¿De dónde viene la Castaña de Natura Ekos?

Summary

This video transcript explores the life of castanha (Brazil nut) harvesters who feel a deep connection with the forest. It details their journey, facing 27 waterfalls to reach their harvesting areas. The process involves preparing the land, collecting nuts, and sustainably preserving the ecosystem for wildlife and future harvests. A partnership with FSC and Natura has empowered the community by offering education and better profits, transforming the harvesting process into a more rewarding and environmentally conscious effort. The speaker expresses pride and fulfillment in working closely with nature.

Takeaways

• 🌰 The collection of Brazil nuts is a cherished activity, and people feel a deep connection to the forest during harvest season.
• 🚶‍♂️ Men go into the forest for harvesting while women prepare the boats for the journey upriver, navigating 27 waterfalls along the way.
• 🪓 Upon arrival, the area is cleared, trails are prepared, and tools like axes are used to begin collecting Brazil nuts.
• 🏞️ Collectors preserve part of the nuts in the forest to ensure that animals can feed and seeds can germinate, contributing to forest sustainability.
• 🌳 The forest covers 861,800 hectares, which is carefully preserved by the community living at the river's mouth.
• 🌿 The FSC certification requires strict adherence to environmental rules, which helps protect the forest and educates the community about sustainable practices.
• 🎓 Environmental education brought by partnerships like the one with Natura teaches the community how to care for the forest and minimize risks such as littering or causing fires.
• 🤝 Before the partnership with Natura, locals did not benefit from the full value of the Brazil nut production process, with much of the profit going to middlemen.
• 🏭 Now, community members are involved in every step of production, from harvesting and selection to drying, breaking, and processing the nuts into oil and flour.
• 😊 For the narrator, working as a Brazil nut harvester is gratifying because it allows for a close connection with nature and the feeling of being healthy and free in the forest.

Q & A

What activity is being described at the beginning of the transcript?

The transcript describes the activity of collecting Brazil nuts (castanhas) in the forest, a practice that brings a sense of nostalgia and connection with nature for the speaker.

Who participates in the collection process, and what roles do men and women play?

Men usually go into the forest to collect the nuts, while women stay behind preparing the boats (batelões) and other logistics for the journey.

What challenges do the collectors face during their journey?

The collectors face physical challenges such as crossing 27 waterfalls, which involves carrying goods by foot to make the journey easier.

What preparations are made upon arriving at the castanha areas?

Upon arrival, the area around the barracks is cleaned, trails are cleared, and tools like baskets and axes are prepared to begin the collection process.

What is the significance of leaving part of the nuts in the forest?

Leaving part of the nuts ensures that animals have food and allows some of the nuts to germinate, helping to preserve the Brazil nut trees for future generations.

How large is the forest area being preserved by the community, and how does this relate to their work?

The community is preserving an area of 86,180 hectares of forest, which is critical to the sustainability of their nut collection activities and the overall ecosystem.

What role does FSC certification play in the community's work?

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that the community follows sustainable practices in their collection process, which includes rules on waste management and environmental preservation.

How has education and partnership with organizations like Natura impacted the community?

The partnership with Natura has provided the community with training and education on sustainable practices, helping them understand the risks of certain behaviors and improving their overall environmental awareness.

How has the process of collecting and processing Brazil nuts changed over time for the community?

Before the partnership, the Brazil nuts were sold to middlemen with little benefit to the community. Now, the community is involved in all stages of production, from selection to processing, which increases their profits and autonomy.

What does being a 'Castanheiro' (Brazil nut collector) mean to the speaker?

For the speaker, being a 'Castanheiro' is highly gratifying because it allows them to work in nature, feel a sense of freedom, maintain good health, and be closely connected with the forest and its animals.