A small community in central Brazil, Mumbuca's quilombola, has gained recognition in the realms of tourism and design due to a native plant called golden grass. This plant is utilized to create accessories and decorative items, serving as both a source of income and pride for the Village's Association of Artisans and Extractors.
The artisans share their culture with global visitors through music and stories. One such artisan, Railane Ribeiro da Silva, shares, "When you buy golden grass, you're not just purchasing a product; you're preserving a tradition that's over two centuries old and still standing strong." She adds that this craft has elevated them from extreme poverty.
Railane is the granddaughter of Grandma Miúda (Guilhermina Ribeiro da Silva, 1928-2010), who learned the art of braiding golden grass from her mother, an indigenous descendant. Miúda played a pivotal role in popularizing this craft across Brazil and advancing progress in the region.
The World Bank supported this narrative by funding the golden grass supply chain through the Integrated and Sustainable Regional Development Project of Tocantins (PDRIS). The project invested $282 million into seven sectors: transportation, education, agriculture, environment, tourism, water resources, and public management enhancement.
In Mumbuca alone, $3 million was allocated for various projects including establishing a museum - the Memorial House of Culture. Visitors can explore Grandma Miúda's history here along with viewing golden grass cultivation photos and crafted items.
Sustainable harvesting training was also facilitated through this project attracting new artisans. Fatima Amazonas who co-managed the project for five years shares how these training sessions made it easier to develop products from golden grass.
In São Félix do Tocantins' Prata Community too, progress was made with project funds being used to establish a plaza which now serves as a central hub for locals. The plaza, equipped with solar panels and internet access, symbolizes progress for the community.
The project also supported initiatives like the establishment of the Tocantins Tourism Observatory, creation of an adventure park in Cantão State Park, formulation of a strategic plan to enhance sport fishing, commissioning of a bird-watching guide for Tocantins and installation of tourist signs in the Serras Gerais region.
As tourism flourished, visitor-friendly infrastructure was necessitated. At Tri Agro Farm, new restrooms and a rest area kiosk were constructed. Similarly, a shelter kiosk was built at the entrance to Jalapão State Park.
Visitors like Beatriz Fróes and Maria Julia Rossi from São Paulo appreciate these enhancements. "The beauty, the cuisine, our guide, and the reasonable prices made our visit delightful," they commend.
Jalapão's charm and untouched nature have also captivated Kàllyta Queiroz and Josias Rodrigues from Redenção in Pará. After a 500 km drive, they found the journey worthwhile.
A trip to Jalapão offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, culture, and hospitality in a Brazilian region ripe for exploration.