Miringuava River Basin: Sustainable Partnerships Drive Local Entrepreneurship

In January, São José dos Pinhais celebrated the successful conclusion of the first stage of a sustainable entrepreneurship project in the Miringuava River region, a vital watershed in Paraná. The special event marked not only the end of this cycle, which began in 2023, but also celebrated the significant partnerships that have driven sustainable development in the area. The project was carried out by Volkswagen do Brasil in partnership with the Department of Labor, Qualification and Income of the Government of the State of Paraná, Fundação Grupo Volkswagen, and Fundação Grupo Boticário, with execution by Sitawi Finanças do Bem.

Over the past year, the project invested R$1 million, of which R$600,000 was allocated as seed capital to boost rural enterprises committed to sustainable practices. This investment was channeled through the Movimento Viva Água (Viva Água Movement), an initiative that promotes water security and climate change adaptation in the region. These resources were strategically directed to accelerate the growth of businesses that generate a positive socio-environmental impact, providing financial support, technical and entrepreneurial training, and behavioral skills development. A total of 12 entrepreneurs in sustainable production and responsible tourism, sectors that contribute to the security of water resources in the Miringuava River basin, have benefited from the project. The Miringuava River Basin is crucial for supplying the Curitiba Metropolitan Region, sustaining hundreds of families, and accounting for 26.4% of Paraná’s total vegetable production.

The closing event was attended by representatives from Volkswagen do Brasil, Fundação Grupo Volkswagen, Fundação Grupo Boticário, the Government of the State of Paraná, and key partners of the Movimento Viva Água, including the Rural Development Institute of Paraná (IDR), which played a vital role in providing technical support and guidance to the entrepreneurs throughout the project. Invest Paraná, Sanepar, Sebrae Paraná, Espaço Cultural BRDE, the Department of Industry, Commerce and Tourism of São José dos Pinhais, the Department of Environment of São José dos Pinhais, and representatives from the Municipal Council of São José dos Pinhais were also present, demonstrating a collective commitment to sustainability and local development.

The initiative represents a significant milestone for the region and demonstrates how collaboration between the public, private, and non-profit sectors can result in successful sustainable entrepreneurship initiatives. The sustainable entrepreneurship project is one of the counterparts of the Protocol of Intentions signed by Volkswagen do Brasil with the Government of Paraná in 2013, through the Paraná Competitivo Program, which enabled investments in the São José dos Pinhais factory.

Video Meeting Entrepreneurs: https://youtu.be/uIIKkH360JQ