Local Context

The Protected Areas of Bananal/Cantão Islands is located west of the Tocantins state, mostly in the municipalities of Pium, Caseara and Marianópolis. The quality of the hydro resources in the region of Coco River, an affluent of the right bank of Araguaia River, is being threatened due to environmental degradation, a direct consequence of the population growth in the surrounding municipalities. This growth results in deforestation, and an increase in the exploitation of natural resources. The project lasted from 2006 to 2008 and was sponsored by Petrobras through the Petrobras Environmental Program, and rely on partners such as Conservation International in Brazil, the University of Tocantins, the local governments and the Provi Association.

Project Description

Conservation activities in the region’s springs include the promotion of environmentally protected areas- with an emphasis on the protection of water springs and woodland areas located by the water course- and the dissemination of knowledge through environmental education projects for local agents. The project therefore aims to create water resource protection strategies in the Coco River’s Basin by encouraging the creation of protected areas, environmental education and local community involvement in the preservation of water sources and sustainable use of water.

Among the goals, the highlights include a preliminary study to analyze the socio-economic conditions of the land claim settlement; an environmental education program to encourage the creation of a management committee;  the creation of an SIG (Geographic Information System) structure to support the creation of National Preservation Parks; map and assess of the use of soil and water resources by the communities; income generation activities in local communities through capacity-building and exploration of native crops, targeting an integrated management; training to the technicians of governmental bodies and partner organizations to implement a State-level  Program of National Preservation Parks; seedling production and recover 20 hectares of water course woodlands.

Files for Download

Resume (Portuguese)