The Project for Indigenous Territorial and Environmental Management (GATI) contributed to the recognition of Indigenous Lands (ILs) as protected areas essential for biodiversity conservation in Brazilian biomes, and strengthened traditional indigenous practices regarding management, sustainable use, and conservation of natural resources. In addition, it fostered indigenous leadership The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands in the construction of public policies for environmental and territorial management of ILs.
The Project was a joint effort of the Brazilian indigenous movement, the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (Funai), the Ministry of Environment (MMA), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Articulação MATO GROSSO ARTICULAÇÃO DOS POVOS E ORGANIZAÇÕES INDÍGENAS DO NORDESTE, MINAS GERAIS E ESPÍRITO SANTO Agroecology Agroforestry
Empoderando vidas. www.theGEF.org Fortalecendo nações. Environmental Restoration PRESIDENCY OF THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES Artur Nobre Mendes
TERRITORIAL PROTECTION DIRECTORATE - DPT Walter Coutinho Jr.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE - DPDS Patricia Chagas Neves
ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE - DAGES Janice Queiroz de Oliveira
GATI PROJECT MANAGEMENT UNIT
NATIONAL PROJECT DIRECTOR - DPDS/FUNAI Patricia Chagas Neves
NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR - CGGAM/FUNAI Fernando de Luiz Brito Vianna
UNDP PROJECT OFFICER Rose Diegues
TECHNICAL COORDINATOR OF THE PROJECT - UNDP Robert Pritchard Miller
PGTA COORDINATOR - UNDP Ney José Brito Maciel
FINANCIAL COORDINATOR OF THE PROJECT - CGGAM/FUNAI Valéria do Socorro Novaes de Carvalho
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS - CGGAM/FUNAI Caio César de Sousa de Oliveira Sofia Morgana Siqueira Meneses Cataloguing in-Publication Data (CIP) (eDOC BRASIL, Belo Horizonte / MG)
A281 Agroecology, agroforestry, and environmental restoration in indigenous lands / Robert P. Miller... [Et al.]. – Brasilia (DF): IEB, 2016. - (The experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands) 57 p. : 20.4 x 27.4 cm
Includes bibliography. ISBN 978-85-60443-47-5
1. Agroecology. 2. Territorial and environmental management. 2. Indigenous peoples - Brazil. 4.Project for Indigenous Environmental and Territorial Management. I.Miller, Robert P. II. Macário, Dafran. III. Weber, Ingrid. IV. Modercin, Isabel. V. Antonio, Leosmar. VI. Title. VII. Series.
CDD-980.41
Technical Data
Organization of systematization Andreia Bavaresco - IEB Marcela Menezes - IEB Robert Miller - GATI Translation Cristiane Feitosa Photos GATI Project collection Funai collection Collaborators Artwork Nina Coimbra Editing Demian Nery and Tiago Trigo (support)
The use of images of indigenous individuals of Reference Areas of the GATI Project for dissemination purposes was agreed under Terms of Commitment signed by participating communities during the clarification process, when the responsibilities of the parties were established.
photo base for previous page: Agroforest in the Guarani IL of Bracuí (2016) ©Dafran Macário Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration in Indigenous Lands: the Experience of the GATI Project Robert P. Miller,1 Dafran Macário2, Ingrid Weber2, Isabel Modercin2 e Leosmar Antônio2
Preface 4 Regional, Environmental and Historical Contexts 12 Mechanisms Supporting Actions in Agroecology, Agroforestry and Environmental Restoration in the Gati Project 20 Regional Experiences of The Gati Project with Agroecology, Agroforestry and Environmental Restoration 30 Conclusions - Some Lessons Learned 52
1 Technical coordinator of the GATI Project 2 Consultants of the GATI Project Preface The purpose of this publication is to As they represent closely related and systematize initiatives in the areas of overlapping areas, the publication combines agroecology, agroforestry and ecological these three rather broad themes of restoration carried out by the GATI Project agroecology, agroforestry and ecological in its fve years of implementation in restoration. In the context of Indigenous different regions of Brazil. Lands (ILs), these themes bring together a body of traditional agricultural knowledge and practices with new and emerging demands, such as the need for the provision of healthy foods, conservation of natural environments and their resources, and restoration of degraded areas. The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Agroecology, among the possible defnitions, can be understood as the ecological management of natural resources through different forms of collective social action, with participatory development of proposals ranging from forms of production to the alternative distribution of products, with the establishment of production-consumption relationships capable of countering the ecological and social crisis... (Embrapa’s Group on Organic Agriculture and Agroecology)
Agroforestry (or agroforestry systems) is a collective name for land-use systems and technologies where woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos, etc.) are deliberately used in the same management unit as agricultural crops and / or animals, either in some form of spatial arrangement or temporal sequence. In agroforestry systems there are both ecological and economic interactions among the different components. (Lundgren and Raintree, 1982).
Ecological Restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. (International Society for Ecological Restoration, 2005)
To a large extent, even though the themes In systematizing the processes and dynamics addressed in this volume constitute new related to the arrival of agroecology, names - in the sense of technical terms or agroforestry and ecological restoration in concepts - for traditional practices, they are the ILs that are “Reference Areas” of the novelties in many ILs. Furthermore, since GATI Project, besides the Project´s role as they represent relatively new and growing a “laboratory”, in terms of presenting and disciplines, combining technical and scientifc testing new methodologies, approaches knowledge with social and environmental and practices, we also discuss its role activism, these themes bring not only new as an “observatory”. To that effect, the knowledge and techniques, but also an document will address: (1) the meaning exposure to new paradigms, which seek to and relevance of these themes in ILs, and place the relationship of human societies how they vary in different regions / biomes and the environment within the logic of as well as according to environmental and sustainability. It is important to note that ethnic contexts; (2) the philosophy and although the GATI Project was responsible initial assumptions guiding the approaches for bringing several such novelties in terms used by the Project; (3) the administrative of concepts and approaches, the Project mechanisms used to turn these approaches more often played the role of facilitator into concrete actions in ILs; and (4) how and supporter of existing processes and these approaches and mechanisms were initiatives, to the extent that it found received and appropriated by the indigenous activities already underway in Reference communities, based on the analysis of Areas, resulting from the indigenous examples from different regions. Finally, this peoples´ own interests or initiated with the analysis will draw on broader lessons about support of partner organizations. the themes of this publication, their inclusion in ILs, and implications for public policy.
6 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
• a) to promote actions to recover and restore degraded areas in Indigenous Lands; • d) to identify the native species of socio- cultural importance in Indigenous Lands and prioritize their use in agroforestry systems and in the recovery of landscapes in degraded areas; • e) to promote the recovery and conservation of agricultural biodiversity and other natural resources essential to food and nutrition security of indigenous peoples, in order to value and safeguard This broader analysis will cover part of the traditional seeds and crops of each history of the GATI Project, addressing indigenous people; regional and local contexts, Project • f) to promote actions for the recovery background, and its connection to the of degraded areas and environmental parallel movement that resulted in the restoration in Indigenous Lands, and National Policy for Indigenous Territorial and especially the prevention and combating of Environmental Management - PNGATI3 . desertifcation. Further information about the Project can also be found in the other volumes of the series “The Experience of the GATI Project We can consider that the implementation of in Indigenous Lands”. the GATI Project was a “laboratory” for the implementation of PNGATI, as the Project This background of the Project, which will developed actions closely linked to the be further examined below, constitutes an objectives of the Policy. At the same time, important part of this history, as it sets the in its role as an “observatory”, the GATI tone and direction for the actions of the Project also evaluated and analyzed how GATI Project in ILs. As for the PNGATI, it these themes are contributing to PNGATI is important to note that the relevance of implementation, in the broader sense of the Project’s actions, are established through promoting well-being and consolidation the objectives set out in Axis 4 - Prevention of indigenous rights and leadership. The and restoration of environmental damage. The following chapters, besides addressing some objectives of this axis directly related to the of the actions carried out, attempt to bring themes of this book are: some of this refection and analysis.
