Quilombos of Itamambuca: Cultural rescue and institutional strengthening in the Atlantic Forest

In the Sertão do Itamambuca region of Ubatuba, the Association of Quilombo Remnants works to rescue and strengthen its identity. With a rich history of resistance and ancestral knowledge, the community seeks, through cultural actions and community-based tourism, to ensure the transmission of its heritage and the protection of its territory. The support received is crucial to strengthen the association's structure and provide the necessary support for the cultural struggle to advance.

The collective's work is vibrant and focused on preserving memory. Through storytelling circles, dances, and the revival of traditional farming practices, the community teaches and celebrates its roots.

Um grupo ativo de mulheres, jovens e crianças é o motor dessas iniciativas, garantindo que o conhecimento ancestral não seja perdido, mas sim adaptado e enriquecido para as novas gerações. A associação também desenvolveu um trabalho sólido com o turismo de base comunitária (TBC), uma forma de gerar renda e compartilhar a cultura quilombola com autonomia e soberania.

With the support of FunBEA, through the Public Call for Justice and Climate Education, the association is taking an important step in its consolidation. The resources are being used to cover basic expenses of the headquarters and, most significantly, to hire an accountant and legal counsel. This technical and legal support is fundamental for the defense of the territory and the mediation of conflicts, guaranteeing the security and recognition of its rights.

In addition to institutional strengthening, the support also directly boosts cultural preservation. The collective will allocate resources to Afro dance and folk songs, as well as promote cooking, sewing, and art courses, focusing on empowering young people and women.

The association's work shows that culture and the fight for rights go hand in hand. By strengthening the legal and administrative structure, the collective creates the conditions for its cultural and economic practices, such as traditional farming and community-based agriculture, to continue to thrive, ensuring a future where Quilombola identity is valued, protected, and transmitted.