Solidarity Planet

Yandé Itacaré Institute drives sustainable development with passion and commitment

An NGO that preserves the natural beauty of Itacaré and transforms it into an oasis of sustainable development on the Atlantic shores.

By Sut-Mie Guibert

Located in the picturesque coastal town of Itacaré, in the heart of the stunning coastal region of Bahia, the Yandé Itacaré Institute (IYI) has stood out as a beacon of hope and innovation in the field of sustainable development. Founded as a non-profit organization by the Barracuda Group and local residents, the Yandé Institute aims to preserve the rich biodiversity of the area, promote sustainable practices, and empower local communities.

It is much more than just an organization. It is a driving force that propels positive change, channeling its energy into various initiatives that encompass environmental conservation, education, responsible tourism, and local empowerment. Its name, “Yandé,” means “we,” “ours” in the Tupi-Guarani language, a constant reminder that all of us – humans and nature – are intrinsically linked.

Environmental preservation and biodiversity conservation

One of the central pillars of the Yandé Itacaré Institute is environmental preservation. Itacaré is blessed with a unique biological diversity, including tropical forests, mangroves, untouched beaches, and winding rivers. However, the unchecked growth of tourism and inadequate exploitation threaten these delicate ecosystems. The Yandé Institute has taken on the responsibility of protecting and restoring these areas, working closely with conservation experts and local authorities.

The institute carries out environmental monitoring programs, beach cleanups, reforestation, and environmental education through three programs: Itacaré + Green, which revitalizes public green areas like Dog Square, with organic fertilization of flowerbeds, lighting, resting benches, containers for recyclable and non-recyclable waste.

The Cleaner Beach program undertakes extensive awareness work among beachside vendors and visitors to Resende Beach. The vendors have been trained in sweeping, sorting, packaging, and proper disposal of their waste. Now there are specific bins (for coconut shells, recyclable materials, and non-recyclables) collected by various services. Along with volunteers, IYI monitors and raises awareness among visitors by collecting and weighing micro-trash scattered on the beaches, cliffs, and trails.

All of this is aimed at achieving Zero Waste, a pilot project intended to support selective collection initiatives in the municipality and in different lodges and businesses. A Selective Collection Guide has been developed to match the characteristics of each enterprise. Recyclable materials from the project are taken by the Municipality and delivered to the Victória Recyclers Association, based in Itacaré.

IYI also supports the Surfing for the Future project – where 40 children from public schools receive surfing lessons, dynamic environmental education activities, and balanced snacks provided by a nutritionist. Surfing is a comprehensive sport, not only in the physical aspect, as it also demands environmental awareness, a sense of safety, respect, discipline, determination, team spirit, and promotes the adoption of a healthier lifestyle.

Through these initiatives, the Yandé Itacaré Institute has raised awareness about the importance of conservation among local residents, tourists, and business owners, contributing to the development of a more sustainable and responsible mindset.

Entrepreneurship, income generation and cultural appreciation

One of the remarkable achievements of the Itacaré Institute is its support for local entrepreneurship through the PINSI (Social Incubation Program of Itacaré). The institute provides training, coaching, and technical assistance for small businesses, encouraging income generation and economic diversification in the region. This not only strengthens the local economy but also reduces dependence on environmentally harmful activities.

The Institute also recognizes the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. Through programs that highlight local art, music, cuisine, and other cultural expressions, the institute contributes to the appreciation of the community’s identity. These efforts not only enhance the sense of pride among residents but also foster cultural exchange and understanding.

This is achieved through 8 proposals in different areas:

Conscious Lines – Technical training for pattern making, cutting & sewing, and the establishment of a sustainable workshop. The project is designed to develop a trade and promote income generation for women in the urban area of Itacaré.

Pimentas no Batuque – Cultural empowerment and the strengthening of the leadership of women in socially vulnerable conditions through percussive music, costume design, and set elaboration.

Sustainable Canoeing – Contributing to the economic sustainability of the Itacaré Canoeing Association (ACI) by creating a line of sports products for commercialization to support athletes’ participation in competitions. Itacaré is a significant reference in Olympic sprint canoeing, with several athletes awarded in national and international competitions. (Remember that the world champion and Olympic canoeist, Isaquias Queiroz, is a native of the city).

Fight to Win – A Social Project that aims to offer physical-social-educational learning to children in the community through Jiu-Jitsu, promoting discipline, honor, and ethical principles.

Cine Club – We offer workshops in the audiovisual field and organize film screenings throughout the city.

Uruçu Viva (without Instagram) – Technical strengthening of the group of meliponiculturists (keepers of stingless native bees) in the Pancada Grande Settlement, in the rural area of Itacaré, focusing on the management of Uruçu-amarela bee colonies (Melipona mondury), a species threatened by the deforestation of the Atlantic Forest biome. Meliponiculture contributes to the conservation of stingless native bees and provides training for income generation for rural families, involving colony production and honey and its derivatives.

Digital Club (without Instagram) – Digital and social inclusion through training in virtual planning and communication skills.

Faith and Memory (without Instagram) – A project of broad relevance to local cultural and tourist development, combining artistic and architectural restoration of the Matriz Church of São Miguel Arcanjo with the establishment of the Itacaré Museum.

In a time when environmental awareness and sustainability are more crucial than ever, the Yandé Itacaré Institute serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that harmony between humanity and nature is an attainable goal – a valuable lesson that all families can learn from and apply in their own lives and communities.

Services

HOW TO COLLABORATE WITH THE YANDÉ ITACARÉ INSTITUTE?

To learn more:
institutoyandeitacare.org

Donations can be made through financial contributions, directly into the institute’s account, or by purchasing sustainable products made from coconut husk fibers: here.