Abstract:

Brazil used to be a country rich in biodiversity, but in the semi-arid North East of the country, Extensive livestock raising, slash and burn agriculture and uncontrolled demand for wood fuel has have led to widespread environmental degradation of its unique Caatinga biodiversity. Adeline and her granddaughter Jucimara are among 420 Seed Guardians in the region, who are trying to reverse that trend. They are using their traditional knowledge to improve the biodiversity by collecting hundreds of varieties of local creole seeds which are more resilient to the changing climate. The seeds not only provide them with a rich diet, but also a steady income and food security not just for them but for many other families in the region.