Demonstrations of Integrated Ecosystem and Watershed Management in the Caatinga, Phase I

The goal of the proposed project is to demonstrate the integrated ecosystem management of the Caatinga Forest and build multi-sector capacity so that development and poverty alleviation programmes for the semi-arid region contribute to the capture of global benefits in Biodiversity, Climate Change, Land Degradation, and Integrated Watershed Management. This project proposal differs from the line of action currently being adopted by public administrations and the civil society alike because it will expand the limited view of problems and solutions from a local (or even at most, the State level) perspective to a bioregional and global scale (depending on the matter at hand). The choice is to demonstrate integrated and global-environment friendly development in selected watersheds as landscape planning and intervention units, to ensure involvement of all relevant institutions (governmental, non-governmental, academic, research, productive, religious groups, local unions, associations). Also, appropriate actions will be consorted aiming at creating alternatives for activities that reduce emissions of GHGs, enhance capture of carbon via re-afforestation with native species and reduce desertification. Furthermore, proposed activities, with a primary focus on ensuring global benefits from the protection to the local fauna and flora, also pervades the interests of local stakeholders because these measures guarantee soil and water quality thus contributing to the maintenance of the productive and human carrying capacity of the Brazilian semi-arid.