Working in the caatinga ecosystem of northeastern Brazil, Carnaúba Viva has introduced innovative means of sustainably managing the carnauba tree (Copernicia prunifera), a locally-abundant palm species whose leaves can be used for wax production. Working with the indigenous people of the Jaguaribe-Açu territory and in partnership with the Brazilian Ministry of Environment, the initiative has developed sustainable harvesting of carnauba tree derivatives that has underpinned conservation efforts and improved local livelihoods.

Carnaúba Viva has intervened on the supply and demand sides of carnauba processing. Technical training in improved pruning, reforestation and in-vitro seed cultivation has boosted productivity of local producers. Market interventions have involved promoting carnauba tree fibers as an alternative to aluminum insulating plates and carnauba wax fiber belts for use in the oil and gas industry.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2010

Founded: 2004

Location: Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Beneficiaries: Over 750 artisans and carnauba workers

Biodiversity: Carnauba tree (Copernicia prunifera)

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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