RESTORATION OF SOCIO BIODIVERSITY: ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION WITH INCOME GENERATION AT RIVERINE COMMUNITIES IN THE EASTERN AMAZON

Abstract

Restoring the socio cultural and biological diversity is an important strategy for sustainability of human development.  This study which was carried out in a riverine community of the insular region near Belém, in the Brazilian Amazon, explores the interface between environmental restoration, food safety and revenue increase through joint actions consisting of education, research and extension. Using as a catalyst axis the reintroduction of native bees Melipona flavolineata FRIESE, 1900 (uruçu-amarela) in natural environment, the activities encompass environmental education activities and a series of trainings to develop the local potentialities and the community social organization.  Educational actions on eco systemic services provided by the bees are integrated with research of their impact on the productivity of native acai trees and training to better handle the species. Besides meliponiculture, the strategy to increase income includes better use of non-timber forest resources to make costume jewelry and other handcrafts. The social organization is promoted through training in collective actions and support to the intangible added value to the products.  Emergency intervention to implement rain water collect system, storage, treatment and filtering was done to remedy serious deficiencies of drinking water access. The results from actions initiated in 2012 show positive impacts of the project on the pillars of sustainability, attesting environmental improvements, better social cohesion, value of local culture and an increase in the families’ income.