Since the 1970s, agriculture in the North Littoral area has been in decline because selling or renting out property for tourism is much more profitable. The area is now largely dependent on tourism and leisure activities for its income.

The Mata Atlantica rainforest is found all along the coast of this region, where the constant humidity allows the growth of large trees and dense vegetation. This provides an important source of water, and minerals which contribute to the productivity of the coastal waters for fishing. Only 40% of the original area of the forest remains. The degradation of the primary forest is due to:

*The acquisition of land for agriculture.

* Leisure activities: tourism has transformed agricultural areas, which were productive, into holiday homes.

* Roads.

* Housing for the permanent population.

The creation of the road networks and the relatively dynamic growth of the economy in the 70s and early 80s was not accompanied by the necessary infrastructure. Consequently there is increased pollution in the rivers and soil which compromises the renewal of natural resources, especially in the coastal zone.

To provide training for poor and isolated communities which will enable them to improve their quality of life through improved understanding, better communication and better management of natural resources.

To bring together key stakeholders in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of natural resources.

To improve the delivery and effectiveness of environmental education in schools in the Mata Atlantica region.

• Better management of natural resources in the Mata Alantica region through the transfer of skills.
• Practical community-led projects which investigate and resolve local environmental issues.
• A fully trained established Brazilian NGO which develops and manages environmental education projects and training and capacity building for other organisations.
• A stronger NGO sector, based on better training in project management skills and an improved flow of information within new and existing networks.
• A cost effective means of developing community action.
• Sustainability of impact through community participation.
• Better practice in schools leading to relevant "empowering" education.
• Schools as a focus for community action.
• A training programme for developing community-led environmental education projects (Target - a minimum of 50 such projects).
• A training programme for developing learner centred environmental education based on investigation of the local environment. (Target - at least 200 teachers trained).
• Written and audio-visual material which will provide information on specific themes of interest in the region.
• A media programme to publicise the relevant environmental issues and the work of the programme.