Black Jaguar Foundation’s Post

What a project!!

Financial barriers are amongst the most listed obstacles for sustainable development by companies and initiatives focusing on the Amazon. It does not matter if it's the lack of it, or subtle communication about it, so this is something to really celebrate. With an eye to the COP16 on Biodiversity in Colombia and the other one to the Bioeconomy Amazon Summit, an initiative of the Global Compact, Brazil, and Kptl.

Until the creation of the Amazon Bioeconomy and Conservation Center there were a lack in the Amazon region regarding areas were you could find researches concentrated about reforestation. Today you can find in one single place, natural regeneration, forest total planting with different densities, agroforestry systems and "muvuca" (seeds sowing) . Reforestation methods for different purposes such as food production, silviculture and public policy implementation thanks to the partnership among Centro de Estudos Rioterra, Santo Antônio Energia and Instituto Amazônia+21. In the next weeks you will find in our social media partners who are cooperating with reforestation in the Amazon region.

Following the severe floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, experts are advocating agroforestry as a key strategy for ecological and economic recovery. This method merges traditional and modern techniques of integrating forest and agricultural systems, enhancing biodiversity, enriching soil, and strengthening climate resilience. It also supports the development of sustainable food systems that benefit both the environment and local communities. Years ago, before I became an agroecologist myself, I collaborated with a group of scientists, technicians, and activists discussing the incorporation of agroecology into Brazil’s National Adaptation Plan (PNA). That experience provided me with valuable insights into the transformative potential of sustainable agriculture, insights I carry both in my practice as a lawyer and anthropologist, and in my daily work on the land. Now, seeing these concepts being proposed as practical solutions for regions affected by climate variability, I am reminded of the critical role comprehensive strategies play in addressing environmental challenges. Agroforestry isn't just about recovery; it's about building a future where agriculture collaborates closely with nature to sustain and enrich local communities. For those in Rio Grande do Sul, both in government and civil society, this represents not only an opportunity to implement a model of innovation but also a chance for learning to prevent the recurrence of such flood damage in other parts of the world. #Agroforestry #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateResilience #RioGrandedoSul #Brazil

How to Supply the Seaweed Boom at Scale When you think of seaweed, what comes to mind? Perhaps you envision it as a simple ingredient in sushi or a nuisance mass that washes up on the beach. There's much more magic to seaweed than sushi and sargassum. With over 10,000 species of seaweed, only a handful are currently being utilized for a variety of applications. While most production currently originates from Asia, many coastal countries around the world are beginning to recognize the environmental and economic potential of seaweed, leading to what some are calling a "seaweed boom." The global seaweed market is expected to grow another $11.8 billion by 2030. With this rapid growth comes the challenge of ensuring a reliable supply to meet the increasing demand for new products. Enter Marine Permaculture: the next level of seaweed farming. This innovative approach not only reduces supply chain costs and risks but also increases yield by over 300%, all while helping to remove carbon from the atmosphere. By harnessing the ocean's natural processes and working in harmony with nature, Marine Permaculture offers a sustainable solution for cultivating and harvesting seaweed at scale. One of the key advantages of Marine Permaculture is its ability to mimic natural ocean ecosystems, fostering biodiversity from fish, to mollusks, to seaweed itself. By aligning the abundant resources of nature with the social resources of communities, these systems not only serve the planet but also provide job opportunities and economic benefits for coastal communities. I believe this can be especially opportunistic for Indigenous populations, who can leverage Marine Permaculture to meet the growing demand for seaweed and seafood sustainably. The benefits of Marine Permaculture extend beyond economics. By minimizing nutrient and chemical release, these systems help combat water pollution and harmful algal blooms. Additionally, the use of native species fosters resilient regional ecosystems, reducing the risk of invasive seaweed issues. Marine Permaculture offers a holistic approach to seaweed farming that balances food production with ocean conservation efforts. By embracing this technology, we have the opportunity to regenerate declining kelp forests, create economic opportunities, and remove carbon from the atmosphere. All while meeting the growing demand for sustainable seaweed products. Marine Permaculture offers a beacon of hope for our oceans and coastal communities. By working in harmony with the power of nature, we can build a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

Artigos como esses merecem ser lidos e precisam ser divulgados. #caatinga #nordeste #terras_áridas #Agrocaatinga Na Caatinga do Brasil, agroflorestas adaptadas estão produzindo alimentos em terras secas In northeastern Brazil, the Agrocaatinga model has proven to be the most productive and effective in increasing families' food security, generating income, and preserving native vegetation. Previously degraded lands now produce around 50 types of food, thanks to the combination of an agroforestry system with rainwater harvesting techniques. Agrocaatingas emerged from the commercial demand for wild passion fruit, a native fruit that today yields up to $600 per harvest for families — four times the local per capita monthly income. 

To learn more about sustainability and aquaculture, read this interview with our colleague Erika M.D. Porporato

When the biggest rancher is planting trees instead of chopping them down to raise cattle, you can feel the winds of change. Brazil is an elitist country, the middle and lower classes have always try to emulate or aspire for what the elite does: plant sugar cane, beef, soy… but now the elites are starting to do something different.. Let’s make sure this time the opportunities reach the smaller farmers as well-as inequality in Brazil is even worse of a problem than deforestation.

It's no use just planting, biomonitoring is needed. And planting strategies need to be integrated with municipal, state and federal biodiversity conservation projects (e.g. ecological corridors, permanent protection areas, legal reserves, agroforestry, etc).

🌲 Exciting Insights from Forext.eu Conference 🌲 Our Managing Partner Balázs LAKI had the privilege to participate in this week's Forext.eu conference at USC's Campus Terra, where the European forestry extension network explored innovative ideas for optimal forest utilization. 🌍   Key Highlights: 🌱Focus on maximizing the socio-economic importance of forest areas. 🌱Discussion on improving profitability and value of European forests. 🌱Noteworthy participation from our Managing Partner in shaping the future of forestry.   Rosa Mosquera, coordinator of the Agroforestry and Agroecological Systems research group at USC, emphasized Galicia's significance in the European forest context. 🌳 Galicia, with the second-largest forested area in Europe, plays a vital role in the production of half of Spain's timber.   Forext.eu serves as a platform for knowledge exchange among educators, researchers, and forestry associations from Spain and Europe. It also acts as a key player in advocating for the importance of forestry at the European level.   This conference is a catalyst for advancing bioeconomy through optimized forest resource utilization and sustainable management practices. 🔄 It fosters the creation of more sustainable value chains and supplies.   The European delegation is exploring initiatives by visiting Friol, where they'll witness conservation efforts with livestock, sustainable forest operations with Celtic pigs and horses, and agroforestry systems. 🌳🐑   A big thank you to Forext.eu for fostering collaboration and pushing the boundaries of sustainable forestry! 🙌   #ForestryInnovation #SustainableFuture #ForextConference #basilicon #knowledgeworks #basiliconglobal #basiliconhungary