The Pataxó Indigenous Nation, based in Northeast Brazil, represents a profound connection to their land, culture, and traditions. For generations, the Pataxó people have preserved their identity through rituals, dances, and knowledge of the Atlantic Forest’s biodiversity, particularly its medicinal plants. The Awê dance, symbolising unity and harmony with nature, and intricate body paintings, which narrate stories of life and heritage, are central to their cultural expression.
The Brazilwood tree, a species of ecological and cultural significance to the Pataxó, stands as a symbol of their bond with the land. However, agricultural expansion threatens this vital species and the ecosystems it sustains. Protecting the Brazilwood is not only crucial for biodiversity but also for the Pataxó’s enduring heritage.
Food sovereignty is a cornerstone of the Pataxó's aspirations. Cultivating traditional crops represents more than sustenance—it is a path toward autonomy, resilience, and the reclamation of their ancestral lands. Meanwhile, the revitalisation of their language, Patxohã, through a lexicon of over 2,000 words, underscores their commitment to cultural preservation and identity.
This project aims to restore the natural habitat of the Brazilwood and enhance the ecological and cultural richness of the Alegria Nova Indigenous Village. Located within the MAPES (Mosaic of Protected Areas in Southern Bahia), this region contains the highest concentration of protected areas in the Central Atlantic Forest Corridor, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a global biodiversity hotspot. MAPES hosts the largest Indigenous population in Northeast Brazil and offers a unique opportunity to conserve one of the planet's most critical socio-biodiversity areas.
Project Goals
- Habitat Restoration: Restore and expand the Brazilwood's natural habitat, reintroducing native species that strengthen the ecosystem.
Community Empowerment - Employ and train Pataxó members as seed collectors, nursery workers, and ecological monitors.
- Create income opportunities through agroforestry systems, blending food production with forest preservation.
Biodiversity Conservation - Strengthen the Central Atlantic Forest Corridor by creating ecological links between mangroves, forests, and agricultural areas, promoting connectivity for species and ecosystems.
Cultural and Ecological Education - Enhance immersive visitor experiences that support cultural preservation and restoration activities.
Water and Food Security - Promote agroecological practices that integrate forest cover with food production, ensuring long-term resilience for Indigenous and traditional communities.
Why MAPES?
MAPES is home to the most significant concentration of endangered and endemic species in the Atlantic Forest Corridor—a "hotspot within a hotspot" for global conservation priorities. By working within this unique mosaic of Indigenous lands and conservation areas, this project has the potential to:
- Strengthen socio-biodiversity conservation, bridging traditional knowledge and modern ecological practices.
- Secure water and food resources for the region while addressing climate resilience.
- Build capacity for restoration through training in seed collection, nursery management, and agroforestry.