On December 11, 2009, CEN partner organization Amazon Association was named Environmentalist of the Year 2009.at the Copenhagen Conference as result of it's role in preventing deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon, particularly surrounding the community of Xixuau.  The Association played a key role in this year's establishment of the Extractive Reserve Baixo Rio Branco-Rio Jauaperi, which protects thousands of hectors from mining and havesting of trees.

The work of the Amazon Association and the people of the Xixuau prove that a standing forest can worth more than a dead one and that development does not necessarily have to mean the senseless use of natural resources. The model has been created and now we need to expand and replicate it.

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This 5 min video entitled CEN and Couro Ecologico - Preserving a Way of Life in the Amazon discusses a little about what CEN is doing to preserve culture and increase incomes through a modern adaptation of a traditional livelihood.  Watch it.

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Both CEN and Program Participants Learn Alot

Table produced by Alison Camilo

Dated: 15 October 2009

We’re pleased to announce that the cCLEAR Phase 1 pilot in Suruacá, the first community with which CEN began in May 2008 has been completed. As result of the pilot project, the eight participants in Suruaca gained critical basic skills they will need to become successful and independent entrepreneurs, and CEN learned many valuable lessons which will be key for replicating and expanding the program.

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Lauren Mehl - one of Team CEN's runners. Two thumbs up and thank you to everyone who did their part in the Run to Fight World Poverty!

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Our cCLEAR (Creating a Culture of Learning and Empowerment in the Amazon Region) program has been going strong in the communities of Suruacá, Maguary and Jamarquá since May of 2008. Phase 1 of the program teaches basic skills in leadership, critical thinking, management, problem-solving, evaluation and confidence. Phase 1 concludes soon in Suruacá and later this year in the other two villages.

These Phase 1 skills are an essential foundation. Phase 2 of the program builds on that by taking participants one step further, teaching them to apply the skills to more complex projects. We are seeking Phase 2 funding and hope to launch it by early 2010.

In the meantime, we have begun two new initiatives to support strong projects taking shape in these communities: Rubber Products and Ecotourism. The rubber products initiative supports one participant to rebuild a local association that produces handbags and other crafts made from locally harvested rubber. With this support, members learn how to produce stunning original designs and sell the bags through the CEN website and other retails. (Visit the Products section of our site later in May to start shopping!)

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