Six sustainability projects were selected for the first phase of the initiative, with seven more on the horizon
CAMPINAS, Brazil – A year ago, Aviagen Latin America pledged a donation of R$ 1.5 million (~$300,000 USD) to the JBS Fund for the Amazon, a non-profit organization dedicated to the sustainable development of the Amazon Biome (an area that contains the Amazon rainforest, a region of tropical rainforest, and other ecoregions that cover most of the Amazon basin and some adjacent areas).
Detailed below, the Fund’s initiatives focus on forest conservation and restoration, biodiversity of the region’s ecosystems, community development and science and technology advancement. Aviagen’s contribution will be spread out over three years between multiple projects. Now, one year later, as part of Aviagen’s support, six important projects are underway. “These projects are already promoting improvement in the environment and in the lives of Amazon citizens, while also creating sustainable economic opportunities for the region,” said President of Aviagen Latin America Ivan Lauandos.
RestaurAmazônia was implemented in partnership with the Non-Government Organization (NGO) Solidaridad. The project supports 1,500 family farmers in restoring degraded areas by supplying agroforestry systems with cocoa and promoting good agricultural practices in livestock. The project follows a low carbon agricultural production model that has been tested and approved. With the support of the Fund, it will be possible to apply this model to benefit other areas of the Amazon. Learn more about the NGO here.
The Inclusive Community Economies Program, in the Communities of Bailique and Beira Amazonas, Amapá, serves to strengthen the açaí production chain in the region, with a goal of promoting an increase in the income of 240 local families in three years, in addition to the consolidation of an inclusive bioeconomy model. This model can then be used for other chains.
Future goals foreseen for the project include the operation of a pulp production plant, the expansion of a portfolio of higher added value products, and the construction of schools to qualify young people and women to work in the activity.
The project has been implemented jointly by the extractive cooperative Amazonbai, Interelos Institute, Institute of International Education, Brazil (IEB) , State University of Amapá, and Instituto Terroá.
The Fair and Sustainable Fishing. In partnership with Association of Rural Producers of Carauari (ASPROC) project aims to strengthen the fish chain, by supporting the processing, storage and transportation of fish obtained in the communities. Training and consulting for communities are also planned, with the aim of opening new markets for fishing associations in the Médio Juruá (AM) region. The project will last for two years and should benefit 450 families residing in 55 riverside communities, with increased production and income. Access ASPROC website for more information about the association at the forefront of the project.
Unlocking Credit for the Forest Bioeconomy. In partnership with Instituto Conexões Sustentáveis (Conexsus), the project aims to facilitate access to rural credit for 2,500 farming families in the forest bioeconomy chains (nuts, açaí, fish, wood, oils and resins). Fifteen cooperatives will also receive consulting for financing with easy conditions. Learn more on Conexsus.
Impact Accelerator & Investments (AMAZ) is the first Amazon business accelerator focused on the socio-environmental impact of forest businesses. Commanded by the Amazon Development Institute (Idesam), Amaz will promote the acceleration of 30 startups in five years, along with business training and mentoring. This project encourages the strengthening of this entrepreneurial environment in the biodiversity chain, which is important for the maintenance of the forest. See more on Amaz website.
The Technical Partnership with Embrapa proposes to develop research and technologies that increase the added value of products from the Amazon forest, such as new raw materials and ingredients for the bioeconomy. Programs to reduce emissions in the countryside, monitoring of deforestation, social innovation and the development of renewable technologies are also planned. More on Embrapa website.
“In the Amazon, it is not possible to do anything alone. Partnerships with organizations like Aviagen are fundamental for the Fund to build more sustainable alternatives in the Amazon,” highlighted Joanita Maestri Karoleski, President of the JBS Fund for the Amazon.
Sustainable projects in progress
The Fund has recently selected seven new initiatives that will receive financial support to promote actions to preserve the Amazon rainforest, improve the quality of life of traditional and indigenous communities and encourage the scientific and technological development of the biome. In all, R$ 60 million is already committed to 12 projects supported in two years of operation.
The new initiatives focusing on science and technology include, Sustainable cocoa corridor, InovAmazônia -- Ingredients from the Amazon, Indigenous Hands, Standing Forest, Amazon Proteins, Sustainable Pirarucu Project, Geoflora – Forest Automation and Carbon Spatialization. The last two are the first initiatives of the alliance with Embrapa.
According to Ivan Lauandos, “Aviagen and the JBS Fund share a passion for helping to create a sustainable future for people in Latin America and around the world. Our contribution will support sustainable activities in the Amazon rainforest – an area that plays a vital role in stabilizing the global climate.”
About the JBS Fund for the Amazon
The JBS Fund for the Amazon is dedicated to promoting and financing initiatives and projects aimed at the sustainable development of the Amazon Biome. The association is open to contributions and partnerships from private sector associations, as well as third-party and multi-stakeholder groups. JBS is committed to matching the contribution made to each donation up to R$500 million. The goal is to bring the Fund's resources to R$ 1 billion by 2030. Donation applications can be made through the JBS Fund website.
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