Cacao Farmers Create a Green Economy
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Provided by: PBS|Published on: May 15, 2026
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Synopsis
- This 3‑minute video and accompanying activity plan present a case study of Indigenous farmers in Brazil who are cultivating native cacao trees while helping to reforest the Amazon rainforest.
- Students learn about the farmers’ local regenerative economy, in which they earn a livelihood while mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss.
Subjects: Biology, Economics
Authors: Jody Cook
Region: South and Central America
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Prerequisites:
- See the Before Viewing portion of the Viewing Questions resource for topics to review before students watch the video.
Classroom Implementation:
- This video is accompanied by a viewing question guide, a regenerative economics proposal activity, a carbon capture comparison activity, a set of discussion questions, a student handout, and a vocabulary list.
- Alternatively, use this article about how forests are formed and destroyed to connect the farmers' practices in the video to concepts like rainforest layers, nutrient cycling, and drivers of deforestation.
Extensions:
- Extend the lesson by having students research Indigenous farming and land stewardship practices (e.g., traditional agroforestry, polycultures, controlled burning), then explain how these knowledge systems promote biodiversity, climate resilience, and community well‑being.
Sustainable Development Goals Connections:
- Build students' understanding of SDG 8, decent work and economic growth, to highlight how this locally controlled regenerative economy supports long-term economic and ecosystem stability.
This resource details how cacao farmers in the Amazon are restoring rainforest biodiversity while growing their economy. Numerous additional materials are linked, including a glossary of important vocabulary. The video and accompanying materials clearly connect indigenous farming, rainforest restoration, and the global climate cycle. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
