ASMOREX establishes measures to prevent contagion and address the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Awareness and reliable information become the community’s main tools to be part of the solution.

Faced with the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increasing number of confirmed cases in the municipality of Machadinho D’Oeste, Rondônia, the board of the Rio Preto-Jacundá Extractive Reserve Residents’ Association (ASMOREX), proponent of the Rio Preto-Jacundá REDD+ Project, implemented a series of preventive measures to protect families living in the Reserve.

The first and most important action was to advise residents not to receive visitors except for essential services. In addition, following public health recommendations on social distancing, community transportation to the city was suspended, remaining available only for the purchase of food, essential supplies and medical emergencies.

Despite the critical situation experienced across Rondônia at the time, none of the Reserve’s residents had shown symptoms or were suspected of being infected with the virus. Extractive activities also continued without interruption, reflecting the effectiveness of the preventive actions coordinated by the association. Nevertheless, the growing number of cases in nearby urban areas remained a concern for community leaders.

“We are concerned because the number of cases is increasing rapidly in the municipality, and this could eventually result in a lockdown.”

José Pinheiro Borges, President of ASMOREX

Community engagement as part of the solution

In this context, raising public awareness became the most effective strategy to avoid stricter restrictions that could further affect the local economy and the well-being of families living in the Reserve.

In remote regions, especially during public health emergencies, community engagement is essential for ensuring that local residents become an active part of the solution. REDD+ projects therefore play an important role by supporting traditional communities, strengthening local organizations and helping build resilience in the face of socio-environmental challenges.

The work carried out by organizations such as ASMOREX demonstrates how community leadership, access to reliable information and coordinated preventive actions contribute to protecting families while maintaining sustainable livelihoods within the Amazon forest.

Would you like to learn more about the Rio Preto-Jacundá REDD+ Project, which combines forest and biodiversity conservation with investments in the sustainable development of traditional Amazon communities?