For Pierre protecting local flora and fauna is at the top of his priority list “One of the biggest concerns is the preservation of the fragile environment of the Sertão. We had to adapt a lot of traditional systems used here, dialogue with the sertanejos and vaqueiros in order to rediscover the traditional medicines used for the animals, and be as humble as possible to learn from them. We tested and introduced more resistant cultures such as sorghum. We are testing millet today. We tested and introduced a more resistant Gramineae, the buffel-grass, which maintains and improves pasture and reacts very well with the local leguminous plants. We began systematically using level curves in the fields”.

Everyone in the region benefits ! Pierre: “Through bringing more technology to the traditional activities of the region, we are working to increase the productivity in the area while preserving traditional crops. We started with combining cotton and cattle. Bringing in technology can help increase the farmers’ income. And with an increased income for the farmers in the area, their activities became strengthened and their livelihoods more secure.