Products from socio-biodiversity strengthen the economy, culture, and ways of life in Brazil.

Beatriz Bevilaqua, 247 - In this week's "Sustainable Brazil" program, forestry engineer Marcelo Mendes do Amaral discusses the importance of socio-biodiversity in Brazil. He highlights products such as Brazil nuts, açaí, babassu, pine nuts, and jussara, which have great economic and cultural relevance, in addition to contributing to the preservation of biomes and the maintenance of traditional ways of life.

Marcelo, who grew up in a farming family, explained how sustainability has been part of his life since childhood. “My father grew fruit and my grandfather raised chickens and pigs. That was already practical sustainability, guaranteeing food and savings for the family,” he said.

The engineer detailed the difference between products of biodiversity and socio-biodiversity: while biodiversity involves natural resources, socio-biodiversity adds the social and cultural dimension, connecting the products to the traditions and ways of life of the communities that depend on them. The pine nut, for example, is a typical food of Minas Gerais, present in local festivals and traditions, and açaí is a staple food in the Amazon.

Marcelo shared experiences from his professional career, including his work with cooperatives and Amazonian communities, highlighting the importance of these products for the local economy and food security. "Açaí is a source of income for more than 300 extractivists and feeds thousands of people daily," he explained. He also emphasized the logistical and financial challenges faced by these cooperatives and how institutional support is essential to enable the production and distribution of these products.

The engineer also discussed how socio-biodiversity has been incorporated into public policies, such as school meals, using the example of the jussara palm. "The jussara fruit has been included in schools, strengthening healthy eating, local culture, and children's connection with nature," he stated.

Marcelo Mendes observed that urban resistance to engaging with sustainability issues stems from a lack of knowledge and a loss of contact with rural traditions. Industrialized products have replaced many traditional foods, which have greater nutritional and cultural value. "It is necessary to recover knowledge about traditional foods and recognize the role of socio-biodiversity in the lives of communities," he concluded.

This episode reinforces the idea that products derived from Brazilian socio-biodiversity are a vital link between culture, economy, and environmental preservation, and their appreciation depends on the coordination between public policies, community initiatives, and societal awareness. Watch the full episode here: