In the same region where IPÊ develops the Black-faced Lion Tamarin Conservation Project, it also carries out a comprehensive environmental education concerning the Red -tailed Amazon or the "chauá" parrot , as it is known locally. This species is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of the South of Brazil, which means that it does not exist in any other place on the planet. A widespread deforestation of all Atlantic Forest has been contributing to a drastic reduction in this species' habitat, which decreases its chances to survive in the wild. Moreover, because of its beauty, the Red -tailed Amazon is coveted by illegal traffic, which is today one of the main threats to this species.
IPÊ has been developing different social and environmental strategies to call attention for the conservation of this species and its habitat. An ongoing environmental education program offers to local communities the opportunity of learning more about the chauá, making of it a symbol of pride for the region, besides creating ways to explain why it is so rare and threatened. Other objectives in the program are supporting attitudes for nature protection and introducing activities that encourage people to improve their quality of life on taking part in actions for the conservation cause.
The program covers all social segments, including teachers, students, tourists, and community members in general. Part of IPÊ's work to protect the Red -tailed Amazon and the regional natural areas are to link governmental and non-governmental institutions that deal with conservation. The best example is the collaboration established with IBAMA, the federal environmental agency, besides a partnership with SPVS - Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education , an NGO working in the region for many years .
The most important factors in this program include the ability to respond to emerging needs and to conduct a long-term program. Education is a process and its continuity is an essential aspect to generate deep transformations.
IPÊ's presence in Superagüi has shown to be important, as today there is more knowledge about local needs. Over time, the local population has also become more interested and have participated in many conservation actions.
Among the groups with which IPÊ has been developing its work, there is one composed of women for whom the institute offers workshops and with whom it works to produce articles focused on the Red -tailed Amazon and the black-faced lion tamarin. A good example is the production of felt puppets and T-shirst depicting these species. These products have been sold even to international zoos, helping considerably to increase these women's family incomes. This and other artifacts have helped local inhabitants take pride in these species and the Atlantic Forest where they live.
