Community Engagement

In addition to disseminating the results generated and establishing communication channels with the various support groups, “Peixe Vivo” has already carried out several initiatives with local communities. The program also seeks tools to meet local demands, formulate proposals for sustainable changes, build partnerships and multiply the concepts applied.

The first initiative, right at the beginning of “Peixe Vivo” in 2007, was to hold workshops with researchers. In these events representatives of NGOs and public bodies, fishermen and representatives of society met, with the purpose of collecting proposals for the improvement and preservation of ichthyofauna in Minas Gerais.

One of the suggestions met was the environmental education work carried out with several different people, including children and river dwellers, who receive information and participate in actions of “Peixe Vivo”, such as fish farming. There are also interactive spaces for the exchange of knowledge through technical forums and participation in events throughout the country.

In addition, other community relations activities have already been developed throughout the program, such as the attendance of 150 students per semester who participated in professional workshops and water sports classes at “Três Marias” Lake from 2010 to 2014.

It is also important for “Peixe Vivo” to monitor the landing of fish at “Emborcação” HPP, which has been taking place since 2016. This diagnosis has the support of local fishermen to generate knowledge about the region’s fishing stock and understand the needs to improve fishing and fish in the region.

Another focus of the program is the search for interactive spaces for knowledge exchange through technical forums, seminars and participation in events throughout the country. Different media is also used to ensure the community’s follow-up, in addition to keeping the press informed about all the activities carried out. To support the goals of the communication work, Cemig has invested in the production of institutional and promotional material, videos and publications.

Results

Several public consultations were carried out with different sectors (environmental agencies, researchers, NGOs, river dwellers, etc.) to survey demands and prioritize proposals for conservation and mitigation of impacts on fish.

Furthermore, over 230 events counted on the program in their production, support or participation.