Given the challenges we face today, such as the advancement of climate change, the loss of biodiversity and the increase in inequalities, strengthen the connection between the economic development, you sociocultural systems and the biodiversity is essential for building a sustainable future. In this scenario, the concept of sociobiodiversity emerges as a strategic and necessary response.
What is sociobiodiversity?
THE sociobiodiversity is the interaction between the biological diversity (biodiversity) and the sociocultural diversity of traditional regions. It values the ancestral human knowledge, associated with the economic potential and to environmental preservation.
In other words, they are productive activities based on traditional knowledge what generate income and well-being, without compromising ecosystems. This logic promotes the protagonism of indigenous, quilombola, riverside, extractive and family farming communities as guardians of biodiversity.
How important is sociobiodiversity?
THE sociobiodiversity is a fundamental asset for Brazil, as it reveals that it is possible to harmonize the use of biodiversity with the appreciation of cultural diversity and production. Its main benefits include:
- Valorization of traditional knowledge – indigenous peoples, quilombolas, extractivists, fishermen, family farmers, among others, transform ancestral knowledge into sustainable businesses that generate income and preserve nature;
- Preservation of biodiversity – by aligning cultural practices with the sustainable use of natural resources, sociobiodiversity promotes the conservation of ecosystems.
- Economic potential – promotes economic growth in balance with the environment, contributing to sustainable development and strengthening socio-environmental responsibility in the market;
- Research and development – the richness of biodiversity and traditional knowledge drives scientific innovation in areas such as health, technology and climate solutions, offering responses to global challenges.
Sociobiodiversity in Brazil
The Brazil, with its vast territorial extension and variety of biomes, has one of the greatest riches of biodiversity of the planet. This natural diversity is accompanied by an immense sociocultural wealth of traditional peoples and communities, which play a fundamental role in sustainable management of resources.
Recognition of the importance of sociobiodiversity has already been consolidated in public policies:
- National Biodiversity Policy (Decree No. 4,339/2002): encourages the sustainable use of biodiversity considering not only its economic value, but also social, environmental and cultural values;
- National Policy for the Sustainable Development of Traditional Peoples and Communities (Decree No. 6,040/2007): reinforces the need to guarantee the territorial, social, environmental, economic and cultural rights of these peoples.
These milestones demonstrate the effort to strengthen local economies and ensure that the benefits of biodiversity also reach traditional communities.
Sociobiodiversity products
You sociobiodiversity products are goods and services developed from the sustainable management and traditional knowledge, generating economic value without compromising the environment.
The management of these products is developed from fstrong cultural and customary ties, and integrating a deep system of knowledge and wisdom passed down from generation to generation by indigenous peoples and local communities.
According to Catalog of Sociobiodiversity Products from Brazil, launched by the General Coordination of Traditional Populations (CGPT), the following stand out:
- Craftsmanship
- Babassu
- Rubber
- Cocoa
- Brunette
- Cassava flour
- Fruits and pulps
- Jaborandi
- Alligator meat
- Community managed wood
- Vegetable oils
- Fishing resources
- Pirarucu
- Community-based tourism
From sociobiodiversity to sociobioeconomy
THE sociobioeconomy expands the concept of bioeconomy by integrating social, cultural and economic dimensions in a more systemic way. Its objective is generate value responsibly, keeping ecosystems preserved and strengthening local ways of life.
Models like the agroecology, O community forest management and the ecotourism show that it is possible to capture carbon, preserve standing forests and diversify local economies, promoting greater resilience.
And this is a model that is already working. For example, according to one WWF report, The sociobioeconomy chain in Pará it moved R$5.4 billion in 2019, an economic performance similar to that of livestock farming, employing 224 thousand people.
How to strengthen sociobiodiversity?
One of the most effective ways to strengthen the sociobiodiversity is through territorial programs. These programs place communities at the center of decision-making, promote local governance, stimulate sustainable production chains and generate lasting positive impacts for people and the planet.
THE Sitawi Finanças do Bem has been working for over 16 years with financial solutions for positive impact and specializes in developing and managing territorial programs and projects. We work to strengthen sociobiodiversity and territorial development through support for community businesses, socio-environmental safeguards, benefit sharing and personalized solutions adapted to each territory.
Success story – Middle Juruá Territory Program
Since 2017, we have been coordinating initiatives in Médio Juruá (AM), scaling social, environmental and economic impacts. In partnership with local and international actors, we develop and implement socio-environmental projects, promoting income generation for approximately 4 thousand people and the maintenance of 1 million hectares of standing forest in the region.
Do you want to strengthen sociobiodiversity in your territory? Contact Sitawi and design a customized solution with our specialized team.