3 Decree Nr. 7747 of June 6th, 2012.
7 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Background and Assumptions: indigenous participation and leadership in the GATI Project
Between 2009 and 2010, the Interministerial a patronizing past to the new realities of Working Group (WG) responsible for the indigenous peoples. The Working Group preparation of a draft National Policy for also was a learning experience for those Territorial and Environmental Management involved, as it was constituted of an equal in Indigenous Lands - PNGATI - was number of indigenous and government in charge of conducting fve regional representatives, thus permitting the consultations with indigenous peoples and exchange of knowledge, ideas and practices. preparing the draft decree of the Policy. These regional consultations mobilized Approved by the Global Environment at least 1,240 representatives of 186 Facility (GEF) in October 2009, the GATI indigenous ethnic groups and discussed the Project only began to operate in June 2010. items and objectives of the draft decree to This delay was due to the fact that most of be submitted to the National Commission the indigenous and government members on Indigenous Policy - CNPI - and the Civil of the “Indigenous - GEF” Working Group, House of the Presidency of the Republic. responsible for preparing the Project, were also members of the PNGATI Through this experience, it became clear Working Group, and were fully involved in that the consultation process, beyond mere conducting the regional consultations at that compliance with the rules of Convention time. Thus, Project activities only started 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in after PNGATI’s regional consultations were Independent Countries, of the International concluded. For those directly involved Labour Organization (ILO)4, is a key tool in Project implementation and for the for arriving at proposals for action that are indigenous and government representatives more realistic and in tune with indigenous of the GATI Project Steering Committee, communities’ demands. The PNGATI the positive experience of dialogue for consultation process also provided a setting out PNGATI was very present. As counterpoint to at least part of the issues such, the approach for the implementation related to Funai’s performance as the of the GATI Project could only build upon indigenous agency, involving the diffculties the principle of consultation and equal of shifting from the practices inherited from representation and governance.
4 ILO Convention 169 was ratifed in Brazil by Decree Nr. 5051 of April 19th, 2004.
8 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
Thus, from the beginning of its As for Funai, although it welcomed the implementation, the GATI Project prospect of conceptual and methodological adopted the philosophy of consultation innovations, the agency’s local and regional and participation of indigenous peoples, reality results in enormous diffculties in promoting internal discussions and debates its ability to meet the needs of indigenous by the communities involved regarding communities. In this scenario, the demand the management of their lands and for technical assistance cannot always be natural resources, within a vision of social, met by the Regional Coordination Offces, environmental and economic sustainability which fnd themselves absorbed in issues and the well-being of the population. involving land tenure questions, invasions, On the one hand, however, the Project and internal and external conficts, among sponsor, GEF, expected compliance with others. a pre-established schedule, which did not foresee another consultation phase and The option for indigenous consultation more meetings for explaining the project and participation brought the possibility and its goals and for building closer ties of incorporating in the Project´s approach with the communities of the Reference the so-called “participatory methodologies” Areas ILs. That is, the regional consultations developed in recent decades, especially in held in 2008, when the Reference the component dealing with agroecology, Areas were selected, were considered a agroforestry and environmental restoration. suffcient basis for starting actions in these The participatory approach brings with it ILs. On the other hand, the indigenous respect for and appreciation of indigenous communities´ previous experience with knowledge, the dialogue between different “projects” had been largely with top-down types of knowledge, and the need for joint initiatives, without debate and discussion efforts instead of ready-made solutions. This by the alleged benefciaries. While these approach also considers that indigenous communities recognized the problems with peoples already carry out their own this model of ready-made “project”, without forms of territorial and environmental consultation, they were also in a hurry to management, and it is not the Project´s see concrete actions taking place, because objective to “teach them”, but rather to based on past experiences they feared that support and strengthen existing initiatives the project could end before bringing any and encourage incipient ones. As for tangible result. Also, although “environmental agroecology, agroforestry and environmental management” was being carried out in restoration, this approach emphasizes the practice by indigenous peoples, in various importance of farmer-to-farmer “horizontal cases it represented an unfamiliar concept, training”, with the exchange of information generating misunderstandings about and practices among peers. the participatory methodologies and approaches adopted by the Project.
9 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
It is important to stress that in relation to the current approach of agroecology • training, courses and exchange visits met practiced in Brazil, the set of concepts the interests and needs of communities; involved are not only technical but also • exchange visits, in particular, enabled political and ideological. In order to sharing of information among indigenous avoid the mere importation of a set of peoples, allowing practical learning and external concepts and practices, the GATI refection; Project sought to reinterpret and adapt them, so that initiatives would confgure • training in agroecology and agroforestry an “indigenous agroecology”. In this constituted moments of practical and perspective, it was gratifying to note that participatory learning; when indigenous peoples participated in • encouraging the recovery of traditional various regional and national agroecology seeds valued traditional knowledge forums, their knowledge was recognized and helped safeguard knowledge and and valued, reinforcing this idea of the practices; importance of an indigenous agroecology. • the support for management activities already underway by indigenous peoples After fve years of Project efforts, we brought direct benefts to communities; evaluate that choosing the path of indigenous consultation and participation, • encouraging the initiatives of villages although initially slowing down actions, in by means of Micro-projects enabled the long run brought more solid results. communities to take a leading role in In late 2015, workshops for systematizing actions, in many cases, allowed to them Project results were carried out by IEB with to resume working with initiatives that for participation of indigenous representatives various reasons had stopped. of Reference Areas, Steering Committee members, members of the Project Management Unit (UGP), and regional The following section presents a brief consultants. The workshops highlighted explanation of the regional, environmental as positive the actions resulting from the and historical contexts that infuenced the choice of this path, summarized below: manner in which the themes of agroecology, agroforestry and forest restoration were included in the GATI Project.
Explanations about agroecological cultivation of vegetables during visit to the agroforestry module of Teacher Sebastião, Buriti Village, Cachoeirinha-MS IL (2016)
10 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration ©Robert Miller
11 Regional, Environmental and Historical Contexts Indigenous agriculture, which has continues to be widespread, particularly in traditionally sustained peoples for millennia, the form of fruit tree homegardens around was originally practiced without any houses and villages. For many ethnic groups, chemical inputs or pesticides, and the especially in the Amazon, the cultivation circulation and conservation of seeds and of fruit trees and other useful species can other propagating materials occurred also be extended to nearby felds and by means of cultural mechanisms and secondary vegetation areas, resulting in social networks. Growing trees as part of concentrations of useful trees around the agricultural systems is a practice associated villages and dwellings. with the beginnings of agriculture, and The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands ©Robert Miller
View of the Bacajá Village, in the Trincheira-Bacajá IL (PA), of the Xikrin tribe, showing the gardens of fruit trees surrounding the houses
In general, the reduced size of the fallow5 usually leads to soil degradation territories that characterize the vast and loss of agricultural productivity. The majority of ILs not located in the Amazon very lack of forest areas where slash- region result in a greater interest in and-burn techniques can be used can agroecology, agroforestry and ecological also lead to other forms of agriculture, restoration. Differently from the Amazon, more dependent on mechanized land where there is usually enough territorial preparation and use of external inputs space to develop traditional slash-and-burn such as chemical fertilizers, herbicides and agriculture without affecting environmental additives - the so-called “Green Revolution” sustainability, in smaller ILs the use of the model. same technique without enough time for
5 Fallow is the variable period of time in which a feld is left uncultivated, during which the growth of natural vegetation recovers soil fertility, at least partially.
14 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
While in the Amazon region, indigenous counter movement is now emerging, as this peoples generally practice traditional new agricultural model has a number of agricultural systems, with little use of shortcomings regarding its suitability to the mechanization, chemical inputs, and hybrid reality of indigenous peoples and has often seeds, in other regions of the country brought serious problems to communities. the situation is quite different. In many At the same time, the search for a cases, profound changes took place in healthier agriculture, which causes fewer agricultural production systems, a result of environmental impacts, also has become the infuences of Funai, extension agencies, part of the indigenous peoples´ struggle for or farmers neighboring ILs. However, a land and rights.
Cassava harvest in the Wajãpi IL (2009) ©Mário Vilela
15 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Agricultural and land use models that implemented in relatively small areas, caused the loss of forest cover in ILs also such as in backyards or next to a school, have brought about shortages of forest ecological restoration generally operates resources that are important for the on the landscape scale. This entails a livelihood of indigenous peoples, such number of challenges, since working at as raw materials related to basic needs, the landscape scale involves other factors, including wood and thatch for housing, such as the internal social divisions that material for crafts, frewood for cooking, govern the use of territory and natural as well as plants used as remedies, in resources, or external environmental rituals, and other uses. In addition, loss of pressures such as fre and the entry of forest cover reduced habitat for game cattle, among others. For example, a animals and led to the degradation of technology for planting trees that shows water resources. good results in yards or homegardens may not be the most suitable for restoring Given this situation, agroforestry initiatives degraded vegetation around springs and that can combine food production riverbanks, where there another set of with the restoration of forests may, at customs and rules of communal use may least partially, address the loss of forest apply. As such, undertaking ecological resources. However, there are factors restoration initiatives in ILs demands not of scale that need to be taken into only technical knowledge and actions, account, because while agroecology but also sociological approaches and and agroforestry initiatives can be understanding.
