Territorial Development in the South of Bahia

The wealth, knowledge and beauties of the South of Bahia are inspiring. A key element in Brazil’s social and cultural heritage, the region’s exuberant coastline is delightful. Its Atlantic Rainfall forests are home to one of the largest biodiversity areas on the planet. But this privileged territory has been facing economic, social and environmental challenges since the crisis which shook the region’s cocoa economy in the 1990s. Now it is seeking new ways to generate well-being for its people and to preserve its nature.

We believe that the vocations of the south of Bahia constitute the force it requires to build a more prosperous future. And we want to contribute towards making the Cocoa Coast a benchmark in sustainable development. 

In the South of Bahia Territorial Development programme, we work with a network of partners in core areas for sustainability: economic development, public administration, education and community entrepreneurship.

A The Cocoa Coast

The Cocoa Coast has ten municipalities with around 500,000 inhabitants. Our activities are concentrated around Itacaré, Uruçuca, Ilhéus, Una and Canaveiras.

Cabruca Cocoa   

Cabruca is the forest cocoa. A production system aged over 200 years in which the cocoa is cultivated in the shade of the trees of the Atlantic Rainforest, which enables its conservation.

STRATEGIES ADOPTED

1

Support the region’s economic development by reinforcing and boosting the cocoa and chocolate chain.

2

Foster social entrepreneurship through the offer of financial services, training and support for socioenvironmental projects

3

Support initiatives that leverage public administration and local community actions aimed at improving basic municipal education.

4

Support initiatives that strengthen public administrators and civil society in promoting efficiency in public administration.

5

Strengthen governance and the institutional arrangements necessary to implement and monitor the Regional Development Plan.