Women of the Cerrado Mineiro: network leverages collective strength to cultivate regenerative landscapes.

The 3rd Meeting of the Network of Women Builders of Regenerative Landscapes in the Cerrado Mineiro addressed water as a link between stories.

Women's leadership continues to gain strength in the Cerrado Mineiro region. On November 1st, the Cerrado das Águas Consortium held the 3rd Meeting of the Network of Women Builders of Regenerative Landscapes in the Cerrado Mineiro: Women who care for and act together for water, bringing together farmers, researchers, technicians, and leaders in a moment marked by genuine exchanges, sensitivity, and purpose.

The initiative was promoted by the Cerrado das Águas Consortium (CCA) with support from CEPF and IEB. CEPF – Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and IEB – International Institute of Education of Brazil. CEPF is an international initiative that brings together the French Development Agency, Conservation International, the European Union, the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Canada, the Government of Japan, and the World Bank, with the aim of strengthening the participation of civil society in biodiversity conservation. IEB acts as the regional implementation team for CEPF, promoting training, institutional strengthening, and dissemination of knowledge for a more just and sustainable society.

“It’s a very special moment, where women are gathered to discuss and listen to the producers in the region about hydrographic issues and share ideas to promote sustainable action, to take care of our basin, to take care of our survival, which is water, learning, contributing with information and also being multipliers through the Cerrado das Águas Consortium, through all the women producers who are here, we can join together in the environmental actions of our municipality, this is very gratifying for me.”

"This is according to Flávia Araújo, councilwoman of Serra do Salitre."

The initiative, which in addition to these meetings also promoted a Field Day and is planning an event on female entrepreneurship in December, has been consolidating a transformative movement that unites knowledge, empathy, and action in favor of landscape regeneration and the strengthening of sustainable agriculture, connecting more and more women in the proposed movement.

“Cooxupé has been a partner of the Cerrado das Águas Consortium for several years, and the importance of a meeting like this is to equip ourselves with information to pass on to our members and producers the importance of water resilience in productive territories for economic viability, seeking to mitigate the difficulties we have been facing.”

This is according to Naihara Uniai, sustainable production analyst at Cooxupé, an associate member of CCA.

During the meeting, participants shared experiences and strategies to increase women's leadership in water conservation practices, soil management, and the construction of more balanced production systems, reaffirming that caring for the territory begins with caring for people and all elements involved in production.

“We saw the amount of resources we have on the farm, which we hadn't been tracking, especially water resources, because the basin is very extensive and covers a large part of the farm. So, for us, during this project, it will be incredible to participate and also follow our evolution, both as rural producers and within the project itself.”

"Comments the rural producer, Lilian Araújo."

More than just a space for dialogue, the Network has become a fertile ground for new leadership, strengthening the role of women in different links of the coffee supply chain and in the management of rural properties. With each edition, the number of women involved and the reach of the actions grows, reflecting the collective commitment to building a more regenerative, diverse, and resilient Cerrado Mineiro region.

“Thinking about the countryside and water, which is the subject we are discussing today, I believe that we will only make progress collectively and collaboratively, because in isolation we cannot take action, and the Cerrado das Águas program helps producers. So, it's an invitation, an appeal, for our neighbors, for example, who don't participate, to also join the CCA, and for other women to also become part of this network.”

"This is emphasized by the rural producer, Natália Pelegrini."

By combining stories, knowledge, and experiences, the Network continues to demonstrate that the future of the Cerrado Mineiro region is cultivated collaboratively and that women are key agents of transformation and care for the biome.