Nhanderu Guarani Kaiowá blessing seeds and seedlings during the Mosarambihára training in Jaguapiré IL (2015) ©Gilearde Barbosa
16 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration ©Robert Miller
Regarding the demand for ecological restoration, both in the process of formulating PNGATI and in the experience of the GATI Project, marked regional differences were observed. Especially outside of the Amazon, a signifcant number of ILs show situations where the recognition of indigenous peoples’ rights resulted in the recovery of their traditional territories. However, many of “Holy water” oratory in spring area these recovered territories are in advanced in Mangueirinha IL (2016) stages of deforestation and environmental degradation, the result of conversion of forest to agricultural crops and pastures, and have lost many forest resources important for indigenous subsistence and culture, along with associated ecosystem functions. In the Potiguara IL (Paraíba), an example that will be addressed in greater It is important to note that ecological detail in this text, the recovery of traditional restoration initiatives are also associated territory resulted in the occupation of with issues that go far beyond food areas that had been cleared for sugarcane and timber production and provision of plantations, where the native vegetation of environmental service. In ILs, the work the coastal tablelands and riparian forests with forest restoration and protection of had been suppressed. Mainly for this springs and other water bodies often has reason, and by choice of the indigenous a cosmological dimension, as these places peoples themselves, the actions of the are considered as special or sacred, and GATI Project in agroecology, agroforestry are protected by supernatural entities. and environmental recovery found greater This spiritual dimension reinforces the resonance in Reference Areas outside the importance of indigenous peoples Amazon. Nevertheless, the GATI Project being protagonists in the design and also supported some interesting initiatives implementation of ecological restoration in ILs in the Amazon region. initiatives in their lands.
17
©Venícius Mendes
One of the waterfalls in Mangueirinha IL, which are called “holy waters” (2014) The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Mechanisms Supporting Actions in Agroecology, Agroforestry and Environmental Restoration in the Gati Project
20 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
This section details the mechanisms used regarding the themes of this volume. At the by the GATI Project to put into operation local level, regional consultants were in charge initiatives in agroecology, agroforestry and of putting into operation the mechanisms environmental restoration. It is important offered by the Project for the implementation to note that the regional consultants hired of planned actions, making the link with the by the Project, and responsible for the Project Management Unit in Brasilia. Broadly Regional Centers, were key components in speaking, these actions can be separated into this equation. These consultants assessed training and knowledge exchange, through indigenous demands and local needs, and workshops, courses, exchange visits, seed were the liaisons for coordinating the fairs, and support or encouragement of support of the Regional Coordination Offces activities implemented by indigenous peoples and Local Technical Coordination Offces of themselves in their communities, through Funai, technicians and partner institutions, mechanisms such as Micro-projects or the both governmental and from civil society. PPP-GATI projects. We can also include in this second category the purchase of The systematization of the experiences equipment and supplies, either through of the GATI Project indicated different Funai´s regional offces, in the case of larger mechanisms considered effective in meeting purchases, or through simplifed procedures the interests and needs of communities with Project funds, for smaller purchases.
21 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
The following section presents a description • Visit of 12 indigenous representatives of these mechanisms and their initiatives. from the Pankararu and Kiriri ILs to the Cerrado Fruits Project and Fruta Sã agribusiness in Carolina (MA), to learn about fruit pulp processing techniques Exchange activities (July 6th to 12th, 2013); • Visit of 15 indigenous representatives and visits of the Bakairi people to the Barranco Vermelho Village of the Rikbaktsa Exchanges proved a very valuable tool for people (MT) to learn about sustainable providing direct dialogue among indigenous extractivism projects and best peoples. When exchanges were local, management practices for rubber tapping st they helped strengthen local networks of and Brazil nut collection (July 31 to th exchange and solidarity. Appropriation of August 8 , 2013); new themes, such as agroecology concepts • Visit of 13 indigenous representatives of and techniques, was facilitated through the the Xokó people to the Agroecology exchange activities and the construction of Project of the Pajeú Division of the Sabiá new forms of action based upon indigenous Agroecology Center (August 11th to 14th, knowledge. 2013); • Visit of indigenous representatives of The most signifcant exchange activities the Guarani Kaiowá and Terena peoples related to the themes of this volume are set of Mato Grosso do Sul and Funai staff out below. to indigenous training centers in the Amazon, as part of discussions on the subject of training in indigenous land • Visit of 10 indigenous representatives of management in their regions (June 11th to the Terena and Guarani-Kaiowá peoples of 21st, 2013); Mato Grosso do Sul and Funai employees to the experience of restoration of • Visit of indigenous representatives riparian forests in Araribá IL (SP) and of from the Southern Atlantic Forest and agroforestry in Cooperaforesta in Barra Southeast and Funai staff to indigenous do Turvo (SP), where they exchanged training centers in the Amazon, as part experiences with family farmers (April 27th of discussions on the subject of training to May 6th, 2013); in indigenous land management in their regions (May 15th to 25th, 2013); • Visit of 23 indigenous representatives of the Xokleng people of the Ibirama IL • Visit of Tupinikim and Guarani (ES), and (SC) to Cooperaforesta (SP), along with Xacriabá (MG) representatives to the another 5 participants, including regional Grande Sertão Cooperative and to consultant, collaborator, Funai staff, and staff the Agroecology Experimentation and of the SC-Rural Program (May 2nd to 6th, Training Area of the CAA in Northern th th 2013); Minas Gerais (May 8 to 17 , 2015);
22 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
• Visit of representatives of ILs of the • Visit of 11 indigenous representatives Project´s Southern Atlantic Forest of the Terena people, including teachers, Regional Center, technicians of Funai leaders and parents from Cachoeirinha and partner institutions to learn about (MS) IL, to learn about the environmental agroecology and agroforestry experiences education initiative conducted in the in Cooperaforesta in Barra do Turvo Te’yikue Village (Caarapo IL-MS) and (SP) (with support by Funai-CTL / SP and agroforestry systems in the Lagoa Grande CATI; September 10th to 13th, 2014 and Settlement (Itahun-MS) (November 17th September 29th to October 3rd, 2014); to 21st, 2015). • Visit of 8 Guarani representatives of the Caieiras Velhas II (ES) IL to the Guarani Bracuí (RJ) IL and Ribeirão Silveira The exchange activities, especially those (SP) IL to learn aobut experiences in involving interstate travel, mobilized the agroecology, reforestation and ethno- efforts of a number of people, being ecoturism (June 1st to 7th, 2015); organized by the regional consultant in • Visit of 26 Guarani and Kaiowa direct contact with the Project Management participants of the Mosarambihara Unit, and involving diverse logistical aspects, Training Program and Funai staff to such as initial contacts, transportation, learn about agroforestry systems in the accommodation, food, and other details. Lagoa Grande Settlement (Itahun-MS) (October 12th, 2015); ©Sabiá Center Collection
Indigenous individuals getting to know Mr. Milton’s agro-system in the Carro Quebrado community (Triunfo-PE), in exchange visit organized by the Sabiá Center and GATI Project (2014)
23 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Micro-projects
The Micro-projects were carried out through Out of the 149 Micro-projects supported, individual credits of up to R$ 4,000.00, in about half addressed agroforestry and two installments, and supported small-scale reforestation initiatives. initiatives involving agroforestry, agroecological crop production, environmental education, It is important to note that the Micro-project traditional practices and knowledge, among mechanism conferred visibility and brought other themes. They involved minimal red tape, support to many genuinely local initiatives. and were easily implemented by indigenous The Project identifed that in many situations, representatives. In various situations, they there are individuals interested and willing served to complement and strengthen to work with agroforestry and reforestation, larger projects and other ongoing initiatives, but they lack the necessary support to carry providing an additional injection of manpower out their ideas. Communities recognize and/or supplies. the individuals that have this vocation, and demonstrated this through the formal To access the credit, it was necessary to endorsement letters required for approval of submit a simplifed proposal, usually flled the Micro-projects. out with the assistance of the regional consultant, to the Project Management Unit, accompanied by a letter from the community endorsing the proponent. After receipt and registration at the Unit, proposals were analyzed by technicians at CGGAM / Funai. When approved, the initial installment was deposited in the applicant’s bank account.
