What is Sustainability?
In practical terms, the concept of sustainability promotes land exploitation, use of “natural or non-natural resources”, in the least destructive manner to the environment, communities and the biosphere in general. However, such practice is extremely difficult to implement, as it is often economically unviable.
The proposal of sustainable development comes from an ethical base, whereby economic dynamics must exceed social interests and environmental conditions, allowing for continuity and maintaining quality of life and social opportunities over time.
A common point is the need to increase viability of projects that guarantee financial compensation for those who practice conservation. Accordingly, initiatives in line with Payment for Environmental Services (PES) are recognized as a fair, urgent and profitable alternative. Following several events, such as Kyoto Protocol, the interest of economic agents and more recently from investors, is increasing due to carbon credit, certificate transaction, and also Payment for Environmental Services (PES).
Pillar 1. Production matrix of sustainability;
Through the production matrix of sustainability, we seek to restructure the entire chain, from production to transaction and agricultural product processing; all based on technical feasibility studies. Thus, the methodology creates a market differential, providing the property members the social, environmental and economic responsibility desired, certified with the “Brasil Mata Viva Stamp”.
Pillar 2. Environmental matrix of sustainability;
As it relates to the environmental matrix of sustainability, we work to readjust properties, according to the current legislation, freeing the rural landowners of existing environmental liabilities, financed either wholly or partly by their own readjustment of areas through fundraising by PES (Payment for Environmental Service).
In addition to recovery of permanent preservation areas – PPA – and legal reserves – LR -, further actions are implemented in order to reduce pressure on these areas such as, the implementation of forestry production in surrounding areas. The methodology also encourages partnership between institutions that protect the environment, ensuring the preservation of the related Biome.
Pillar 3. Social matrix of sustainability.
Finally, as it relates to the social matrix of sustainability, development activities in the communities involved will be addressed through the methodology. Among these, the accreditation of environmental agents, partnership with schools and residents association in environmental education. In addition, there is employment and income generation, stimulating the local economy, increasing revenue for the municipality.
BMV Methodology proposal
Therefore, the BMV methodology proposes, through this model, to ensure the maximum efficiency in the development of these three spheres described above, conducting a detailed survey of the components of each matrix, as well as the relationships of the mechanisms within and between them.
Analyzing the economic-environmental relationship mechanism, it would generally not occur in favourable manner (because of the financial commitment to the rural producer), without PES (Payment for Environmental Service) and its regulatory mechanisms. The environmental issue has always been seen as an encumbrance to the rural producer, and nowadays becoming the solution to make agricultural property viable.
During the research period of these components, there was a concern regarding identification and evaluation of the current situation and actions to be developed, striving for sustainability in the whole process. Through a holistic and multidisciplinary vision of the BMV working group, our goal is to achieve social development, environmental conservation and economic efficiency in the methodology’s coverage areas.
Based on this vision, the BMV methodology chose as a slogan: “Valuing lives, preserving the planet”, always striving for actions that promote sustainable development based on the social, economic and environmental tripod.
Concluding with theoretical elements in practice, the BMV methodology strives for an ecologically correct future that is also economically acceptable.