Managing Natural Resources

Our first task is to gain a clear understanding of our natural resources: forest cover, springs and streams, agricultural and pastoral land. We use the Iracambi GIS to map and classify land use and identify the best spots for establishing Environmental Protection Areas and including into our scheme of Payment for Environmental Services. We also work with farmers to make the best use of their agricultural land, and prioritize forest restoration for wildlife corridors. We run workshops to train farmers and conservation managers in land planning and management, and provide ongoing technical assistance as needed. We work with local authorities and farmers to study and implement best practices in soil and water conservation, and supply native forest seedlings to schools and local communities for reforesting around springs and on steep slopes. Our forestry operation includes our forest adoption scheme known as Forest Futures, forest restoration, forest corridors and agroforestry, both for conservation and for developing sustainable livelihoods.