The second installment was released after Camlém ©Vanhecám submission and analysis of a simple report, preferably with photos of the activities and results. The assessment of the implementation of the proposal was based on the demonstration of results achieved, without the need for rendering of fnancial accounts, invoices or receipts. Still, it was recommended to the applicants that they should keep any such records for the purpose of accountability with their community. The closure of Micro-projects also took place through a simple report, with photos and Seedlings nursery of Micro-project “Nurseries some basic questions for evaluation. for production of native seedlings”, of the Toldo village, Ibirama-SC IL (2014)
24 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
Acquisition of Equipment and Supplies
The history of projects with indigenous • peoples is full of examples of equipment Small• Contracts for and supplies which are purchased and are not used, and sometimes even abandoned Technical• Services or damaged, because of the lack of • technical support and training for their installation, use and maintenance, among In many situations, regional consultants other factors. For these and other reasons, diagnosed the need for training or technical the GATI Project placed a greater emphasis support on a specifc topic. To meet these on the strengthening of social capital rather needs, the Project used a mechanism than in the acquisition of supplies and for contracting technical services, of up equipment. Nevertheless, activities often to US $ 2,500.00 (ceiling established by required materials and supplies. They were UNDP). Technicians hired through this purchased through three main mechanisms: mechanism carried out ad-hoc and short duration activities, and from 2013 to 2016, a total of 34 small contracts were • for small values, such as purchasing signed to hold workshops, training and materials for workshops and similar similar activities, also including production activities, consultants used a petty cash of materials and audiovisual recording of mechanism, of up to R$ 500.00; activities. Part of the services were directed • for amounts up to US$ 2,500.00 (ceiling towards assisting indigenous organizations established by UNDP), purchases in preparing project proposals for other were made through a simplifed bidding funding sources, and subsequently in process, with a minimum of three bids monitoring and technical guidance in from suppliers; project execution. • larger purchases were made with Funai resources through bidding processes In most cases, hiring was requested by (electronic auction) administered by regional consultants, who helped draw up the Regional Coordination Offce-RCO. the terms of reference of the contracts, It is important to highlight that not all defning the goals and deadlines, among RCOs have personnel qualifed for this other aspects. procedure, which is quite complex, and even in RCOs qualifed for the procedure, the Project had to compete with other regional needs.
25 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands Letters of Agreement based in Recife with over 20 years´ experience working with farmers in The Letters of Agreement were partnerships Pernambuco’s Zona da Mata forest area established between Funai, UNDP and and the semiarid (Caatinga) region. Through regional institutions with experience of partnership between the GATI Project working with indigenous peoples and and the Sabiá Center, training and technical demonstrated expertise in a particular theme. assistance activities were developed in the ILs The transfer of funds for partner institutions Entre Serras (PE), Kiriri (BA) and Potiguara to develop specifc actions in Reference Areas (PB), all in the Project´s Northeast I Regional took place through Letters of Agreement, Center. The Sabiá Center carried out several deepening and broadening Project execution. activities to support the implementation of agroforestry, such as the installation of Seven letters of agreement were signed, and seedling nurseries, workshops, technical three had specifc relevance to the themes of assistance, and held the “Training Course for agroecology, agroforestry and environmental Young Indigenous Multipliers in Agroecology restoration. These were: in Indigenous Territories”. This course was divided in three modules and held in different indigenous territories: Pankararé (Glória / Centro de Desenvolvimento BA), Xucuru de Orubá (Pesqueira / PE) and Potiguara (PB). The goal of the course was Agroecológico Sabiá to train indigenous youth so that they can implement projects in their communities and The Sabiá Agroecological Development provide technical support, as multipliers of Center is a non-governmental organization knowledge related to agroecology.
Youth visiting agroforests in the Xukuru territory of Ororubá (PE), during the II Module of Training for Indigenous Youth, partnership GATI Project and Sabiá Center (2014) ©Sabiá Center Collection
26 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
conjunction with indigenous councilors Cultural Association of and other leaders as an initiative of the GATI Project. The program involved the Indigenous Producers - ASCURI three Reference Areas - Pirakuá, Jaguapiré and Sassoró as well as the Caarapó and To develop actions in the Guarani and Panambizinho ILs, included because of Kaiowá Reference Areas in Mato Grosso their experiences with agroforestry and do Sul (Pantanal / Cerrado Center), the environmental restoration. The program GATI Project signed a Letter of Agreement was implemented through itinerant with the Cultural Association of Indigenous modules, with one module in each IL, Producers - ASCURI to implement the with activities involving ethno-mapping, Mosarambihára-Sowers Training Program. agroecology, seedling nurseries, collecting Even though the Guarani and Kaiowá ILs seeds of forest trees, and environmental had submitted requests for agroforestry restoration, according to the initiatives in initiatives combining erva mate (Ilex progress in each IL. Besides holding the paraguayensis) and a variety of native modules, the ASCURI team carried out trees, it was seen that these activities monitoring and the “pre-modules”, which should be integrated into a broader prepared the communities for receiving the discussion, recognizing and valuing the modules carried out in each IL. In keeping traditional knowledge of the Guarani and with ASCURI´s line of work, workshops in Kaiowá peoples. In this perspective, the photography and video production were Mosarambihara Program was designed in also held.
Teacher Eliel Benites makes a simulation of the seedlings arrangement for
planting around a spring ©Gilearde Barbosa during a Mosarambihára module in Jaguapiré IL (2015)
©Gilearde Barbosa Mosarambihára students in recovery activities around a spring in Jaguapiré IL (2015) 27 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Institute for Society, Population 20 years of experience with the Global Environment Facility´s (GEF) Small Grants and Nature - ISPN (Brasília) Program, adapting its methodology to GATI Project needs. The PPP-GATI projects, of up to R$ 40,000.00, were directed to Another important mechanism to support indigenous associations or their partner and strengthen ongoing initiatives was the organizations, with frst installments paid in Program for Small Projects in Indigenous November / 2015 and throughout 2016. Territorial and Environmental Management (PPP-GATI), developed with support of the Out of the 37 projects approved for Institute for Society, Population and Nature 26 Reference Areas, approximately half - ISPN, through a Letter of Agreement with involved environmental recovery and the GATI Project. The Institute brought its agroforestry initiatives.
Presentation of project of Caramuru-Paraguassu IL in the PPP GATI workshop organized by ISPN in Brasilia (2015) ©Demian Nery
28 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration ©Dafran Macário
Planting of rubber trees in degraded pasture in Araribá-SP IL, supported by PPP-GATI Project
Distribution of the 37 PPP-GATI projects according to themes
29 Regional Experiences of The Gati Project with Agroecology, Agroforestry and Environmental Restoration
The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Northeast I Regional Center: Environmental “Movement” in the Potiguara Indigenous Land
The Potiguara people of Paraíba live collection areas for mangaba (Hancornia in a coastal strip of the Atlantic Forest speciosa), cashew (Anacardium occidentale) between the Camaratuba (north) and the and batibutá nut (Ouratea hexasperma), Mamanguape (south) Rivers, in a territory replaced by sugarcane monoculture. maintained at the expense of resistance Given this situation, the Potiguara people against diverse invaders at different times in intensifed their mobilization for the history. demarcation of their territory, and the frst part was demarcated between 1983 The environmental status of the Potiguara and 1984, the Potiguara IL. However, this territory is directly related to the struggle demarcation left out important areas for of indigenous peoples for their permanence the indigenous peoples, who continued to in the area and the demarcation of the struggle and in 1993 managed to approve territory. In the early twentieth century, the the Jacaré de São Domingos IL. area of the old villages where the Potiguara lived had already been partially subdivided, The last Indigenous Land to be demarcated, leased and sold to large landowners. Among the Potiguara of Monte Mor IL, was these owners, the Rio Tinto textile company reconquered by the Potiguara people invaded large areas of indigenous land, through the occupation of sugarcane cutting hardwoods to build their factory plantations with crops and sítios7. When the and for production of charcoal to feed their sugarcane was harvested, the indigenous machines. peoples immediately planted cassava intercropped with cashew, coconut and The greatest devastation, however, other fruit trees of interest, establishing the was caused by the arrival of sugarcane sítio where soon simple houses would be plantations and ethanol distilleries in the late built. Thus, the sugarcane plantations were 1970s, stimulated by the National Ethanol gradually expelled from the territory, and Program. These invaded the Potiguara reforestation began and continues to be territory, attracted by the fat lands of the used by the Potiguara people as a strategy tablelands6, and suppressed important fruit to take back their territory.
