The project is structured around four components, whose main activities are presented below.

Component 1 – Expansion of Financial and Technical Support for Socio-Environmental Projects through the Babaçu Fund

This component aims to expand financial and technical support for socio-environmental projects implemented by agro-extractivist organizations through the Babaçu Fund.

The 6th and 8th Calls for Proposals of the Babaçu Fund were launched to provide financial support to projects developed by community groups and organizations of babaçu coconut breakers in the states covered by the project (Maranhão, Pará, and Tocantins).

Within these states, in the areas where MIQCB operates, outreach activities were carried out to promote the calls for proposals, along with workshops designed to support organizations in the preparation of socio-environmental project proposals.

Meetings of the Babaçu Fund Management Committee (CGFB) were also supported. This independent body is responsible for the strategic planning of the Babaçu Fund and for selecting the project proposals submitted for funding.

Through these two calls for proposals, 30 projects located in 25 municipalities were selected and contracted, totaling R$ 2.4 million in funding.

Guidance materials were developed to support project management and financial reporting for the initiatives supported by the Babaçu Fund. Training events were also organized, including exchange visits with partner organizations to promote the sharing of experiences and best practices.

The multidisciplinary regional advisory teams not only supported the dissemination of the calls for proposals but also provided technical assistance to the organizations selected for funding.

Component 2 – Institutional Strengthening of MIQCB and Agro-Extractivist Communities of Babaçu Coconut Breaker Women

With support from the project, MIQCB organized governance events established in its bylaws, during which the Association’s executive leadership positions were filled, collective strategies were developed, and accountability was provided to its membership base.

Field visits were also carried out in MIQCB’s regional offices for project planning, evaluation, and monitoring activities.

Communication and transparency actions were guided by MIQCB’s Communication Plan, whose development was supported by the project. Key outputs included the production of three electronic newsletters, two radio spots, and five videos, as well as regular updates to the website and social media channels with information about the project.

Vehicles, machinery, and equipment were acquired under this component to support the work of the project team.

Independent external audits of MIQCB were also conducted, resulting in unqualified audit reports.

Component 3 – Capacity Building in Socio-Environmental Projects Related to Babaçu Agro-Extractivism

The project enabled the establishment of the Babaçu Coconut Breakers Training Center through the development, implementation, and continuous revision of the pedagogical plan for the course entitled “Sharing Knowledge, Developing Projects and Preserving the Babaçu Forest”, as well as through the acquisition of furniture and educational support materials.

The course offered by the Training Center was designed as an extension program and developed in partnership with the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão (IFMA), with the support of volunteer professors and teaching assistants.

Four cohorts were organized, targeting women and young people from MIQCB’s regional organizations. In total, 98 students completed the course, which included 300 hours of classroom instruction, exchange visits, and educational activities in traditional communities.

Additional training events aimed at MIQCB’s target audience were also carried out under this component.

With support from the project, MIQCB continued to strengthen partnerships with educational institutions, including cooperation with the State University of Maranhão (UEMA), and developed the Sustainability and Fundraising Plan for the Babaçu Coconut Breakers Training Center.

Component 4 – Project Management

In addition to routine project management activities, two documents were prepared in draft form: the Outcome Evaluation Report and the Social Balance Report.