Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Angra dos Reis • Ilha Grande

BRIGADA MIRIM ECOLÓGICA DA ILHA GRANDE – BMEIG

Young people engaged in preserving the environment

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This Brigade or BMEIG, was founded in 1989 under the initiative of the inhabitants themselves and of private enterprise, for preservation of the environment and to contribute to the local community’s development. During its 25 years of activity, it has performed an excellent task with teenagers aged 14 to 17 who dedicate three hours per day after school hours, to environmental, educational and social activities, and who are given an expense allowance and medical and dental assistance.

Under the supervision of former brigade member Rodrigo de Oliveira, these young people are provided with an incredible opportunity to expand their knowledge in several areas and take pride in contributing to the sustainable development and preservation of the paradise in which they live. Activities in the training course include aquaculture, local history and geography, sailing, first aid, fire-fighting, mechanics, assistance to tourists, English, computer science and several other subjects.

It is not unusual for cheerful young brigade members to assist tourists by making them aware of the need to preserve the spot, and also handing out literature or small bags for refuse. They also organize volunteer groups to keep the island clean, gathering refuse from the beaches and paths.

In 2005, the Brigade was given a marine farm by a sponsor to grow scallops or coquilles Saint-Jacques, a kind of bivalve with a fan-shaped shell that is native to the region. Visits may be arranged to the farm, located close to Vila do Abraão.

Preparing compost and planting shoots are also some of BMEIG’s goals, as is the maintenance of signaling on the numerous paths on the island.

The Brigada Mirim has already trained over 500 teenagers and is always prepared to put into practice new projects and partnerships, ensuring the exercise of citizenship by the new generations, who are aware of the vital need to preserve the environment, providing the world with an example.

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