Mejuruá Project brings electricity to 54 families in Carauari and plans further social initiatives for other isolated populations in the Amazon
With services planned for around 32 communities in the Médio Juruá region, the initiative also includes land regularization, the installation of internet antennas focused on digital inclusion, and artesian wells to provide clean drinking water, along with other social and environmental benefits.
The Mejuruá Project, a pioneering initiative in environmental conservation and sustainable development, is transforming the quality of life for riverside communities in the Amazon through a range of investments and social projects. The community of Riozinho, located along the Juruá River, is the first of 32 communities to benefit from access to essential services such as electricity, clean water, and internet. So far, around 54 families have been directly benefited by the project, and another 150 indirectly.
According to data from the Institute for Energy and Environment (IEMA), approximately 990,000 people in the Legal Amazon still live without access to public electricity services. This reality directly impacts the quality of life and development of these communities, which face challenges in food preservation, access to information, and basic health and education services.
The Mejuruá Project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which aims to ensure access to reliable, sustainable, modern, and affordable energy for all by 2030. By implementing solar energy systems in the community of Riozinho, the project not only provides electricity but also promotes the use of renewable sources, contributing to environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
Shared Governance: Communities at the Center of Decision-Making
From the outset, the Mejuruá Project has adopted a participatory approach, involving local communities in identifying their needs and priorities. During public hearings in Carauari, residents and local authorities highlighted the urgent need for access to electricity, clean water, internet, and land regularization. This shared governance ensures that the solutions implemented are effective and meet the real demands of the population.
Following the initial success in Riozinho, the Mejuruá Project plans to expand its actions to another 21 communities in the Médio Juruá region. In addition to providing basic infrastructure, the project aims to promote community autonomy through sustainable income-generating initiatives, environmental education, and the strengthening of community organizations.
By bringing clean and accessible energy to isolated communities in the Amazon, the project reaffirms its commitment to environmental conservation and human development, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and contributing to the reduction of inequalities in the region.