See how female leadership and the rich biodiversity of Campo de Perizes are being transformed into a path of resilience and innovation, where challenges become opportunities for the entire riverside community.

In the heart of Maranhão’s mangroves, where biodiversity meets climate challenges, the inspiring leadership of Ana Maria shines. Vice President of the Amocamp association and a Pollinator Fellow with the Meli Bees Network, Ana Maria is transforming her community, Campo de Perizes, into a symbol of resilience, innovation, and sustainability. Together with her daughter Juci and a dedicated team, she proves that the union between generations is the key to a better future.

Campo de Perizes: Riverside Community and the Riches of the Mangrove

Campo de Perizes, a riverside community in Maranhão made up of 53 families, is deeply rooted in one of the planet’s most complex and vital ecosystems: the mangrove. Far beyond the green and gray hues that embrace the rivers, this environment forms the backbone of its economy and culture. The harvesting of crab-uçá (Ucides cordatus), along with artisanal fishing, not only sustains the community but also reflects the direct symbiosis between the inhabitants and the richness of the mangrove.

Additionally, the mangrove offers untapped resources such as Unconventional Edible Plants (PANCs) and medicinal plants noted for their versatility and potential. Examples include the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), whose bark is used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory, and the beach bean (Canavalia rosea), a nutritious food adapted to the saline environment. There is also the beach murici (Byrsonima crassifolia), whose fruits and leaves possess antioxidant and therapeutic properties.

However, the community’s dynamics are constantly challenged by its proximity to mining operations, which bring socio-environmental pressures. Degraded roads and direct impacts on the mangrove are just part of the legacy of this forced coexistence. In March 2024, residents of Campo de Perizes organized a protest to demand infrastructure improvements—a cry for autonomy amidst corporate dominance.

Unlike a narrative of passive resistance, Campo de Perizes is a territory where every crab caught and every leaf harvested tells a story of bold adaptation. Here, the mangrove is not a resource to be exploited indiscriminately but a living entity that demands reciprocity—a model that invites the world to rethink the relationship between nature and economy.

Female and Intergenerational Leadership in Action

“When women lead, the transformation goes beyond what we can imagine. It’s about caring for the land, the people, and the future all at once”.

Ana Maria

Ana Maria is more than a community leader; she is a force of nature. Since founding Amocamp over a decade ago, she has been dedicated to strengthening the riverside community of Campo de Perizes, turning challenges into opportunities through initiatives that blend traditional knowledge and innovation. Under her leadership, the association has spearheaded concrete projects such as implementing productive home gardens, encouraging the use of Unconventional Edible Plants (PANCs) and medicinal plants, and environmental preservation efforts that promote food security and mangrove regeneration.

In addition, she maintains strategic partnerships with universities such as UEMA (State University of Maranhão) and UFMA (Federal University of Maranhão), which provide technical training and support for research on the potential of medicinal plants and PANCs from the mangrove. Organizations like the Meli Network have also been instrumental in supporting meliponiculture projects and training on the sustainable management of local resources. These collaborations amplify the impact of her leadership, bringing science and innovation into the community.

Alongside Ana, her daughter Juci, a biologist with a passion for public policy, plays a crucial role. From a young age, she has been involved with Amocamp, assisting in project development, partner coordination, and adapting proposals for grants and funders. The partnership between mother and daughter not only strengthens the community but also inspires other women and young people to take on leadership roles.

“When we strive for something together, it’s not just my dream; it’s the dream of the whole community. Alone, we get tired, but together, we find the strength to transform”.

Ana Maria

Together, Ana and Juci are a living example of the transformative power of female and intergenerational leadership. Their active participation in the association and commitment to strategic partnerships are key to building a sustainable future in Campo de Perizes. The work they do goes beyond their community, becoming a model for environmental preservation, food security, and economic empowerment initiatives in other riverside regions.

“Every course we bring to the community is another step toward our autonomy. Learning not only changes lives but also opens paths that once seemed impossible.”

Juci

The Future of Campo de Perizes Is in Good Hands

Ana Maria, Juci, and their team represent the beating heart of a transformation that goes beyond protecting the mangrove ecosystem; they are redefining the autonomy, dignity, and potential of their community. Through concrete actions that connect traditional knowledge with modern science, mother, daughter, and the residents show that the future is not something to wait for but to build daily, with courage and innovation. This small riverside village in Maranhão stands out as a symbol of how local leadership can rewrite their narratives, creating a visionary model of harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

“​​Today, we are leading the association, but tomorrow it will be the youth. What we are doing now is planting the seeds so they can grow with opportunities”.

Juci