Go Balance Trocano Project delivers environmental education and community engagement along the Madeira River.
Part 1: Community Action in Alto Rio Madeira – A Journey from Borba to Divino Espírito Santo
On 6 May 2025, the Trocano Araretama REDD+ Project, led by Go Balance in partnership with the Municipality of Borba and the Municipal Department of Education (SEMED), began a three-day expedition to deliver environmental education and community outreach in the Alto Rio Madeira region. The first stop was the Divino Espírito Santo community, where the team held a special session at the Américo Costa Municipal School to mark World Soil Day.
This initiative forms part of the Go Balance Trocano Project’s ongoing REDD+ programme to bring measurable environmental and social benefits to the remote forest communities of the Brazilian Amazon.
The Trocano Team’s River Expedition Begins
At 7:30 a.m. on May 6, the Trocano Project team departed Itamar’s Port by fast boat, supported by Civil Defense staff and experienced boat operator Mr. Gildo. The goal: to reach several remote communities along the upper Madeira River — including Espírito Santo, Vila Izabel, Ponta Alegre, and Sempre Viva Santana — to deliver REDD+ outreach activities.
This expedition was made possible thanks to the logistical support provided by the Borba Municipal Government, including the provision of the boat, fuel, and personnel. Despite the dynamic and often unpredictable Amazonian weather, the river journey progressed smoothly, marking the beginning of a coordinated three-day initiative to strengthen the Trocano Project’s community partnerships.
Raising Awareness: Trocano Project REDD+ and Sustainability
The highlight of the day was a playful, interactive lecture delivered by Environmental Consultant Mr. Raidê Ferreira Carvalho, who engaged students and teachers on the vital importance of soil health for the planet’s ecosystems. Using colourful visuals and engaging examples, the presentation explored:
- The role of soil in sustaining plant and animal life
- The importance of soil conservation for biodiversity
- The connection between soil health and community well-being
- Practical ways to protect and preserve soil in everyday life
The session was attended by 19 primary school children and five teachers, combining early-year and upper-elementary students for an engaging learning experience.
Sense of Community and Hospitality in Espírito Santo
Upon arrival at the Espírito Santo community, the Trocano REDD team was warmly welcomed by Mr. Jailson Barbosa, the school’s manager. Notably, the school operates using a solar power system, providing electricity not only for the educational facility but also supporting several households in the community — a strong example of sustainable local infrastructure.
The team was hosted by a local family, where they were offered a meal and rest before the afternoon’s activities.
Environmental Education in Action
In the early afternoon, the project team set up an interactive presentation space at the school, supported by a data projector and curated imagery to help visualise key concepts. Mr. Raidê Ferreira opened the session with acknowledgements to the Municipality of Borba, the SEMED, and the support of Mayor Raimundo Santana.
Key highlights of the session included:
- Celebrating International Soil Day
- Explaining the role of soil organisms in environmental balance
- Discussing the impact of human actions on soil preservation
- Reinforcing the need to protect natural resources for future generations
The lesson concluded with a round of practical suggestions and reflections, leaving students and teachers with a renewed understanding of the soil’s role in both ecology and daily life.
The Trocano Project continues to provide material support to Borba’s communities — including a roof tile donation to Terra Preta earlier this year.
Community Support for the Trocano Project REDD+
That evening, the Trocano Project team took time to reflect on the strong interest and enthusiasm expressed by local residents during the day’s activities. The positive response from the Espírito Santo community — including active participation from teachers, students, and school leaders — reinforced the ongoing support for the Trocano Project’s presence and purpose in the region.
The success of the day also demonstrated the community’s alignment with the Trocano Project’s objectives, recognising the value of the environmental lectures, workshops, professional development courses, and conservation efforts implemented in the region.
This level of engagement is a clear indicator of the trust and connection built through consistent outreach and collaboration. It reflects the authentic community participation that underpins the Go Balance Trocano REDD+ Project — rooted in transparency, mutual respect, and the delivery of tangible, long-term benefits for forest communities.
Coming next in this Series
In the next blog instalments from this three-day mission, we will report on the outreach activities held in the Vila Izabel and Sempre Viva Santana communities — including further educational sessions, partnership development, and support for sustainable livelihoods.
Stay tuned for more updates on how the Trocano Project is delivering real REDD+ impact across Borba’s forest communities.
Part 2: REDD+ in Vila Izabel – Earth Day Climate Education Along the Madeira River
