Equator Prize 2002

http://www.avive.org.br

Full Nomination

"Dollars from Scents" - TVE Hands On Profile

Video

YouTube Video

AVIVE Book of Medicinal Plants Popularly Used for Women's Health: Plantas, Usos y Preparados

Description: AVIVE was founded in the Brazilian city of Silves to defend and preserve the local environment and culture while also working to improve the quality of life of local people, especially women. Since being launched in 1999, AVIVE has focused on developing techniques for the sustainable extraction of medicinal and aromatic native plant species, particularly the Aniba plant, also known as pau-rosa. The project promotes the home production of natural medicines and cosmetics as an economic alternative for the women of Silves. These products are now sold in stores, catering to local consumers and tourists, and are marketed abroad to generate income for local women. The organization leads an important environmental education program and produces seeds for the replanting and recovery of regional forests, where extractive activities threaten biodiversity. To protect the endangered pau-rosa and other rare plant species, AVIVE highlights the importance of sustainable extraction and is actively involved in the creation of a Sustainable Development Reserve where these species can be cultivated in ways that do not threaten their regeneration.

Key Activities and Innovations: Avive has developed techniques for sustainable extraction of rare plant species, including the Aniba plant (Pau-Rosa), Preciosa, Puxuria, and other aromatic native plants. The project promotes the production of natural medicines and cosmetics as an economic alternative for the women of Silves. The organization provides environmental education programs and complementary courses for women in computer science, English, and marketing.

Key Impacts

Biodiversity

• The group has supported the creation of a women's cooperative (COPRONATE) to produce and market products from the Amazon

• Avive works in partnership with Brazilian environment institutes and international agencies lobbying for the protection of endangered plants

Replication

• Avive is expanding its project to another municipalities in the State of Amazônia.

Partners

• WWF-Brasil
• Instituto SEBRAE
• INPA - Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas as Amazônia
• UTAM - Instituto de Tecnologia da Amazônia
• ASPAC - Cultural and Environmental Protection Association of Silves

In the News

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Research

The categories of sustainability in local projects the Equator Prize at WSSD- Johannesburg- 2002

Contacts

Barbara Schmal
Associação Vida Verde da Amazônia - AVIVE
Rua Lourival Cruz s/n Bairro Vila Costa SILVES - AM CEP 69110-000 Brasil
Tel: + 55 (92) 528.2161
Fax: + 55 (92) 528.2161
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it