Beraca granted UN sustainability award

Brazilian natural and organic ingredients supplier Beraca has been awarded the 2009 SEED Award for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development.

The prize, created by the United Nations is said to recognise innovative projects that are environmentally responsible and promote sustainable practices.

Beraca was commended for its “Sustainable use of Amazonian Seeds” project on Marajo Island in the north of Brazil. The project involved training local residents, many of whom where fishermen, on how to create an alternative source of income from the collection of andiroba seeds.

Residents were encouraged to create a cooperative called Coopemaflima, from which oil was extracted from the seeds and then sold on to Beraca for use in cosmetic products. Beraca now buys 500 tons of seeds from the cooperative each year, benefiting around 1,000 islanders.

“We are proud to represent Brazil in this major prize with a project that contributes directly to the preservation of the world’s largest tropical forest,” commented André Sabará, Beraca’s coordinator of corporate responsibility. “It is only through partnerships that recognise the importance of investing in communities and cooperatives that we can promote dignity by creating awareness and preserving the environment.”