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

The primary challenge that this project aims to address is the complex and interconnected issue of sustainable living in the face of an unpredictable world. The problem can be broken down into several key components:

Environmental Degradation in the Cerrado:

• The Cerrado, a vast tropical savanna biome in Brazil and home to Chapada dos Veadeiros, faces environmental degradation due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and other unsustainable practices.
• The loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and depletion of natural resources pose a significant threat to the region's ecological balance.

Cultural Erosion and Empowerment:

• Indigenous and traditional communities often face cultural erosion as they grapple with external pressures, including modernization, economic changes, and the encroachment of globalized influences.
• Empowering these communities involves not only celebrating their rich cultural heritage but also providing them with the tools to navigate a rapidly changing world without compromising their identity.

Lack of Regenerative Practices:

• The absence of widespread regenerative practices in the region contributes to environmental challenges and hinders the establishment of sustainable living models.
• Identifying, promoting, and implementing regenerative initiatives is crucial for mitigating the impact of climate change and ensuring long-term environmental resilience.

Global Disconnect and Collaboration Gap:

• The global community often operates in silos, with limited collaboration between indigenous and Western perspectives.
• Bridging this gap is vital for fostering a holistic approach to sustainability, where diverse knowledge systems collaborate to address shared challenges.

Undefined Future for Chapada dos Veadeiros:

• The lack of a clear, community-driven vision for the future of Chapada dos Veadeiros leaves the region vulnerable to unsustainable development and external influences.
• Establishing a Vision 2050, in collaboration with the Kalunga community, addresses this challenge by providing a roadmap for sustainable development and cultural preservation.

The significance of these challenges lies in their potential impact not only on the local environment and communities but also on the broader global context. The project seeks to create a ripple effect by addressing these challenges at a local level, demonstrating that collaborative, regenerative practices can serve as a model for sustainable living that transcends geographical boundaries. By tackling these issues, the project aims to contribute to a more resilient, interconnected, and sustainable future for Chapada dos Veadeiros and beyond.

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

Mother Earth asks for a collective learning process including indigenous, modern, and traditional communities. We’re here to build bridges between leaders attending her call.

In March 2024 a group of indigenous leaders will travel together with western experts and investors through the Chapada dos Veadeiros, engaging with traditional communities and mapping regenerative initiatives. Our mission is to share and learn with indigenous and Western leaders about the impact of modern society on traditional communities. With our eyes on the future and our feet firmly in our ancestry, we look forward to connecting traditions, seeking solutions to the socio-environmental challenges of our diverse societies, and building strong alliances.

The learning expedition will be executed just a few hours from Brazil's political capital, the Cerrado Biosphere, it is also home to several Amazon Forest river basins and the territory of the largest Quilombo Community in Brazil

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

Cultural Exchange and Empowerment:

• Indigenous and Western leaders will engage directly with traditional communities and transformative initiatives, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange.
• By delving into the history, struggles, and triumphs of these communities, the project aims to empower them and celebrate their unique contributions.

Regenerative Mapping for Sustainability:

• The expedition's focus on mapping regenerative initiatives is instrumental in understanding and preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Cerrado.
• By identifying local initiatives, schools, and practices, the project lays the foundation for sustainable development and preservation of biodiversity.

Hands-On Projects and Collaborative Initiatives:

• Participants will actively collaborate on their own hands-on projects, improving their partnerships with investors and donors that directly impact their home territory and communities.
• This approach ensures that the project goes beyond theoretical discussions, fostering practical, tangible change.

Global Partnerships and Knowledge Sharing:

• The diverse backgrounds of the participants will facilitate the development of global partnerships.
• By documenting experiences and sharing stories, the project becomes a catalyst for disseminating knowledge and inspiring similar initiatives worldwide.

Vision Kalunga 2050 as a Guiding Light:

• Giving a voice to the Kalunga communities and supporting them to create a Vision 2050 for Chapada dos Veadeiros, providinga roadmap for sustainable development.
• This vision serves as a guiding light not only for the region but also for global initiatives seeking a more sustainable and regenerative future.