Brazil Seed Guardians - Securing biodiversity in the future with the help of the past

Brazil has always been a country rich in biodiversity. However, in the semi-arid northeast of the country, extensive ranching, slash-and-burn agriculture, and uncontrolled demand for firewood have led to widespread environmental degradation of the Caatinga biome.

Adelice, and her granddaughter Jucimara, are among the 420 guardians that are trying to reverse this trend in the region. These people use their traditional knowledge to conserve and restore biodiversity by collecting hundreds of varieties of local species that are more resistant to the effects of climate change. These seeds make it possible for their families and other households in the region to enjoy food security, have access to a healthy diet and a stable income.