Tell us more about the proposed solution of the project.How will it work?

The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of environmental preservation, the preservation of fauna and flora, the conservation of natural resources (water, forest), and ways of integrating food production and the forest (Food Forest). The School in the Forest space has the mission of ensuring that new generations can access knowledge of nature, more precisely of the Atlantic Forest Biome, specifically in the school in the forest, which represents in-depth local knowledge of the forest. These activities are integrated with the activities of the Quilombo Cafundá Astragilda, a local community that holds local knowledge and maintains the traditions and culture of this territory, called Vargem Grande. In addition to integrating with nature, the objectives are extended to include art and cultural activities aimed at emphasizing the importance of local knowledge.

Tell us more about the challenge of the project.What is the problem you are trying to solve? Why is the problem significant?

The School in the Forest's challenge vis-à-vis its mission is to prevent urban sprawl in the environmental preservation area that makes up the Pedra Branca State Park, in the Vargem Grande neighborhood, in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, by promoting awareness of the importance of environmental preservation through environmental education activities for the local community and residents of the city of Rio de Janeiro, urban and peri-urban population; the public includes all age groups, from children to the elderly.

The environmental education activities will cover forest management with a view to its preservation, the production of seeds and seedlings, as well as contributing to food and nutritional security. This will make it possible to expand knowledge to local producers and residents, as well as broadening the urban population's view of the importance of conserving natural resources and preserving the environment.

What will be the main activities of the project and how will the resources be applied?

Promoting walks in the forest to learn about the agroforestry system and understand the integration of the forest with food is one of the activities with the greatest impact on visitors. These meetings aim to understand the importance of preserving and conserving natural resources, as well as learning about local history. Another relevant activity is the handling of native and productive tree seeds and the production of seedlings for distribution in the community and to visitors. In addition, theories and practices incorporate the importance of maintaining local genetic material (seeds and seedlings) and regenerating degraded areas, both within the perimeter of the Pedra Branca State Park and in its surroundings and other areas identified in the Vargem Grande neighborhood and elsewhere.

The funds are aimed at structuring the space, specifically opening up trails in the forest, setting up a water resource management system for seedling production (irrigation system with rationalization and control of water use) and supplying inputs for seed and seedling production practices (all from the available area of 12,000 square meters of forest).