Designing for Biodiversity: Codesign as a participatory tool for establishing/consolidating agroforestry systems in the State of São Paulo.

• Grant number: 23/11969-4
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Industrial Design
• Principal Investigator: Denise Dantas
• Grantee: Denise Dantas
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FAU). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Camila Matias Goes de Abreu ; Fernanda Peruchi ; Fernando Silveira Franco ; Joel Leandro de Queiroga ; Laercio Marques Da Silva ; Luiz Octávio Ramos Filho ; Neide Araujo
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/12959-8 - Organization and Dissemination of Participatory Codesign Process Tools in Agroforestry Communities: Technological and Information-Sharing Challenges., BP.TT; 24/16662-7 - Cobenefits of agroforestry systems for family farming - a participatory construction with the COPRIR and COOPAFASB cooperatives and a group of agroforesters from the Sepé Tiaraju settlement., BP.PD

Abstract

At present, the agricultural and livestock production sectors are confronting an array of challenges. Among these, climate change and the depletion of natural resources, particularly concerning soils, water, and biodiversity, stand out. A multifaceted approach to achieving a more sustainable and low-carbon form of agriculture lies in the adoption of agroforestry systems (AFS). These systems have the potential to yield a plethora of benefits, both for the environment and society at large, thereby fostering the advancement of sustainable development.Nevertheless, the task of maintaining and expanding the scale of AFS production comes with a host of intricate challenges. These encompass the imperative task of collating comprehensive information pertaining to the socio-environmental and economic ramifications associated with such systems. Additionally, there's the need to diversify into new markets and elevate the valuation of products originating from agroforests.To address these challenges, collaborative efforts involving public authorities, scientists, and the farming community can prove instrumental. Such partnerships can augment the efficiency of production chains by identifying potential bottlenecks and presenting viable solutions. The overarching aim here is to bolster the competitiveness and acceptance of agroforestry products and agrobiodiversity. In essence, this approach functions as a bridge, uniting the realms of design and biodiversity. Underpinning this concept is the notion of 'Design for Biodiversity', which entails a comprehensive research and development framework designed to enhance the value of biodiversity-driven products. This is achieved through inclusive measures and innovative models of communication management. Concurrently, it facilitates localized decision-making processes, thereby facilitating the implementation of novel solutions aimed at rectifying issues linked to the commercialization of socio-biodiversity products.In the context of this project, a proactive stance is taken, harnessing co-design tools in collaboration with family farmers from three distinct communities in São Paulo. These communities actively practice AFS. The overarching goal here is to collectively fashion innovative design solutions. These solutions are geared towards effectively communicating the environmental co-benefits stemming from agroforestry endeavors. This communication will be achieved by means of sustainability indicators. Moreover, strategies are to be devised to amplify the worth of biodiversity conservation. Simultaneously, the distribution of production will be broadened by enhancing its visual presentation to consumers. This enhancement will be realized through the introduction of fresh packaging systems and a revitalized visual identity for products emerging from AFS. (AU)