EtnoNature Climate Solution

“EtnoNature Climate Solution” stems from a silent crisis: the mental health of young Tremembé indigenous people in Ceará is being profoundly affected by decades of environmental degradation, territorial invasions, and cultural disruption. For these young people, the suffering is not only psychological—it is ecological, spiritual, and collective. The relationship with the land, with the territory, and with “Mother Nature” is central to their identity and well-being. When this connection is broken, feelings of loss, disorientation, and profound suffering arise.

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The project proposes a paradigm shift: moving away from a purely clinical approach to mental health and towards an ethno-ecological model that understands territory as part of the healing process.

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Indigenous leaders have suffered ongoing violent threats due to their heated legal battle against developers. Surrounded by The Mandaú River Ecological Sanctuary (established in 1999), the 1,596 hectares of federally-protected land is rich in biodiversity; it is an ideal setting to implement our BOLD Ethno-Nature solution for planetary survival. Today, an estimated 3,500 Tremembé live in 4 aldeias: São José, Buriti de Baixo, Buriti de Meio and Mungba. Since 2016, CETRA--Center for Studies of Work and Assistance to Workers-- has advocated for Tremembé human rights and revitalization of cultural traditions. Indeed, the European Union has, in the past, financed the Action Tremembé Project. Such community-based organizations, indigenous leaders (cacique, pajé, etc.) and youth/women´s networks in the 4 aldeias will be our valued initial partners. The community mobilization and implementation of this project will expand to the nearby fishing villages of Flecheiras and Guajirú where most local residents are Tremembé native descendents.

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What the project does

• This study investigates how young Tremembé people construct and experience emotional suffering from the perspective of their own culture;

• Identifies social, environmental, and cultural factors that impact mental health;

• Develops solutions together with the young people themselves, through participatory methodologies;

• It integrates technology, traditional knowledge, and ecological practices.

Indigenous youth are no longer just subjects of study, but are becoming co-creators of solutions.

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The project implements the Ethno-Nature model, which combines:

• Green technologies developed by young people themselves;

• "S.O.S Nature" digital network for support and connection;

• Use of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge for mental health;

• Cultural rituals and practices for reconnecting with nature;

• Interventions in Indigenous schools with impact assessment. ​

The proposal is simple and radical: to restore the relationship with nature as a path to restoring mental health.

Vision

To create a new model of mental health care for Indigenous people, based on culture, territory, and autonomy, with the potential to expand to other communities in Brazil and around the world.​

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