Brazilian credit cooperativism will take center stage at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29, in Baku, Azerbaijan. On November 19th, the Sicoob, Sicredi, and Cresol systems will participate in the panel Cooperativism and Sustainable Finance, coordinated by the Sistema OCB at the Brazil pavilion. They will highlight successful cases of fostering sustainable practices. With over 17.3 million members and 768 cooperatives in the country, the segment has established itself as a key player in building a responsible financial system focused on environmental preservation.
Tania Zanella, superintendent of the Sistema OCB, emphasized that the participation of the entity and its cooperatives showcases the important role the movement plays in the transition to a green economy by combining economic development with respect for natural resources. "This will be a unique opportunity to demonstrate how Brazilian cooperatives lead in innovation and responsibility on the sustainability agenda, while supporting global goals. There are countless examples proving it is possible to develop initiatives with positive economic and social impacts without compromising the planet's preservation," she stated.
The panel will discuss how Brazilian cooperativism is at the forefront of green finance, highlighting the potential of its initiatives to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to strengthen Brazil's commitment to the Paris Agreement.
Commitment to Care
In this context, Sicoob will detail its sustainability plan, which includes financing social and environmental projects such as solar panels, energy-efficient machinery, and agricultural practices that promote local socioeconomic development, environmental preservation, and financial inclusion. Luiz Edson Feltrim, Superintendent of the Sicoob Institute, believes that participation in COP29 will further drive these initiatives. "Cooperativism offers a unique perspective that goes beyond economic concerns. Participation in COP29 will allow us to showcase how we contribute to sustainability in Brazil. We care about people and the environment, honoring our commitment to the community, which fosters a true bond with the territory and those who care for it," he said.
Among the projects Sicoob will highlight are the Sustainable Rural Producer Award and Expressão Mamaindê. The award recognizes small and medium-sized producers who implement sustainable practices, achieving a healthy balance between economic production and environmental respect. Projects are evaluated based on criteria that demonstrate the producers’ commitment to sustainability, including environmentally conscious agricultural, livestock, and forestry production. Emphasis is placed on the responsible use of natural resources and the preservation of green areas not designated for economic exploitation.
Among the aspects highlighted by the award are the use of clean and renewable energy sources, such as the adoption of solar panels, and efficient water management through techniques that minimize waste and maximize productivity. Additionally, the award emphasizes the importance of producing safe food, ensuring food and nutritional security for local communities, as well as reducing losses and waste in production processes, fostering greater efficiency and sustainability.
Another critical aspect of the award is recognizing the role of women in agriculture, promoting female leadership in farming activities and family succession on rural properties. The award also acknowledges initiatives that improve living and working conditions in rural communities, fostering social inclusion and developing a more prosperous and balanced rural environment.
The Expressão Mamaindê project exemplifies social and financial inclusion with a focus on sustainability and community empowerment. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Mamaindê Indigenous village in Vilhena, Rondônia, aims to generate income and promote autonomy through a business model that merges tradition and innovation. The project involves the production of handmade sandals, eco-bags, and cushions painted by men, women, and youth from the village. All profits are fully returned to the artisans in a transparent and documented process, ensuring the income remains within the community.
In addition to supporting local entrepreneurship, the project includes training to enable the villagers to self-manage their businesses sustainably. Training covers financial management, environmental education, and cultural preservation, strengthening both individual skills and collective unity. To complement these efforts, a Cultural Center was built in the village, serving as a space for preserving cultural traditions and conducting educational activities and workshops. Recognized for its significance, the initiative won first place in the Social Category of the ProperaCoop 2024 Award during the 15th Brazilian Credit Cooperative Congress (Concred).
