Municipalities in Mato Grosso do Sul host the first in-person meetings of the Environmental Cooperation Centers.
Events in Nova Andradina and Amambai bring together more than 100 representatives to discuss environmental and social challenges, with support from Itaipu Binacional.
247 - The municipalities of Nova Andradina and Amambai, in Mato Grosso do Sul, will host the first in-person meetings of the State's Environmental Cooperation Centers in 2025. This initiative, promoted by Itaipu Binacional through the Itaipu Mais que Energia program, is a partnership with Itaipu Parquetec and is aligned with the federal government's strategies focused on the environment and social transformation.
The first event will be on March 11th, at Espaço Conviver, in Nova Andradina, bringing together the Southeast Nucleus. The following day, March 12th, it will be the turn of the Southwest Nucleus, which will meet at the Rural Union of Amambai. The expectation is that more than 100 representatives from public and private institutions will participate in the discussions, including municipalities, NGOs, universities, agricultural settlements, indigenous communities, associations, and companies.
The creation of the Environmental Cooperation Centers in Mato Grosso do Sul occurred in 2024, when the territory was divided into two areas to optimize operations. Since then, three priority themes have been defined to guide actions: inequality and social vulnerability, solid waste management, and economic diversification.
Strategic planning
The research groups are advancing in the construction of the "theory of change," an approach that highlights the importance of strategic planning to achieve effective social and environmental impacts. The proposal aims to ensure that actions are structured and implemented with clear direction, avoiding scattered or ineffective initiatives.
With this methodology, participants in the meetings will be able to leave with a deeper understanding of regional challenges and a structured action plan. Each institution involved will have specific responsibilities within its area of expertise to contribute to solutions for local problems.
Meeting schedule
The events in Mato Grosso do Sul mark the conclusion of the first round of meetings of the 21 Environmental Cooperation Centers this year. So far, the meetings have mobilized nearly 800 institutions in 18 cities in Paraná. A new cycle of meetings will resume in April.
In addition to in-person meetings, the program includes workshops, training sessions, online courses, webinars, and practical workshops, such as building community gardens and manufacturing biodigesters. Specific training is also planned, such as courses for school lunch providers on food safety.
Participatory governance
The 21 Socio-environmental Cooperation Centers were established in 2024 within the Itaipu More Than Energy program, covering the 399 municipalities of Paraná and 35 in southern Mato Grosso do Sul. The proposal is based on participatory governance, promoting a space for dialogue, training, and mobilization to drive collective and sustainable solutions.