6 The tablelands (tabuleiros) are higher and fatter areas of the territory dominated by trees such as mangabeira and cashew, guaranteeing the survival of families dedicated to the collection of these fruits. This category coincides with 7 The Potiguara people call sítio an area of fruit trees and what geography names Coastal Tablelands. other trees around the houses (agroforestry homegardens).
32 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration ©Mário Vilela/Funai
Cassava plantations where there used to be sugarcane crops (2008)
In many of the over 30 villages in the technician; he supports local production territory there are people dedicated of seedlings of native and fruit trees to the production of tree seedlings as well as reforestation initiatives, and and reforestation around springs maintains a seedling nursery in the and in riparian areas as well as in the backyard of his home in the village tablelands. The larger schools develop Camurupim. environmental education activities to maintain seedling nurseries, organic There are also ad-hoc initiatives by some vegetable gardens, and also conduct feld leaders seeking to promote alternative classes and collective reforestation events. activities to sugarcane plantations, extraction of hardwoods and charcoal The local Funai offce, through its production. The São Francisco village, the coordinator, Irenildo Gomes, and some “mother village”, has been seeking ways leaders strive to monitor the territory, to strengthen mangaba pickers, whose curbing the action of illegal loggers. survival depends on preserved tablelands: Another staff of the local Funai offce, mangaba seedlings are being produced Luiz Pereira, is a Potiguara and agricultural continuously to enrich the tablelands.
33 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Mangaba seedlings in Alcides Potiguara’s nursery, supported by Micro-project (2014)
34©GATI Project collection Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
Chiefs of villages such as Lagoa do Mato, Between 2014 and 2015, six Micro-projects Cumaru and Tracoeira seek to curb were implemented, with fve focused deforestation in their lands. In the Monte on expansion of seedling nurseries in Mor village, the chief promoted organic backyards and one for the installation of horticulture and fruit production and built identifcation signs in areas defned by the partnerships with the local government Potiguara as important for environmental and university for distribution and conservation and recovery or of cultural commercialization of products. At the same importance. A total of 41,000 seedlings time, the area that had been cleared for were produced in fve small nurseries sugarcane has been reforested by planting belonging to: Josecy, the shaman, and José crops and fruit trees, starting from the Alberto, both from Três Rios village; Anibal, banks of the river that fows through the chief of the Jaraguá village; Alcides, chief of village. Stretches of the river that were the São Francisco village; and Marcos, of almost dry are now recovering, along with the Lagoa do Mato village. The seedlings many springs that had dried up. were donated to schools that carried out reforestation events and were also used This was the scenario found by the GATI in the implementation of experimental Project in May 2012, when the clarifcation agroforestry systems. meeting took place in the Potiguara IL, starting off Project actions in this Reference The following results can be highlighted: Area. From then onwards, in close dialogue reforestation of degraded areas in several with the local Funai offce, groups and villages, totaling approximately 60 hectares; individuals of the Potiguara territory diversifcation of crops produced by involved with environmental management several farmers with the planting of fruit actions were identifed and invited to seedlings; and support for environmental develop proposals that could strengthen education activities. According to such initiatives. benefciaries and local Funai technicians, Micro-projects valued and gave visibility to With the operational and fnancial environmental management initiatives in diffculties faced by Funai, the strategy of the villages. The Micro-projects dedicated small grants through the Micro-Projects to seedling production also contributed under GATI Project, up to R$ 4,000.00, to the implementation of experimental proved to be well suited to local conditions, agroforestry and environmental education expediting investment in actions of interest activities in schools8. and relevance to the Potiguara people in the environmental conservation and recovery of their territory.
8 Source: Report on Micro-projects for Reforestation in the Potiguara Indigenous Land in the State of Paraiba, prepared by Luiz Pereira, technician of CTL Baía da Traição, through MEMO 020 / CTL-BT-PB / FUNAI. Baía da Traição. February 19th, 2015.
35 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands ©GATI Project collection Project ©GATI
Reforestation action on the Moças Island carried out by the Cacique Iniguaçu School, in Tramataia village (2014)
36 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
Experimental agroforestry systems (AFS) Every year, the Cacique Iniguaçu School of were introduced through a partnership the Tramataia village celebrates Environment (Letter of Agreement) between the GATI Week, when it presents the initiatives Project and the Sabiá Agroecological developed by the school to the community, Development Center. Through workshops including the reforestation of an area and almost weekly technical assistance known as Moças Island. It is one of the to indigenous farmers, the agroforestry schools that received donations of seedlings systems were established and continue to from Micro-projects and the principal be managed in eight parcels in four villages: participated in the agroecology workshops Jacaré de São Domingos, Jacaré de César, and exchange activities developed by Galego and São Francisco. the Sabiá Center. In 2015, an association managed by school teachers approved a The Sabiá Center also invested in project through the PPP-GATI call with the training of Potiguara youths, who the objective of expanding the area being participated in an agroecology program reforested, conferring greater visibility to the organized in three itinerant modules held Environment Week, and providing exchange in other indigenous territories and also in activities among schools working along the Potiguara territory. In the training they the same lines and involved with actions were able to meet with other experiences of the GATI Project. The school principal and situations, especially that of the Xukuru and teachers who submitted the project Ororubá people, who have developed proposal said that “the call for projects came actions to safeguard traditional Xukuru at the right time, because we were already agriculture. doing this even without funds”. With the Project, they will reach a wider audience, In addition to the indigenous youths, produce more seedlings, and expand the teachers, leaders and Potiguara farmers also reforestation site adopted by the school. participated in exchange activities to learn from other communities assisted by the Both the local Funai and the Potiguara Sabiá Center. In these other communities, representatives involved in the actions of the farmers have consolidated agroforestry GATI Project positively assess the actions systems: they produce, process and market supported by the Micro-projects and the production ensuring household food Sabiá Center, highlighting the valuation of security and generating income. indigenous knowledge and support for environmental management initiatives led The role of schools was also instrumental in by the Potiguara people themselves. They this process. Some of the schools working also report that previously, when they spoke with environmental issues in their curricula about preservation, the community laughed and which have been involved in initiatives and would not take the subject seriously, of the GATI Project are: Pedro Poti in but today many people see the importance São Francisco village, Cacique Iniguaçu in of thinking about environmental quality for Tramataia village, Guilherme da Silveira future generations. in Monte Mor village, the school in the Akajutibiró village and in the Três Rios village.
