Trocano Project REDD+ continues to bring Environmental Education to Borba, reaching Vila Izabel
Part 2 of 3: Go Balance Trocano Project brings climate awareness and environmental responsibility to riverside students along the Madeira River
On the morning of May 7, 2025, the Trocano Araretama Project REDD+ team, supported by the Municipal Government of Borba, continued its three-day community outreach initiative in the Alto Rio Madeira region.
A Warm Welcome for the Trocano Project Team in Vila Izabel
Departing from our REDD+ education visit to the Divino Espírito Santo community, the team travelled upriver to Vila Izabel. They were warmly received by Mr. Daniel dos Santos, manager of Nossa Senhora de Aparecida School, and the dedicated teaching team.
This visit marked the second stage in a wider initiative by the Go Balance Trocano Project. The aim was to deliver environmental education as part of its long-term REDD+ project commitment to the people and forests of Borba. It is also designed to build further trust with communities and strengthen the social co-benefits of REDD+ implementation in the Brazilian Amazon.
Celebrating Earth Day Through Environmental Learning
The central theme of the visit was Earth Day — a globally recognised moment of reflection and mobilization around climate action. The Trocano Project REDD+ team led a dynamic session with 31 students (12 from Elementary School I and 19 from Elementary School II), exploring the importance of protecting the planet’s ecosystems. The whole session was also supported by enthusiastic local teachers.
Thanks to the availability of electricity in the community, the team was able to enhance the experience through projected slides and a short educational video, making the session more visual and interactive.
Before beginning the formal presentation, the Trocano Project Team hosted an open discussion circle with the students, encouraging them to ask questions and share ideas. This created a two-way dialogue that allowed students to reflect on their own role in environmental protection, and to express thoughtful questions around climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity.
Exploring Climate Actions and Solutions through REDD+ Education
The educational talk covered the significance of Earth Day as a moment for reflection and mobilisation around the planet’s most pressing challenges. Mr. Raidê highlighted the global significance of Earth Day and covered key topics such as:
- The accelerating impacts of climate change
- The threat of deforestation to biodiversity and local livelihoods
- The role of pollution in damaging ecosystems
- The extinction of species and its implications for forest health
He also emphasised the power of individual and collective action, encouraging students to think about how everyday behaviour can help preserve natural resources — reinforcing the message that environmental responsibility begins with each of us.
Community Partnership and Support for the Go Balance Trocano REDD+ Mission
At the end of the session, Mr. Raidê thanked the Vila Izabel community for their hospitality and warm welcome. He expressed sincere appreciation to the teachers and students for their active participation and support. He also acknowledged the essential role of the Municipal Department of Education (SEMED) in making the visit possible. Mr. Raidê expressed gratitude to the Municipal Hall of Borba, led by Mayor Raimundo Santana, for their continued support of REDD+ outreach.
Their backing ensured the safe and successful delivery of this important Trocano Project REDD+ activity.
The students showed great enthusiasm for the visit. The school leadership worked closely with the team and offered full cooperation. The wider community also expressed strong interest in the goals of the Trocano Project. Together, these actions reflected a clear spirit of partnership.
The Trocano Project also supports community resilience and forest protection. Previous initiatives include the training of Borba’s first volunteer fire brigade to strengthen emergency response capacity in remote areas.
A Foundation of Trust and Shared Purpose drive the Trocano Project in Borba
The strong participation in Vila Izabel affirms the deepening relationship between the Trocano Project REDD+ and Borba’s forest communities. Residents shared their encouragement for the educational activities, as well as their broader support for the project’s workshops, conservation training, and climate awareness campaigns. This shared commitment to sustainable development is a cornerstone of the Go Balance Trocano Project, reinforcing its mission to deliver climate impact with community inclusion at its core.
Coming Next in this Series
In the final part of this three-day journey, the Trocano Project REDD+ team will report from Sempre Viva Santana, where additional environmental education and local engagement took place. This further demonstrates how the project supports Amazon communities in meaningful, measurable ways.
Part 1: REDD+ in Divino Espirito Santo – Soil Awareness and Climate Learning
