The People

There is an estimated population of 10.5 million people living in the 5 Brazilian states that comprise the Amazon Basin, which makes up approximately 6.6% of Brazil's total population. However, this region's share of Brazil's GDP is only 2.95%. These Northern states constitute some of the poorest and least developed areas in Brazil.

1.5 million people are believed to live in the Amazon rainforest outside of any urban areas. To a large degree many of these inhabitants live off the land, using the rich natural resources to earn a living, either on land or from the rivers.

Natural resources, such as Açaí berry, is therefore of real importance to these local people, both as a staple food, and as a source of income from harvesting, processing and retail activity. Choosing to work in partnership with these local communities towards the development of an industry that meets the needs of all along the supply chain can lead to the creation of an industry that truly does preserve and possibly even enhance the social balance that exists in this region.

Practical examples of this include:

application of fair trade principles whereby local communities are given enterprise equity rather than just wages or piece-payments for collection of fruit.
provision of schooling for local communities in return for guarantee of supply of fruit
training and employment of locals in roles that may lead to greater participation by locals in the industry at a managerial and ownership level.