Rio Juma Reserve
The Rio Juma Reserve is a protected area of 1.4 million acres (589,000 hectares) of rainforest along the Aripuanã river in the State of Amazonas, Brazil. 350 families comprised of about 3000 people call Juma home. They’ve all signed contracts to not deforest the land and to report any deforestation taking place. In return, the Fundação Amazonas Sustentável (Foundation for Amazon Sustainbility or FAS) helps Juma residents foster sustainable lives in the Amazon. In addition to building schools and health posts, FAS teaches Juma residents sustainable economies such as rubber tapping, nut gathering, or fish farming.
Furthermore, FAS has established the bolsa foresta, a monthly stipend given only to the female heads of household in order to empower them. Funded by Marriott hotel customers who purchase carbon credits to offset their stay, the bolsa foresta is a vital credit voucher women of Juma use to purchase household necessities in nearby towns.
Watch the Story of Juma in Shark Loves the Amazon