Poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation in rural Brazil: A case study of the Cananeia Oyster Producers Cooperative

The Cananeia Oyster Producers' Cooperative (Cooperostra) was awarded the 2002 Equator Prize by the United Nations Development Programme for simultaneous biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. In light of this achievement, the main goal of this thesis was to determine lessons learned by examining Cooperostra's successes and remaining challenges. Research specifically focused on how Cooperostra was initiated and evolved (self-organization) along with Cooperostra's institutional dynamics (cross-scale linkages) [Chapter 4]. Research also focused on the impact Cooperostra has had on livelihood improvement [Chapter 5] and conservation [Chapter 6].; Fieldwork for this interdisciplinary study was carried out during September 2003 to February 2004 as well as April to May 2005. A variety of Rapid Rural Appraisal tools was employed which were supplemented with archival reviews at Brazilian government agencies and universities. Numerous interviews were conducted with Cooperostra members, support staff, private oyster aquaculture enterprises. A technical understanding of oyster aquaculture was obtained from a three-day oyster aquaculture seminar. Additional data were collected at Cooperative meetings.; Research revealed that government interventions were partially responsible for triggering overexploitation of oyster stocks. In response to conservation threats and development needs, Cooperostra was initiated by a series of government technicians. The technicians provided critical leadership for the development of Cooperostra. Active participation of Cooperostra members was facilitated by the development of a mutual platform of respect among Cooperostra members and technicians. The technicians were well connected to diverse, cross-scale institutions which provided critical technical and financial support to capacitate Cooperostra. The Forest Foundation and Fisheries institute played key roles in ensuring Cooperostra members were well-connected to supporting institutions.; With the assistance of a safety web of institutions, Cooperostra to triple the value its members obtained for their oysters. Oyster value increased with the use of rearing beds, attainment of health certification with the construction of a depuration station, and by forgoing middlemen. With the greater value obtained from oysters, Cooperostra members harvest fewer oysters and generally earn greater wages.; Despite some key administrative and economic challenges, Cooperostra members are committed to the process. Public recognition from local, national, and international media has instilled a sense of pride for the cooperative members. Before oyster harvesters were ashamed of their work, but belonging to Cooperostra has granted them dignity and cooperative members feel that they are now better respected.; Conservation goals have been aided with environmental education offered by governmental institutions. Cooperostra members now attempt to minimize their environmental impact the best they can, particularly when harvesting oysters. Reductions in extractive pressure could best be achieved by collecting oyster larvae from the ocean and rearing the larvae to market size. However, local knowledge, along with molecular and cytological analysis strongly suggest the presence of diverse species of oyster within the region. The rearing of oyster seeds would thus likely be confounded by the coexistence of more than one oyster species. It is difficult to distinguish between different oyster species which have different physiological preferences and rearing needs.; Cooperostra has also played a vital role in the development of the Mandira Extractive Reserve. Both projects were executed in parallel by the Forest Foundation and Fisheries Institute. The establishment of the 1,700 hectare Mandira Extractive Reserve has granted exclusive access rights to the inhabitants. The ecological integrity of this mangrove and Atlantic forest fragment will be secured if effective monitoring...