Pará were provided with guidance on environmental legislation, ecological restoration, and ecosystem services. These efforts aimed to generate benefits for agricultural production on their properties.
The project started in January 2016 as an initiative focused on biodiversity conservation and environmental adaptation on small rural properties. This endeavor is being executed through a partnership between the Wildlife Research and Environmental Education Society (SPVS) and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).
SPVS has developed a method for managing biodiversity on rural properties that is both economically feasible and compatible with agricultural production and the realities faced by farmers. This method's viability was tested over a period of 40 months on properties in the municipality of Paula Freitas, located in south-central Paraná. It has shown promise for replication in other municipalities, particularly in regions with a significant number of small family farmers. Among the participating companies, ADM has already conducted a training course in collaboration with Copérdia in the state of Santa Catarina. Since the beginning of 2018, ADM has been actively supporting biodiversity conservation efforts on small family farms engaged in palm oil production in the state of Pará.
In pursuit of this goal, ADM extension technicians provided training to local farmers on practical guidelines for managing biodiversity on the properties of cooperative members. Biodiversity management involves implementing techniques to enhance the conditions of natural areas, thereby augmenting the services that nature can offer for agriculture. Beyond promoting the conservation and restoration of natural habitats, biodiversity management can also contribute to reducing production costs and boosting agricultural productivity by improving the natural processes that sustain agriculture.
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Meliponicultura
The Meliponiculture Project, established in 2004, is an initiative that harmonizes community development with nature conservation. Meliponiculture involves the systematic breeding of native stingless bees, known as meliponidae, which not only provides valuable products but also plays a crucial role in preserving bee species. Around 400 species of meliponidae are known worldwide. These insects are immensely significant for sustaining natural ecosystems, as studies suggest they pollinate up to 80% of Brazilian forest species and contribute to the pollination of certain food crops. Moreover, many meliponines face the threat of extinction, making meliponiculture essential for species preservation in this context.
As a result of this project, significant support has been provided for the establishment of COOPERCRIAPA - the Guaraqueçaba APA Native Bee Breeders' Cooperative. Founded in 2007, this cooperative marked the inception of formal meliponiculture in the northern coastal region of Paraná. Presently, COOPERCRIAPA conducts courses to train other individuals interested in becoming native bee breeders, thereby expanding the reach and impact of meliponiculture.
Partnerships for Biodiversity
Established in 2012, Partnerships for Biodiversity is a nature conservation initiative tailored to the context of family farming. The project concluded its activities in Paula Freitas, a municipality in the state of Paraná, in December 2015. Throughout its duration, the project engaged in various activities, including the development and monitoring of management actions, the creation of a booklet containing guidelines and information on conservation practices, and the preparation of a business case targeting agribusiness companies. The aim of the business case was to illustrate the cost-benefit analysis of biodiversity management.
Over the course of nearly four years, approximately 1,600 small farmers from three Brazilian states have been provided with information regarding the significance of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services for ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production.
Entrepreneurship Program (E-CONS)
The Entrepreneurship Program (E-CONS) (E-CONS), created by SPVS, stands as a pioneering initiative aimed at bolstering biodiversity conservation efforts across Brazilian biomes. Unlike other support mechanisms, this program focuses on fostering successful projects led by entrepreneurial individuals who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to their work.
The fundamental aim of E-CONS is to help promote entrepreneurship among conservationists. The program channels investment towards non-operational capacity-building initiatives, facilitating the broadening of positive impacts on biodiversity conservation.
Throughout its evolution, the program has provided support to landowners in five of Brazil's distinct biomes.
Community-Based Ecotourism Incentive
In 2007, the Guaraqueçaba Ecotourism Cooperative - Cooperguará Ecotur - was established with the support of SPVS, aiming to organize community-based ecotourism and create an alternative income source for the population of the Guaraqueçaba Protected Area. Recognizing that the success of ecotourism hinges on the preservation of natural environments, the cooperative prioritizes the conservation of the region. This conservation effort ensures the provision of vital environmental services, such as clean air and water, erosion control, climate regulation, and the preservation of scenic beauty for the local communities.
In total, Cooperguará has benefited 25 families of cooperative members, encompassing entrepreneurs engaged in various sectors including lodging, food, sea and land transportation, handicrafts, family farming products, and local guides.
Throughout its evolution, the program has provided support to landowners in five of Brazil's distinct biomes.