The Upper Jequitinhonha region has grave problems of poverty and low Human Development Indices. Widespread unemployment results in heavy migration to São Paulo for work in sugarcane harvests. Lack of water is an increasingly serious problem also resulting in migration.
Activities aimed at protection of the Palmital Stream are the goal of this project, by means of construction of micro-dams, community reservoirs, assessment of ecological soil management alternatives and re-vegetation of its margins. To complement these activities, environmental education activities will be held involving community and local public school, fostering revitalization of house and community gardens in order to insure food security for the community