37 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
The interaction of these initiatives and of the Sabiá Center in his activities; they actions seems to have caused a real supported sign posting and the planting “movement” with regard to environmental of seedlings under the Micro-project and issues in the territory and contributed contributed to environmental education to the strengthening of the Avencas activities in schools. According to Guaracy, Environmental Group of the São Francisco today there are many people in the village. The young coordinator of the community concerned about preserving group, Guaracy, said that in 2012 there the environment, but there must be people was very little rain in the region and the leading, mobilizing, educating and seeking branch of the Sinimbu River going through alternatives. the São Francisco village almost dried up: people crossed the river “with water The GATI Project found fertile ground in reaching their shins”. Concerned with the Potiguara territory, to the extent that its the springs and forests being cut down, actions were integrated into the Potiguaras’ he started talking to teachers and recent own ideas and needs for environmental graduates of nearby universities. In 2013, restoration and protection. The schools, the group started to meet more often, the farmers, the leaders, as well as the local and in 2014 they heard about a policy Funai offce continued doing what they to support the environmental issue on had already begun, but found themselves indigenous lands. Through the local Funai strengthened by a network of exchange offce, they learned about the GATI Project and solidarity, through support for meetings, and began to accompany the technician workshops, exchange and other activities. ©Dafran Macário
Recovery of slope with agroforest plantation in Guarani IL of Bracuí (2014)
38 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
Southeastern Atlantic Forest Regional Center: the Experience with Environmental Restoration and Agroforestry in the Guarani de Bracuí Indigenous Land (RJ)
The Guarani de Bracuí IL is located in of the IL), the GATI Project and Funai the south of the state of Rio de Janeiro, supported the purchase of approximately in the municipality of Angra dos Reis. It 70,000 seedlings of palm trees and other covers an area of 2,127 hectares and is tree species of interest for the community. traditionally inhabited by the Guarani The planting of these seedlings contributed people. With support of Funai, Emater and to the recovery of approximately 50 the GATI Project, the community in this hectares of areas degraded by cropping IL is developing agroforestry in degraded and human occupation, such as areas areas, and reforestation with native species nearby the houses. In addition, the GATI such as palm trees, mainly jussara (Euterpe Project also supported the participation of edulis) and guaricanga (Geonoma sp.), and some of the indigenous farmers in training Amazonian species, such as açai (Euterpe exchanges and as well as in workshops oleracea) and pupunha palm (Bactris for the implementation of agroforestry gasipaes). Guaricanga is a very important modules in ILs. species in the Guarani culture, producing the preferred type of thatch for roofng Unlike other ILs where Micro-projects houses. were crucial for the implementation of agroforestry and related activities, in Bracuí Agroforestry production is a tradition the eight Micro-projects were directed to among Guarani communities, who enrich support the development of the Plan for their yards and gardens with food and Territorial and Environmental Management medicinal species. They plant felds on a (PGTA). Nevertheless, the PPP-GATI rotating basis, by fallowing areas used for project “Let’s plant and preserve the food production, often planting tree species environment”, was essential for supporting of their interest. In the Guarani de Bracuí the work underway with agroforestry and IL, a history of environmental recovery environmental restoration. Implementation projects, principally involving planting palm of the PPP-GATI project coincided with the trees, is increasing the amount of species arrival of the seedlings in the village, and planted annually and the amount of areas by supporting concerted collective efforts, restored. Taking into account this Guarani allowed the community to plant all the tradition and the interest of the Tekoa seedlings purchased. Sapukai community (the Guarani name
39 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
In the Plan for Environmental and Territorial strategies to ensure the balance between Management of the IL, environmental traditional activities and environmental recovery is a guiding theme for defning conservation.
Guarani children participate in reforestation activities with juçara palm in Guarani IL of Bracuí (2014) ©Dafran Macário
Pantanal/Cerrado Regional Center: Agroecology with the Terena People of Mato Grosso do Sul
In this Regional Center, actions Mosarambihara-Sowers Training Program, with agroecology, agroforestry and developed with the Guarani and Kaiowá, environmental recovery were developed already described in the section on along two main fronts. These fronts Letters of Agreement. The other front was followed the main ethnic division of developed by the Terena people and will Mato Grosso do Sul; one front was the be presented below.
40 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
The Terena people consider themselves of indigenous agriculture and caused farmers by essence. Their traditional forms degradation of springs and riparian forests. of agriculture are still practiced in ILs, Thus, the proposal of ecologically-based however a decreasing number of people agriculture, an “indigenous agroecology” are involved. One reason is the size of the carried out by indigenous people, caught ILs, without enough land space for the the attention of the Terena, who were population, which is increasing every year. getting involved in the GATI Project, Studies conducted by Funai have identifed especially in the Cachoeirinha IL. This areas of traditional territory for expansion interest was stronger among the group of ILs, however, much of this has not yet of leaders in the Mãe Terra Village, an been regularized, and is still in the hands of area of traditional territory recuperated non-Indians, resulting in various situations by the Terena in 2005, as it was outside of confict. With this, the search for jobs in the land originally demarcated, and only cities is increasing and agricultural practices later included in the study of an expanded face more diffculties. area. In addition to recovering the land, the families who fought for the area and In the past, many Terena farmers were founded the village also seek to resume induced by the Brazilian State to practice some traditional values and ways of life, mechanized agriculture based on as well synthesized by the name given to monocultures, using pesticides and chemical the new village - Mãe Terra means Mother fertilizers. In addition to weakening the soil, Earth. this model created dependence on Funai for supply of seed and soil preparation In addition to the internal negotiations (plowing). At the same time, Funai’s made by councilors Leosmar Antônio and decreased operational capacity inevitably Inácio Faustino9 in this early stage of the led to delays in this service, affecting GATI Project, the hiring of two specialized production. All this, coupled with the consultants to assist the Reference Areas global trend over decades of falling grain of the Pantanal / Cerrado Center, one in prices, has not permitted Terena farmers to the area of Agroforestry and another for generate suffcient income from their crops Indigenous Training, both themes identifed to maintain their families, at least with the as important for the region, also should be agricultural model currently practiced. highlighted.
Although they are proud to be recognized as capable farmers, the Terena are aware that the adoption of “wrong models” of 9 Indigenous representatives chosen to represent the Cachoeirinha IL in the Regional Council of the Pantanal / production has weakened the autonomy Cerrado Center.
41 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Workshop on production of alternative inputs in Lalima IL (2015) ©Org.Caianas
In the Cachoeirinha IL, the frst This frst workshop is seen as the landmark Agroforestry workshop (‘Agroecological of the emergence of a group, which later Production in Successional Agroforests’) came to call themselves the ‘GATI Family’ was held on February 4-6, 2013, with a and most recently become a legal entity group of 17 participants. These were mainly called the Caianas Organization. After the male and female farmers who had already workshop, the group decided to continue been invited by councilors to participate the meetings, since the technical advice in Project activities and who saw in the from the GATI Project would not be workshop an opportunity to improve their constant, as there were fve other ILs in production. The workshop was held by the region to be assisted by the consultant, the Agroforestry consultant Jessica Lívio among the other activities in her contract. Pedreira and the farmer and adviser to The group began to conduct collective Cooperaforesta, Namastê Messerschmidt. actions on weekends to establish and
42 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
manage agroforests in the backyards of by the participants. In this manner, they all participants. Before these events, the discussed and put into practice the group gathered to prepare and plan for concepts from the frst workshop and their the agroforestry activities, according to own ideas, based on Terena knowledge the seedlings and seeds available, brought related to agriculture and the environment.
Course on agroforestry farming (IFMS/PRONATEC) and institutional partnerships
Another factor that contributed to After a rich process of discussions and joint the success of the GATI Project in the construction which lasted about a year, Cachoeirinha IL was the establishment of the course took place from April 26th to strong partnerships with local institutions, July 29th, 2014, with a total of 200 hours such as the Federal Institute of Education, of classes. The fve compulsory subjects: Science and Technology of Mato Grosso ‘Communication and Expression’, ‘Applied do Sul (IFMS) - Aquidauana Campus, and Mathematics’, ‘Guidelines for Professional the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul Practice’, ‘Ethics, Citizenship and Work’, and (UEMS). ‘Entrepreneurship’ were adapted to meet the needs of the group. For example, the The idea of a course offered by the ‘Ethics, Citizenship and Work’ discipline National Program for Access to Technical addressed indigenous rights, while the Education and Employment - PRONATEC ‘Entrepreneurship’ course covered the emerged from arrangements by GATI’s process of creating a legal entity, in addition regional consultant, Graziella Reis de to public policies in support of family Sant’Ana, counselors Leosmar and Inácio, and indigenous farming. The fve specifc and IFMS10 Professor Aislan Vieira de Melo. disciplines were: ‘Traditional Agricultural The course aimed to meet the needs of Knowledge and Changes over Time’, the group linked to the GATI Project, in ‘Cultivation of Agricultural Plant Species’, terms of knowledge and practical guidance ‘Implementation of Agroforestry Systems’, in the area of agroecology. ‘Growing Forest Species’, and ‘Models and Arrangement of Agroforestry Systems’. These disciplines were taught by seven instructors selected through a public selection process, among which four were Terena individuals.
10 The courses offered by PRONATEC can be accessed and implemented by some federal institutions, among which the Federal Institutes - IFs.
