Socio-environmental centers expand their activities in the South of the country with workshops, seminars, and community projects.

247 - The Socio-environmental Cooperation Centers will have an intense second semester of programming focused on strengthening communities and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to information from Itaipu Binacional, published on its official website, the activities include in-person meetings, workshops, seminars, and webinars in different cities in Paraná and southern Mato Grosso do Sul.

These actions are part of the Participatory Governance for Sustainability Agreement, a partnership between Itaipu Binacional and Itaipu Parquetec. The central objective is to stimulate social participation in sustainable projects, train multipliers, and bring together public authorities, civil society, and youth around collective solutions.

“The Socio-environmental Cooperation Centers are a bridge between the community and the strategic actions we develop for a more sustainable future. By expanding this agenda, we strengthen citizen participation, stimulate local solutions, and reinforce Itaipu and Itaipu Parquetec's commitment to the collective construction of territories,” stated Enio Verri, Brazilian Director-General of Itaipu Binacional.

Training and capacity building

The scheduled meetings will continue until the end of September, including activities such as training in media literacy for young people and a workshop on monitoring and evaluating collective actions. In addition, representatives from the groups will receive mentoring in organizational development, focusing on strategic planning and institutional strengthening.

From September to November, an educational campaign on the SDGs and local challenges will be held in several cities. The series of seminars, aimed primarily at public managers, begins in Matinhos (PR) on September 16 and ends in Ivaiporã (PR) on November 7, passing through 21 municipalities – 19 in Paraná and 2 in Mato Grosso do Sul.

Cultural and environmental workshops

Another area of ​​focus will be directly aimed at the community, with graffiti workshops and urban gardens in all 434 municipalities within the area of ​​coverage. The activities will be led by local instructors, highlighting regional talent.

The graffiti workshops will focus on young people, who will learn artistic techniques and concepts related to urban art. A collective mural will be produced in each municipality. The urban gardening workshops will involve residents of all ages, encouraging community-based agroecological practices that reinforce food security and sustainability.

“The success of these actions depends on the engagement of each participant and the integration between society, public authorities, and institutions. It is inspiring to see how the Socio-environmental Cooperation Centers transform ideas into concrete projects that strengthen the community and contribute to a more sustainable future,” highlighted Rosani Borba, manager of the Participatory Governance for Sustainability Agreement.

Food safety in schools

Another item on the schedule will be the Training in Food and Nutritional Security, aimed at nutritionists and cooks in the public education system. The program will train at least one professional per municipality, in face-to-face meetings starting in September. The initiative seeks to consolidate a network for exchanging experiences and strengthen public policies focused on school meals, including the direct purchase of food from agroecological and organic producers.

Created in 2024 as part of the Itaipu More Than Energy program, the 21 Socio-environmental Cooperation Centers cover 399 municipalities in Paraná and 35 in southern Mato Grosso do Sul. Inspired by the methodology of participatory governance, they have become spaces for listening, dialogue, and collective mobilization, focusing on improving the quality of life and promoting a sustainable future for the communities.