Meeting of rubber extractivists consolidates resumption of production in Amazonas

Manaus (AM) — Native rubber extraction in Amazonas emerges as a significant symbol of the revitalization of forest economies, gaining prominence as an opportunity in the face of the challenges of climate resilience and environmental preservation. International commitments aimed at resolving zero deforestation and mitigating climate change, especially in a new political context in the country, highlight the Amazon as the epicenter of this debate.

The 2nd Grand State Meeting on Rubber Extractivism, held from February 26th to 29th in Manaus, highlighted the need to expand arrangements to strengthen the productive basket of Amazonian socio-biodiversity, recognizing its vast potential. Promoted by the “Together for Amazon Rubber Extractivism” project, the event celebrated an exponential growth in rubber production by participating associations, resulting in direct income of R$1,816,234 during the second year of the project.

This joint effort involves 16 agroextractive associations, distributed across six municipalities in Amazonas: Canutama, Itacoatiara, Pauiní, Manicoré, Barcelos and Eirunepé. In addition to celebrating the growth in production, the meeting highlighted the need for collaborative actions between the various actors involved, addressing issues such as tax reduction and logistical challenges to guarantee the viability of the chain.

José Roberto de Lima (Neguinho), president of the Association of Agroextractive Workers of Pauiní, expressed the importance of the chain beyond rubber, but for the traditional added value.

“If we don’t invest in the production chain, it won’t sustain itself, we need to think of rubber not just as rubber, but with everything it represents, what and who is behind it, and more than that, for the forest”,

emphasizes.

The demands presented in the Meeting’s closing letter are a revamping of the demands that were already made at the first meeting, they continue to include the exemption from ICMS for socio-biodiversity products, the elimination of taxation on state subsidies, the availability of bleeding kits. They also demand the creation of rubber insurance policies, subsidized credit lines and infrastructure for storing production.

“I always say that the main product, which has a great symbolism with the history of occupation of the Amazon, is rubber. From there, we will begin to value our forest from the point of view of its conservation”,

says the president of the National Council of Extractive Populations (CNS) and one of the organizers of the meeting, Júlio Barbosa.

With the participation of 80 guests, including representatives of civil society, companies and public authorities, the meeting aimed to raise awareness among federal, state and municipal governments about the importance of meeting the demands of the sector, promoting the recognition and appreciation of the work of rubber tappers. in the Amazon.

Antônia Davy, secretary of the Association of Agroextractive Producers of Canutama, reinforced the call for government support and recognition. “We want more support and participation from the government, we deserve to be recognized, we are the guardians of the forests”.

Highlights of the 2023 Harvest

As a form of recognition for the valuable contribution to structuring the rubber chain, the following awards were granted: Highlights in Production Volume, Quality Criteria, Organization and Engagement, Engaging Leadership and Female Engagement.

Reginaldo, from the Capanã Grande Extractive Reserve, received the award in the Engaging Leadership category. He was responsible for organizing 91 rubber tappers to deliver 21 thousand tons of rubber in 2023. “For us it is gratifying, thanks to the commitment of the tappers and we will pass it on to the communities and make the symbolic delivery to the tappers. It’s work that gives me great pride, representing those who defend the forest,” he said during the award ceremony.

The project

The “Together for Amazon Rubber Extractivism” Project has already positively impacted the lives of 500 families, directly promoting the conservation of more than 145 thousand hectares of the Amazon through sustainable rubber management. Furthermore, its beneficial environmental reach extended to more than 1.3 million hectares, covering four conservation units and five municipalities in Amazonas where the activities are carried out.

In this second year of latex extraction with the support of the project, more than 130 tons of native rubber were produced, generating a significant volume of R$1.8 million for participating families.

The National Council of Extractive Populations (CNS), Memorial Chico Mendes, Michelin Brasil, Imaflora and WWF-Brasil are the main managers of the project, also counting on the crucial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Plataforma Parceiros by Amazônia (PPA), Alliance Bioversity International – CIAT, Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Michelin Foundation and Conexsus.

What are sociobiobiodiversity economies?

More than products, these economies are based on traditional knowledge about biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources by those who live in diverse biomes and ecosystems: in areas of forests, savannas, caatingas, fields, coastal areas, mangroves, floodplains and rivers.

“Identity and self-affirmation as forest people, because this is a great milestone in extractive production, because it shows who the hands are, who the faces are that drive these policies. We are not talking about just any production, we are talking about traditional production”,

explains Claudia de Pinho, Director of Socio-Environmental Management and Traditional Peoples and Communities at the Ministry of the Environment, who was present at the II Great Meeting.

*With information from consultancy

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