Review of Community-Based Conservation Initiatives for Protecting a Primary Atlantic Forest Remnant: A Case Study

• Published in: Conservation 2023-12, Vol.3 (4), p.595-617
• Main Authors: Studer, Anita, de Sousa, Marcelo Cardoso, Stoudmann, Gwyneth, de Melo, Leandro F., da Silva, Anita, de Araujo Guimarães, José Rodrigo, de Oliveira, Cleydeanne E. H., Alves, Marcio José Soares, de Lima Araujo, Sonia M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodiversity; biodiversity protection; capacity development; Case studies; Community development; conservation; conservation education; Education; Environmental economics; environmental education; Forests; Humidity; Multiculturalism & pluralism; multiplier effect; Natural resources; Rural areas; Sugarcane; Sustainable development
• ISSN: 2673-7159; 2673-7159
• DOI: 10.3390/conservation3040037

Effective forest conservation should go hand in hand with collaboration of the surrounding local communities. Bringing advancement and relief to marginalized communities is pivotal for conservation initiatives, with the objective of cultivating a sustainable ecosystem while protecting indigenous biodiversity. The linchpin for developing successful partnerships begins with fostering a shared understanding of the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural environment. This awareness can be nurtured by interactive education and tangible outcomes that illuminate the profound long-term benefits of conscientious environmental stewardship. Therefore, an emphasis on community-driven conservation and environmental education becomes imperative, serving as a conduit for disseminating crucial information, fostering practical knowledge, and nurturing the attitudes and skills essential in the quest for environmental protection and sustainable development. Education, in this context, operates as a reciprocal process, demanding that educators glean insights from the local populace to effectively tailor strategies that elevate and empower them toward sustainable advancement. This dynamic interaction is where capacity development (CD) becomes indispensable. This paper delves into the unfolding of a series of conservation endeavors, initially driven by Anita Studer’s commitment to preserving a fragment of the primary Atlantic Forest in northeastern Brazil. Evolving into a four-decade educational journey, the actions taken showcase enduring ripple effects across 14 states in Brazil, presenting a comprehensive survey of applied techniques in this unique context. The resources required to achieve collective conservation goals witness a continual upswing, a trend expounded in this paper. Hence, we have chronicled the history, methodology, and projects that transpired in response to the ever-evolving community needs. We will also look at the results and discuss the advancement that ensues following the CBD targets and goals presented at the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference.