Samarco organizes, starting June 5th, World Environment Day, two editions of the Sustainable Fair in the Ubu (ES) and Germano (MG) Complexes. More than 30 local entrepreneurs, the company's social partners, participate in the initiative, which aims at strengthening relationships with the communities where the company operates, encouraging local producers and contributing to the sustainable economy. Producers will have the opportunity to exhibit and sell handicrafts such as bags, accessories and gastronomy products. In the Ubu Complex, the Institute for Research and Rehabilitation of Marine Animals (Ipram), Institute for Marine Research and Conservation (IPECmar) and the Association of Recyclable Material Collectors of Guarapari (Asscamarg) also participate in the initiative. In Germano, the fair will feature the participation of representatives from the research group on Environmental and Social Recovery Technologies – Apicrim, from the Federal University of Ouro Preto (Ufop), and with an exhibition on the micro-basin of the Serra do Gandarela National Park.
“Initiatives such as the Sustainable Fair are aligned with Samarco's sustainability policy, which aims at promoting a different mining, in which the positive effects of our operations are expanded and shared with the communities in the areas where we operate. It is an opportunity to boost the local economy and interaction between employees and contractors from the Germano and Ubu Complexes with entrepreneurs from the communities”, highlighted Samarco's Environment Analyst, Mariana Barcelos, manager of the Environmental Education Program (PEA ).
Income opportunity
Ana Maria Pereira Marques, founder of Rede EmpreenDelas, in Antônio Pereira, district of Ouro Preto, said that the fair is fundamental to opening doors for the community and strengthening ties. “As EmpreenDelas, it is a dream to be able to go outside our community and not only display our products, but also expand our network of contacts and future partnerships”, she pointed out. Owner of “Ana Bordados”, Ana Maria participated in the last Sustainable Fair held in Germano, together with members of Rede EmpreenDelas, when they sold BRL 3,000 in craft and gastronomy products in a single day.
Entrepreneur in the municipality of Anchieta (ES), Edenise Ribeiro will exhibit products from the family agribusiness such as sweets, pasta and cookies during the Fair at the Ubu Complex. “It is important to publicize our work and generate sales opportunities,” she said.
Célia Antunes Passos, artisan and president of Associação Arte Mãos e Flores, in the district of Antônio Pereira, said that sustainable and creative craft products made by the members will be on display. “My expectation is to bring local crafts to the company’s employees, for sales and possible commercial partnerships. This event is important for the development and improvement of the local economy’, highlighted Célia.
Visibility
Confectioner Maria de Fátima dos Santos will participate in the Sustainable Fair for the second time. “It was a very good experience, we were well received and sales were a success! Now the expectations are very good. This space that Samarco gives us is of great importance, it helps a lot in the economy, and in disseminating the work of several female entrepreneurs, who often do not have the visibility they deserve”, highlighted Maria de Fátima, who lives in the district of Antônio Pereira. Also a confectioner, from the Mãe-Bá (ES) community, Nadja Carvalho dos Santos said that she has already been receiving support from Samarco, through the Força Local program, which encouraged her to seek the formalization of her small business. “Samarco, in the Força Local program, advised me to have the Individual Microentrepreneur (MEI) registration to provide invoices and services as a local entrepreneur”, she said, revealing that she currently works as a caterer of corporate snacks, including at Samarco events. Najda will participate in the Sustainable Fair at the Ubu Complex with a varied range of products, such as breads, cakes, coconut candy, pudding and mini pizza.
Germano Complex Sustainable Fair
Exhibitors: 11 social partners (including associations and individual entrepreneurs)
Products on display:
Crafts: dish towels, purses, toiletry bags, rugs, backpacks, embroidery, books by authors from the municipality of Mariana, ornamental plants, mosses for decoration.
Gastronomy: Homemade cakes and breads, pot cake, donuts, homemade and candied sweets, chocolates, gourmet sorbet tubes, pre-fried pork rinds.
Participation of braiders, who will demonstrate types of braids and sell their hair products.
Participation of Mary Kay consultants who will provide self-care for fair participants and sell their products.
Ubu Complex Sustainable Fair
Exhibitors: 20 social partners (10 each day)
Products on display:
Crafts: dish towels, embroidery, crochet, patchwork, pictures and paintings and crafts in resin, wood, shells and fish scales.
Gastronomy: homemade breads and cakes, savory, sweets, meringues, pudding, chocolates and pot cakes.
Photos: Fairs celebrating World Environment Day encourage sustainable economy/ Credits: Whashington Alves (Photos, 2 and 3) and Jefferson Rocio (Photos 4.5 and 6)
