PROJECT

The Ecoclima Core project, a reference space for circular economy and climate, created in 2023 in Maré, aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change, as well as human actions on the environment, in the Maré Favela Complex.

The initiative by Redes da Maré takes place in partnership with Petrobras and the Environmental Engineering department of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (EA-UFRJ). It involves participatory diagnostics with residents and community leaders to develop a climate action and circular economy plan, processes for training local teams and leaders, and the application of environmental technologies (see more below) that reduce impacts through actions such as waste recycling, water reuse, heat reduction, and mangrove restoration in the territory.

These innovative actions of the project will strengthen the Maré territory in the struggle for a better quality of life for its residents and are connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda.

SEE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) WE WORK WITH AT REDES DA MARÉ

The significant amount of solid waste generated, water scarcity, floating garbage, the precariousness of fishing communities, and mangrove degradation are some of the socio-environmental impacts experienced throughout the Maré territory that need to be addressed and resolved to ensure the health and well-being of the local population. A series of integrated actions have been designed to deal with this scenario in favor of circular economy development in Maré, with an emphasis on raising awareness about environmental education among the residents.

WHAT IS CIRCULAR ECONOMY?

It means finding new ways to promote the efficient use of various types of resources during production or use, whether on a small or large scale, relying on more durable, recyclable, and renewable inputs, thus forming a more sustainable production cycle and reducing waste.

WHAT IS THE PROJECT DOING?

1) Training 20 young people as Climate Change Agents;

2) Production of pedagogical content created by the climate agents;

3) Conversations with local high school students, pre-college courses offered by Redes da Maré, and residents assisted by local institutions;

4) Preparation of an environmental diagnosis with recommendations for a climate action plan in Maré;

5) Meetings with community leaders and local actors;

6) Implementation of a pilot circular economy model to reduce the effects of climate change in Maré, through the development of four environmental technologies.

WHAT ARE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES?

As a way to increasingly integrate sustainable development practices in the territory, Redes da Maré, through the Ecoclima project, will develop a set of innovative techniques and technologies that aid in environmental conservation and reducing the impacts of climate change, bringing functionalities to people's daily lives and promoting less polluting and sustainable consumption.

Illustrative photos.

In 2021 alone, 223 complaints related to the lack of basic sanitation infrastructure were recorded in the Maré Complex.

The main complaints come from Vila dos Pinheiros, Baixa do Sapateiro, and Morro do Timbau.

1) Complaints about open sewage

2) Accumulation of garbage and debris

3) Garbage accumulation

4) Clogged sewer

5) Flooding

6) Problems with sewer

7) Sewage overflow

8) Water overflow

9) Clogged storm drain

80% of the complaints about basic sanitation made by residents are related to sewage and garbage.

Source: Cocôzap: Systematizing data and formulating policies (2021)

Regarding solid waste and the accumulation of garbage in the streets due to the lack of garbage collection in many points in Maré, around 55% of the demands received by the Citizen Assistance Center in Maré are related to rodent infestation.

Source: Maré Sanitation Letter (2020)