43 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
The classes took place on weekends on a Coordination Offce in Campo Grande rotating scheme in the six villages of the acquired 26 kits of tools, supplies and Cachoeirinha IL. Among the 40 course equipment, which was essential for allowing participants enrolled, including farmers, course participants to put into practice the teachers, students and leaders, there knowledge acquired. were 22 women and 18 men, between 16 and 73 years old, with schooling levels This was a successful example of how the ranging from elementary school to college GATI Project helped communities access education. This diversity was a strength a program derived from a public policy, of the course, creating an environment which initially was not conceived for an for a rich exchange of knowledge and indigenous clientele. Through engagement perspectives. Among the 40 course of the Terena people and partners, a participants enrolled, only 9 dropped out, differentiated course was constructed, and which was considered excellent in regard ended up exceeding the expectations of all to general statistics for PRONATEC / those involved. IFMS courses. In parallel, Funai’s Regional ©Robert Miller
The young Terena Saulo in one of the agroecological plots cultivated by his family (2014)
44 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
Along with the workshops and course, with estimated participation of over 1000 the Terena people dreamed of what was people, including indigenous people from initially called a “Training House” and then 26 villages, representing 6 ethnicities, from become Ovoku Tumuné Terenoe - ‘Terena 9 municipalities of the state. The event Space for the Future’ - a ‘house’ surrounded was held in the city of Miranda with the by agroforestry systems, headquarters to support of the local government, the the GATI Family / Caianas Organization, and Embrapa Agricultural West Unit, Embrapa for group meetings, training courses and Pantanal Unit, Agraer, IFMS, UFMS, UEMS workshops on environmental and ‘cultural’ and the GATI Project. It constituted a subjects, such as Terena songs and prayers, specifc space for indigenous peoples pottery, medicinal plants, etc. The leaders of of the state to refect and strengthen the Mãe Terra village designated (donated) Indigenous Agroecology and show for this space an area of 5 hectares of society the important role they play in major environmental importance, as it the maintenance of Brazilian biodiversity. shelters three springs, and also of historical Several activities were held throughout signifcance, where 30 families remained the AGROECOINDÍGENA, such as the camped in the process of recovery of this Meeting of Indigenous Men and Women land. The area today is severely degraded; Farmers, the Fair of Indigenous Landraces, the idea is precisely to demonstrate that the Seminar on Indigenous Agroforestry they can reforest it and restore it. Systems, feld visits to the Cachoeirinha IL to get to know the experiences with With support of the GATI Project (PPP- agroforestry and agroecological production, ECOS- ISPN / GATI Project), the basic and several workshops, on themes such as structure of the house is being built from grafting fruit trees, beekeeping (Apis and local raw materials and the area is being native species), propagation of native tree reforested. species, fsh farming, free-range chicken, crafts with fbers, and processing of cassava Another ramifcation of the agroecological / and fruits. agroforestry movement in the Cachoeirinha IL is the inclusion of the discipline ‘Terena The themes agroecology, agroforestry and Agroecology’ in the school curriculum in ecological restoration brought by the GATI ILs. This initiative was developed with the Project found fertile ground among the support of consultant Ingrid Weber and Terena in the Cachoeirinha IL, constituting involved the preparation of the Pedagogic instruments to meet other needs, such as Political Project (PPP) of the Felipe Antonio the production of healthy food and the school, to which the school of the Mãe recuperation and safeguarding of culture. Terra Village is linked. Moreover, they were fully consistent with the Terena´s goal of land rights and On June 3rd and 4th, 2016, the Terena autonomy, at the same time bringing about people of the Caianas Organization held convergent actions seeking to strengthen an unprecedented event in Mato Grosso the philosophy and values of traditional do Sul, the AGROECOINDÍGENA 2016, Terena agriculture.
45 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands ©Robert Miller
Ms. Maria Belizária, of Cachoeirinha IL, speaks about agroforestry production supported by the GATI Project (2014)
Central/West Amazon Center: Agroforestry with Guaraná and Rose Wood in the Andirá-Marau IL (AM/PA)
The Andirá-Marau IL is located in the through fair trade and other initiatives to states of Amazonas and Pará, covering Italy, France and other countries. Over 788,528 hectares and with a population the past decade (2006-2015), the average of more than 5,250 individuals of the production of guaraná by the Sateré-Mawé Sateré-Mawé people. The Sateré-Mawé Producers Consortium (CPSM), has been consider themselves the “people of the around 5.6 tons / year11. guaraná” (the caffeine-rich seeds of the forest liana Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis) and this product has become a major source 11 Source: Technical report on the management of guaraná plantations by the Sateré-Mawé ethnicity; Clara Vignoli/ of income for the IL, being exported INPA, 2016
46 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
Guaraná is grown in biodiverse agroforestry forest seeds, establishment of school systems, without use of any chemical vegetable gardens, and organic compost inputs. The seedlings used in the guaraná production, aiming towards food security plantations are mostly obtained from and income generation by indigenous beneath mother plants growing in the communities. The initiative was funded by forest. Currently, the Sateré-Mawe seek Petrobras Ambiental and developed in for recognition of this practice through partnership with the National Institute for the process of registering the protected Amazon Research (INPA), the Consortium “Designation of Origin” for guaraná in the of Sateré-Mawé Producers (CPSM), the National Institute of Intellectual Property, Secretariat for Rural Production of the INPI, with the support of Geographical Amazonas State (Sepror), the Institute for Indication Coordination Offce of the Sustainable Development of Amazonas Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock-Raising, State (Idesam), the Federal Institute of and Supply. For the Sateré-Mawe, the Amazonas (IFAM), and the Centre of Designation of Origin seal will legally Native Seeds of the State of Amazonas recognize the differentiation of the guaraná (CSNAM) of the Federal University of they produce, in terms of the specifc Amazonas (Ufam). Under this initiative, the environmental characteristics of ILs, the GATI Project supported the realization of use of traditional farming and processing the Fair for the Exchange of Seeds, Flavors practices that protect the genetic diversity and Knowledge on June 11th to 13th, 2015. of the species, and because the seedlings were harvested from semi-wild mother plants in forest areas far from the villages. Exhibition of products from indigenous crops Thus, they seek to differentiate the guaraná during the Fair for the Exchange of Seeds and produced by the Sateré-Mawe from that Flavors, Andirá-Marau IL (2015) produced by other farmers in the region, where there is a growing use of clones developed by Embrapa.
More recently, the Warana Project was developed in order to support sustainable production activities with emphasis on agroecology, such as the production of seedlings, implementation of agroforestry systems, ©Robert Miller training in collecting
47 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
One of the initiatives of the Warana Project seeds, which involves the selection of mother was the replanting of rose wood (Aniba trees and indication of Seed Collection rosaeodora Ducke), which is of particular Areas, as well as climbing techniques. Among interest to the Sateré-Mawé people. The the mother trees identifed and mapped species almost reached total extinction in the out, there are 96 rose wood trees and 676 region, as it was over-exploited for extraction trees of other species. Today, out of the 57 of the essential oil “linalol”, used by the Sateré-Mawe representatives trained, 42 are perfume industry. It is listed as an endangered registered as seed collectors in the National species of the Brazilian fora, according to Register of Seed and Seedling Growers- Normative Instruction of the Ministry of RENASEM, of the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment. Livestock-Raising and Supply-MAPA.
Today, with the support of partners, the In early 2014, the GATI Project also species is being replanted by indigenous supported the installation of the Local Council communities with seedlings brought from of the Andirá Marau Indigenous Land, thus the forest or produced in nurseries, with bringing about the mobilization necessary for prospects for oil production from pruning the preparation of a proposal for the Plan for of leaves and branches, with no need to cut Territorial and Environmental Management the tree. Replanting is intercropped with of the IL. The proposal was prepared jointly cultivation of guaraná and other native species. with the Center for Indigenous Work - CTI and was approved in a call for projects by the Besides the work involving planting guaraná Amazon Fund / BNDES. Implementation is and rose wood, the Warana Project also expected to take place in 2017. trained Sateré-Mawe youth in collecting forest
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) ©Embrapa
48 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
Preparation of rosewood seedlings from cuttings ©Manuel Lima Júnior
Under the Program for Small Projects of The project “Growing and conserving Environmental Management in Indigenous rose wood in agroforestry systems by the Lands (PPP-GATI) 3 small projects Sateré-Mawé people - Marau River” had were funded, presented by the CPSM in as its goal production of 1,000 rose wood partnership with UFAM and Idesam. They seedlings or rooted cuttings, with training were implemented between 2015 and and technical support by UFAM. Specifc 2016 and address the recovery, planting workshops were held for indigenous and management of rose wood and the representatives on growing rose wood continuity of initiatives with agroecology from cuttings at the University, and and agroforestry systems. technical assistance was provided for the nurseries installed in the IL. The project also contributed to the recovery of degraded areas in the IL and recovery of knowledge and uses of rose wood by communities.
