idea Owners
The vinaceous-breasted amazon (Amazona vinacea) is one of the most endangered amazon species of the Atlantic Forest, a world's top biodiversity hotspot. Two of the main reasons for the rapid and on-going population decline are habitat destruction and illegal nest poaching. In order to build economic value to the presence of amazons in the wild and reduce threats, a project was implemented to generate employment and income for women living around the Araucárias National Park, where the species is being reintroduced. The idea can be expanded and engage more people from different locations in the conservation of endangered species in Brazil.
The vinaceous-breasted amazon (Amazona vinacea) is one of the most endangered amazon species of the Atlantic Forest, a world's top biodiversity hotspot. Two of the main reasons for the rapid and on-going population decline are habitat destruction and illegal nest poaching. Currently, it is listed on the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2016) as Endangered with “a very high risk of becoming extinct in the wild in the immediate future”. In Brazil, it is considered Vulnerable C1. Populations are fragmented and extinct in some areas. Because of its threat status, research and interventions are urgently necessary to prevent global extinction. The proposed project is part of a program to generate scientific knowledge and effectively reintroduce A. vinacea in the Araucárias National Park (ANP), Brazil, where it was locally extinct. Since 2010, a total of 83 birds have been rehabilitated, released and monitored as part of the first and only bird reintroduction effort in a Brazilian National Park approved by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).
In order to build economic value to the presence of amazons in the wild and reduce threats, a pilot project was implemented to generate employment and income for locals. Since 2013, a group of 5 women who live around the ANP has received training in entrepreneurship, handcraft and conservation issues. Participants have been creating and selling handcrafted products with A. vinacea and other endangered species themes. Instituto Espaço Silvestre was their first costumer, but now they attend other conservation projects in Brazil, have their own small business and a physical location available to show products in the municipality of Passos Maia. Women are engaged in the conservation of A. vinacea by helping in the monitoring of release birds, educating others about the species and reintroduction efforts and participating in events at the ANP. In 3 years, there was a 62% increase in their income showing that it is possible to add economic value to free living amazons, as opposed to poaching . This successfully model is being applied to a group of women from Ponte Serrada municipality and has the potential to engage a greater number of locals and be replicated in other protected areas and/or conservation projects. Our idea has empowered local women to have a leading role in promoting economic development, social inclusion and conservation of endangered species in Brazil.
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Testemonial from Jozi, one of the handcrafters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4HZsnVaS5E
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As shown in our pilot study, this idea is sustainable since its model and the structure is set up and tested. We now need help to increase the number of people engaged and benefited, as well as the visibility of the products.
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For more information about the proposed project, please visit our website: http://www.espacosilvestre.org.br/geracao-de-trabalho-e-renda
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