Between September 14 and 19, 2024, the Harmonize Project will carry out a new expedition in the cities of Mocajuba and Cametá, in Pará. During this visit, the team will deliver the policy brief entitled “Amazon in Dialogue: Building Bridges in Search of Solutions to the Challenges of Climate Change” to local authorities. The municipalities are in the region known as Baixo Tocantins, located in Pará.
The area is characterized by its diverse ecosystems, including floodplains, rivers, and dense forests. The main economic activities include agriculture, fishing, and extractive activities, with significant production of açaí, cocoa, and cassava. The region has undergone considerable environmental and social transformations due to infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the Tucuruí Hydroelectric Power Plant and the ongoing discussions on the Araguaia-Tocantins Waterway.
Study - Prepared by a group of researchers from Fiocruz, INPE and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, together with local leaders, the report addresses the impacts of climate change in this region of the Amazon and suggests urgent measures to face the climate and environmental challenges affecting the Lower Tocantins region.
The document is the result of debates held during the workshop "Healthy Mocajuba in Times of Climate Change", held in November 2023. The report focuses on three main pillars. First, strong community engagement, with the participation of residents of urban and rural areas, such as Vizânia and Tambaí-Açu. The leaders shared their knowledge about environmental impacts on health and quality of life.
A comprehensive diagnosis was then produced, highlighting urgent issues such as health, sanitation, education and the need to mitigate climate impacts in the region. Innovative solutions were also implemented, as new technologies were used during the project to collect environmental and climate data, including drones and sensors in partnership with community leaders.
This action aims to strengthen dialogue between researchers, authorities and the local population, in addition to supporting the implementation of more efficient and sustainable public policies. The Harmonize project will continue its activities in 2024 to ensure that the solutions proposed in the report are incorporated into government and community actions.
The document emphasizes the need to improve access to health services, deforestation control, waste management, and awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of fire and climate change on health and the environment. The report, which brings together proposals for public policymaking, also highlights the importance of collective action and the integration of local knowledge in addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in the Lower Tocantins. It serves as a critical tool for policymakers, researchers, and community members seeking sustainable solutions.
To learn more, access the Harmonize Brasil website.