BRAZIL

Region:	Latin America and the Caribbean
Country:	Brazil
Title:	Involving Civil Society: The Demonstration Projects Subprogram of the Pilot Program to Conserve Brazilian Rainforest
Authors:	Rinaldo Cesar Mancin
Other Info:	(i) Original language: English; (ii) Partners: G7 states, the European Union, the Netherlands and the World Bank

Abstract: This is a case study of a pilot program in Brazil initiated at the governmental level but supporting initiatives in civil society organizations. Such joint efforts were considered necessary to bring about real changes in the social, economic and environmental conditions of the Amazon and the Atlantic Forest region. The Pilot Program to Conserve the Brazilian Rainforest (PPG7) included the Demonstration Projects Subprogram (PD/A), the core idea of which was to reinforce, along with the government, the capability of civil society to develop feasible solutions (economically, ecologically and socially sustainable) for the management, conservation and development of the Brazilian rainforest. The PD/A supports new production systems and new institutional cooperation arrangements, making them viable, and disseminating such experiences for further replication. The creation of a streamlined financial mechanism (for easy access by small organizations) and networks of environmental organizations for information dissemination and capacity building training of local organizations were key to the viability and success of this approach. An important lesson was the need for strong guidance from PD/A to the grassroots organizations to make the transition from thinking about their own survival to serving as economic agents.

Themes (prioritized): 2, 3, 1

Subsistence Practices (prioritized): Agriculture, Shifting cultivation, Hunting, Gathering

Resource Types & Ecosystems (prioritized): Forests, Wildlife, Land, Water

Key Terms: Biodiversity, Civil society, Community consultation, Conservation, Regional cooperation, Training

Contact Person: Mr. Rinaldo Cesar Mancin, Technical Secretary, Demonstration Projects - PD/A Subprogram

Contact Address: Ministry of Environment, Water Resources and the Legal Amazon, Esplanada dos Ministerios, Bloco B Room 637, Brasilia D.F. 70100-900, Brazil

Telephone: + (55 61) 317 1441

Fax: + (55 61) 317 1124

Email: RCMancin@mma.gov.br VIEW BRAZIL CASE STUDY

Last Updated: June 28, 2002