My Journey: From Rural Brazil to Leading Global Sustainability Projects

Hello, readers of Eyes on Brasil,

I am thrilled to announce that I will be contributing regular columns to Eyes on Brasil. I look forward to staying connected with you and sharing fresh insights on sustainability and environmental conservation. To kick off this journey, I want to share my story, my path, and what has brought me to this point.

I am Dr. Edivando Vitor do Couto. Although I am now a PhD holder and have had the opportunity to work as a professor and researcher at some of the world’s top universities, my journey began in a small rural settlement in Iretama, Paraná, Brazil.

Early Steps: Education and Overcoming Adversities

I grew up in a humble family where my parents, who were settled through agrarian reform programs. I believe the greatest challenge of my childhood was accessing quality education. I attended a multi-grade school where one teacher taught multiple grades simultaneously. Every day, I walked over 5 km to school, facing the elements of both sun and rain. On the other hand, from an early age, direct contact with nature was crucial to my development. My experiences in the field and observation of natural cycles sparked my interest in natural sciences, shaping my future career.

Despite the adversities, I never stopped dreaming. My parents always taught me that education was the key to success. This lesson stayed with me when I was admitted to the State University of Maringá, where I earned a degree in Geography and completed my master’s. Pursuing a PhD was an even greater step. