Hortas Cariocas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Long-term collaboration to support Hortas Cariocas, a directive of Rio de Janeiro’s Municipal Secretary for the Environment, co-producing organic food gardens in urban favelas. The program has established 40 gardens in 28 favelas and has been integrated into the education curriculum as a hands-on learning experience in numerous municipal schools. Favela residents are trained in organic agroecology and aquaculture. Vulnerable community members receive free and low-cost produce. The community gardens have been developed on abandoned and degraded land that has been restored.  The project has been recognized by the Milan Food Security Pact and the United Nations as an appropriate action to accelerate the SDGs.