To help more children understand the unique biodiversity value of Brazil’s Cerrado savannah biome, the Immaterial Cerrado – Heroes of the Cerrado education project has been rolled out in phases across municipal schools in Catalão and Ouvidor. Supported by CMOC Brasil under local cultural incentive legislation, the initiative uses interactive workshops to introduce students to the biome’s natural heritage, traditional culture and folk knowledge.

The first round of activities was held in mid-May, followed by a new round in June, with the project expected to reach around 1,000 students, teachers and members of the wider school community.

Targeting primarily fourth- and fifth-grade students, the project features activities including drawing, collage, identification of native fruits, and artwork created with local leaves and natural dyes. The programme also explores themes such as environmental protection and cultural identity, helping students build a deeper connection with their local community and natural surroundings.

 

The initiative also provides dedicated training sessions for teachers at municipal schools. Held in the evenings, the sessions focus on how to integrate Cerrado-related content into everyday classroom teaching. “This initiative enables students to better understand the importance of nature and culture, while also enriching the school’s teaching practices,” said Luciana de Oliveira Arruda, Teaching Coordinator at Maria Bárbara Sucena Municipal School.

The project also serves as a pre-launch activity for the children’s book Immaterial Cerrado – Heroes of the Cerrado, scheduled for publication in August. The book transforms real elements of the Cerrado into vivid characters and stories, with the aim of advancing environmental education and promoting local culture. The initiative forms part of the broader Immaterial Cerrado series. An earlier publication in the series, Immaterial Cerrado – Cradle of Life, received the “Promotion and Revitalization of Local Traditions” award at the 2025 Mining & Community Awards.

“Supporting educational and cultural initiatives in the Cerrado is one of the practical ways we advance sustainable development, promote community education and strengthen local identity,” said Flavia Adorno, Senior ESG Manager at CMOC Brasil.

In 2025, CMOC Brasil continued to work with local partners to deliver a range of education and training programmes, covering topics such as fire safety knowledge and skills for children and adolescents, drug prevention, violence and crime prevention, arts, and sport for all. These programmes directly benefited 6,190 people, most of them from disadvantaged families in surrounding communities.

CMOC Brasil’s operations are located in the Cerrado savannah biome and the Atlantic Forest biome, both of which are home to exceptionally rich biodiversity. Protecting the local environment and surrounding ecosystems is an integral part of the Company’s responsibilities. Combining community education with biodiversity conservation is also one of CMOC Brasil’s distinctive approaches to advancin