Joint Program for Neutralization and Reduction of CO2
This Program aims to work in partnership with businesses, to develop the solution for two serious social-environmental problems in the country:
1 - The destruction of tropical forests resulting in reduction of biodiversity, degradation of natural resources and increase in carbon dioxide emissions;
2 - The exclusion of traditional communities living in precarious conditions and conducting illegal activities (cutting wood, hunting and sale of coal commercial) as their only alternatives for survival.
The financial resources generated by the program are allocated to the Social Carbon Fund. This fund finances the implementation of all actions and activities of Patrons for Life Movement including the Bolsa Conservação – a monthly grant for conservation, which is given to the traditional small-scale farmers that take part in the program.
The resources for the Fund will come from:
1- The neutralization and reduction of CO2 emissions generated by tourist facilities located in the Itacaré-Serra Grande APA and that take part of the Neutral Carbon Tourism Program.
2- The neutralization and reduction of CO2 emissions generated by other participants of the Program – not necessarily located in the region or belonging to the tourism sector: private and public companies, other institutions, etc
3- The donations received from companies, institutions or any other person interested in environmental conservation and in human development of Itacaré-Serra Grande APA, and also interested in its enhancement as a tourist destination.
The financial resources gathered by the Fund make up the Bolsa Conservação and are directed to traditional farmers to carry out reforestation/carbon neutralization activities and the conservation of the forested tourist destinations. These practices promote human and socio-economical development of the traditional farming communities living in precarious conditions.
As a counterpart, the farmers commit to the following:
1) conserve the forests on their properties;
2) reforest their deforested areas;
3) adopt conservationist practices;
4) abstain from hunting and using fire to clear their land;
5) enroll their children in school and keep them away from hard labor on the farms;
6) participate in the training courses involving technical, environmental, economical, social and human issues.