Chico Mendes left an important legacy for the environment in Acre and the world. Get a close look at the preservation work in the Acrean Amazon.
The Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve is one of the first protected areas created in the country and the second largest in Brazil. It covers 931,300 hectares, spanning seven municipalities in Acre. The extractive reserves are considered the main and most notable legacy left by the rubber tapper leader Chico Mendes, a worldwide reference in the environmental and Amazon rainforest conservation movement. And you can get to know a little bit of this legacy!
Chico Mendes
Francisco Alves Mendes Filho, or Chico Mendes, became known for leading movements to organize rubber tappers, indigenous people, and riverside dwellers. He campaigned against deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest and denounced the environmental and social impacts of development projects in the region. His struggle gained international attention. Just over a year after his tragic death in early 1990, the first extractive reserves in the country were created through a decree by the Federal Government.
What is an Extractive Reserve?
An extractive reserve is a legally protected forest area granted to traditional populations. The residents sustain themselves mainly through extractivism, such as collecting forest fruits, rubber, oils, seeds, and their derivatives. Additionally, subsistence agriculture and the raising of small animals are permitted without the felling of trees. These areas were created to protect the livelihoods and culture of traditional forest populations, as well as to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.
1-Day Tour
If you opt for the one-day tour, you will visit the Floresta Rubber Estate in Rio Branco. Be prepared to wake up early, as the guide will meet you at 6 AM. You’ll travel by car to the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve, arriving around 10:30 AM.
There, you will meet the family of Mr. Raimundão Mendes, an important rubber tapper leader in the region. He and his children live in the Reserve and will share their experiences with you. The trail is led by one of the family members, who will share a wealth of knowledge during the entire journey.
The walk will take about 1 hour. It’s an easy-level trail, entirely focused on contemplating and absorbing knowledge about the Acrean Amazon. Enjoy every minute, as moments like these are not experienced very often!
After the trail, there will be a lunch break with typical Acrean food. Recharge your energy, as you still have more sightseeing ahead! The guide will take you for a walk through the historic center of Xapuri municipality. You will visit the main tourist attractions of the city and learn about the historical context and the life and legacy of Chico Mendes for the environment in Acre and the world.
After the city tour, the guide will take you back to Rio Branco. The car leaves around 4:30 PM, so you’ll arrive in Rio Branco only at night.
2-Day Tour
Similar to the one-day tour, this one also starts early, hitting the road to the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve. The difference is that the base will be in the municipality of Brasileia, in Acre. Upon arrival, you will meet the family of Mr. Dimas Ferreira and still have time to settle in. Pack only what you need for an overnight stay, as the return to Rio Branco is the next day.
After settling in, it’s time to replenish your energy with a delicious lunch of local dishes. Right after lunch, you will visit the agroforestry system, walking along a trail that will immerse you in the Acrean Amazon. Leaving there, you will enjoy a boat ride on the region’s river and get to know a bit of the daily life of Mr. Dimas’ family.
The day ends with a delicious dinner and a bit of history about the Reserve and the struggles of Chico Mendes and his companions. Rest well for the second day of the trip!
Wake up early and have a hearty breakfast, as this second day will be full of activities! In the morning, you will take part in an interpretive walk, where you walk through a location while discovering what it has to offer. You will witness the cutting of rubber trees and a demonstration of the collection and extraction of Brazil nuts. The entire experience will be with the host family, who will share more stories about Acre and Chico Mendes. The experience ends with lunch, and shortly after, you will hit the road back to Rio Branco.
On the way back, the guide will make a stop at Doutor Borracha, in the municipality of Epitaciolândia, to learn a bit about the production of articles using rubber milk – the famous latex. With it, you can produce a multitude of things, including shoes and bags. This is a good opportunity to buy something to take home that will remind you forever of this experience! Around 7 PM, you will already be in Rio Branco.
What did you think of this experience? Follow the Visit Brasil Blog and follow us on social media – @visitbrasil – to check out everything you can experience in Brazilian destinations!
They loved it and you will too.