Focus on agro-tourism and vocational training to restore the social and environmental equilibrium in the Bahia state. 

Pratigi is one of the 11 zones under the Environmental Protection Areas of Bahia. It aims to avoid disorderly tourist exploitation of valuable remnants from the Atlantic Forest, fight deforestation and extraction endangering the environmental balance. In spite of its present stage of preservation, poverty and inequality threatens the environmental, social and economic equilibrium of Pratigi. Therefore, an Integrated Sustainable Development programme (DIS) was implemented to develop agriculture practices and agro-ecotourism generating additional earnings for many families and communities. 

As part of the programme, vocational training takes place to spread awareness about acting responsively towards the environment to preserve biological and cultural diversity such as:

1. Reading circles - Fernand Braudel Institute staff introduced subjects such as tourism, hospitality and citizenship. They were organised to develop a sense of identity and belonging. 
2. Playfulness workshops in teaching methodology - Explain to educators how to use recycled materials to practice and interact with playful games such as puppet art workshops, toys, drama and painting. It shows how to use these available resources and reduce the environmental impact they can generate. 
3. Conservation of sea turtles - Explain to key local population members (seafood restaurant owners, fishermen, teachers, children and teens) the life cycles of the turtles, their importance for the ecosystem and the ways of preservation and management in case of local beach incidents. Activities also took place such as nest verification in process of incubation, together with beach cleaning and the first nest opening generating 120 hatchlings of hawksbill sea turtles! 
4. Eco-ethnic Tour Itinerary in the municipality of Nila Peçcanha. 

Also, professional formations for youngsters and workshops in digital technologies are conducted to improve their literacy level. 

Other actions focused on historical and cultural record of local heritage in different communities. More workshops and vocational trainings are planned ahead in other communities. 

Partners

Odebrecht Foundation: Odebrecht Foundation is a private, non-profit organisation maintained by Odebrecht Organisation. Since 2003, it focused its efforts in Southern Bahia Lowlands. The mission is to educate the young for life, through work, for values and for limits. 

IDES Foundation: The Institute for Sustainable Development of the Southern Bahia Lowlands (IDES) is a non-profit organisation established in August 1997, as a result of the partnership between local businesses, non-governmental organisations and foundations such as the Odebrecht Foundation. The bases of IDES are focused on the ability to generate jobs and income without compromising natural resources.

Sponsor: Marcos Costa