49 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
The project “Cultivation and conservation of rose wood in agroforestry systems of the Sateré-Mawé people - rivers Uaicurapá / Andirá” aimed for the production of 2000 seedlings. Similar and complementary to the above, it also provided training and exchange activities with indigenous knowledge and technical support by UFAM.
The “Warana Agroecology II” Project: Strengthening Sateré-Mawé Production” continued the activities initiated by the Warana Project, with the implementation of agroforestry systems, the strengthening of ecological practices, and the promotion of environmental education. The technical support was provided by Idesam.
In regard to the Micro-Project mechanism, a Micro-project called Sakaka was implemented in the Fé em Deus village, involving the replanting of rose wood in agroforestry systems and homegardens of indigenous families. The activities were performed in collective events, between September / 2013 to January / 2014. The person responsible for coordinating the Micro-project was Ilson Brandão Freitas.
First, meetings addressed the work plan and the division of tasks, such as cleaning and opening small clearings, and the division of hunting and fshing teams to feed the people who worked in the events. After identifying the important plants for the Sateré-Mawé in the forest and backyards of families, these species were intercropped with rose wood. Agroforestry systems have been improved and enriched and today the community is carrying out the maintenance of agroforestry homegardens. Rosewood agroforestry plantation intercropped with açaí and guarana
50 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration ©Robert Miller
51 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
Conclusions - Some Lessons Learned
52 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
Rotation of different crops and diversity Initiatives with more comprehensive of species are key elements to maintain results also incorporated a set of ecological and economic stability of complementary actions, for example: after agro-ecological production systems and bringing a technician to lead a workshop agroforests. When evaluating GATI Project’s on agroforestry, an exchange activity was initiatives in agroecology, agroforestry carried out, so that participants could and environmental restoration, a similar see in practice what they discussed in correlation can be made: the most workshops, through the viewpoint and consistent results are seen where there is experience of other indigenous and non- the presence and participation of different indigenous farmers. It would also have actors as partners, each bringing their been pointless to have stimulated actions particular contribution, whether in the form without having a funding mechanism to of knowledge, labor, materials, fnancial support indigenous farmers in putting new resources or logistical support. ideas into practice, a need that was fulflled by the Micro-projects and then the small projects of the PPP-GATI initiative.
53 The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands
By respecting and promoting indigenous capacity combined with the preservation leadership, the Project was able to develop of existing forests is one of the most initiatives that are not “top down”, having effective ways to mitigate climate change, instead the features of a network, with the recovery of degraded landscapes is multiple partners. Thus, reiterating the usually a relatively costly endeavor. Although correlation with biodiverse systems, the combination of restoration with food arrangements with greater stability are production represents a way to reduce created where social capital is strengthened this cost, it is still necessary that such and is a key element for the continuity of initiatives receive specifc fnancial support. actions. Nonetheless, national environmental goals permit the convergence of such social and As regards to the expansion and scaling-up environmental objectives, especially those of initiatives in agroecology, agroforestry and related to climate change mitigation and ecological restoration in ILs, it is important adaptation, through mechanisms such as to note that in the context of climate payment for environmental services (PES). change, the Brazilian government has taken on national and international commitments As a contribution to an indigenous policy related to restoration of degraded more coherent with environmental policies, areas, and has established several public more consistent actions by the Brazilian policies and specifc programs in order government are necessary to promote to achieve these goals. One of the goals and support environmental restoration is the restoration of 12 million hectares initiatives in Indigenous Lands. Greater of degraded areas, and ILs constitute a interest of indigenous communities can be signifcant opportunity for the fulfllment expected if initiatives are able to combine of this goals. As seen in this volume, one several of these objectives, simultaneously of the lessons learned by the Project is generating social, cultural, economic and that ILs present not only demands for environmental benefts and contributing to environmental restoration initiatives, but the well-being of indigenous communities. also demonstrate a number of successful One of the observations of the GATI experiences in this line. Project is that the recovery of springs and riparian forests is of great interest to At the same time, environmental indigenous communities, precisely because restoration initiatives, especially those of the importance of maintaining water based on agroforestry systems, have the supply in good quantity and quality. Another potential to contribute to the achievement lesson is that environmental restoration of other goals and public policies related initiatives will be more successful if coupled to food security, income generation and with food production, since intercropping well-being of indigenous peoples. Although tree plantations with food crops brings a the restoration of degraded areas through number of advantages. land use systems with high carbon-storage
54 Agroecology, Agroforestry, and Environmental Restoration
The diversity of indigenous experiments • recognize both the regional characteristics with agroforestry and restoration has great of biomes and the specifc characteristics potential as a starting point for a signifcant of each indigenous people, in regard increase in the quantity of recovered to the way of life, social and political areas, and as references for new initiatives organization, and various other factors in other ILs. Considering the potential of that infuence their relationship with the these experiences to achieve several goals environment and surroundings; of PNGATI and indigenous policy in a • be based on or have as a starting point cross-cutting manner, we can conclude that existing actions and initiatives, highlighting the issue of environmental restoration in successful experiences; ILs constitutes fertile ground for specifc programs and investments. However, • use of agroecology and agroforestry according to the lessons learned by the approaches, since these are more GATI Project, any proposal for indigenous appropriate to the reality of most environmental restoration program should indigenous peoples, combining observe some assumptions, as follows: environmental recovery with food production and income generation; • establish mechanisms of dialogue with relevant public policies, so as to build a Guarani individual of the Caieiras Velhas broader base of support for initiatives, II / Tupiniquim IL visiting areas reforested from technical training to the fnancing of with juçara palm in Guarani IL of Ribeirão actions. Silveira-SP (2015) ©Dafran Macário
55 REFERENCES
Embrapa’s Group on Organic Agriculture and Agroecology: http://www.cnph.embrapa.br/ organica/agroecologia.html
Lundgren, B.O. and Raintree, J.B. 1982. Sustained agroforestry. In: Nestel B. (Ed.). Agricultural Research for Development: Potentials and Challenges in Asia, pp. 37-49. ISNAR, Netherlands.
International Society for Ecological Restoration, 2005: http://www.ser.org/docs/default- document-library/guidelines_portuguese.pdf PRESIDÊNCIA DA FUNDAÇÃO NACIONAL DO ÍNDIO Artur Nobre Mendes
DIRETORIA DE PROTEÇÃO TERRITORIAL - DPT Walter Coutinho Jr.
DIRETORIA DE PROMOÇÃO AO DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL - DPDS Patricia Chagas Neves
DIRETORIA DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO E GESTÃO - DAGES Janice Queiroz de Oliveira
UNIDADE DE GESTÃO DO PROJETO GATI
DIRETORA NACIONAL DO PROJETO - DPDS/FUNAI Patricia Chagas Neves
COORDENADOR NACIONAL DO PROJETO - CGGAM/FUNAI Fernando de Luiz Brito Vianna
OFICIAL DE PROJETO DO PNUD Rose Diegues
COORDENADOR TÉCNICO DO PROJETO - PNUD Robert Pritchard Miller
COORDENADOR DE PGTA - PNUD Ney José Brito Maciel
COORDENADORA FINANCEIRA DO PROJETO - CGGAM/FUNAI Valéria do Socorro Novaes de Carvalho
ASSISTENTES ADMINISTRATIVOS - CGGAM/FUNAI Caio César de Sousa de Oliveira Sofia Morgana Siqueira Meneses The Project for Indigenous Territorial and Environmental Management (GATI) contributed to the recognition of Indigenous Lands (ILs) as protected areas essential for biodiversity conservation in Brazilian biomes, and strengthened traditional indigenous practices regarding management, sustainable use, and conservation of natural resources. In addition, it fostered indigenous leadership The Experience of the GATI Project in Indigenous Lands in the construction of public policies for environmental and territorial management of ILs.
The Project was a joint effort of the Brazilian indigenous movement, the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (Funai), the Ministry of Environment (MMA), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Articulação MATO GROSSO ARTICULAÇÃO DOS POVOS E ORGANIZAÇÕES INDÍGENAS DO NORDESTE, MINAS GERAIS E ESPÍRITO SANTO Agroecology Agroforestry
Empoderando vidas. www.theGEF.org Fortalecendo nações. Environmental Restoration