National Council of the Atlantic Forest Reserve gains new members in Bahia

The inauguration of the new members of the State Committee for the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve (CERBMA/BA), for the biennium 2023-2025, was the central point of the collegiate meeting, held at Parque das Dunas, in Salvador, this Monday (25). In addition to officially marking the entry of representatives from each segment of society, the meeting was marked by important environmental discussions.

Poliana Gonçalves, representative of the Secretariat of the Environment (Sema) of the state of Bahia, highlighted the importance of the secretariat’s participation in the collegiate. “It is a way of understanding whether the State’s actions are being effective in the community and identifying the demands of organized groups, which contributes to a better understanding of the socio-environmental context of the Atlantic Forest”, explained Poliana.

CERBMA/BA was reactivated in 2019 and since then has developed several actions, standing out among the 17 states that make up the National Council of the Atlantic Forest Reserve. Now, the committee, renewed according to legislation, has taken on the mission of organizing the III Youth Forum of the IberoMab Biosphere Reserve Network, an event organized by the Secretariat of the UNESCO Paris Mab Program.

According to Adriana de Castro, representative of the Institute for the Environment and Water Resources (Inema), in November, Bahia will receive representatives from 25 Latin American countries, as well as Portugal, Spain and the Caribbean for this event. “Thus, the new members of the committee have a huge objective of joining forces, seeking support and holding an event of international prominence”, points out the Institute’s representative on the committee.

During the meeting, the Meeting Calendar and Action Planning for the year 2024 were also approved, which includes several activities and projects aimed at the conservation and promotion of the Atlantic Forest in Bahia.

Atlantic forest

The State Committee for the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve in Bahia (CERBMA-BA), regulated by State Decree No. 12,228 of July 1, 2010, aims to support and coordinate the implementation of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve in the state. It prioritizes biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and scientific and traditional knowledge.

The Biosphere Reserve is an international model for integrated, participatory and sustainable management of natural resources. Its objectives include the preservation of biological diversity, the development of research activities, environmental monitoring, environmental education, sustainable development and improving the quality of life of populations.

Source: Ascom/Inema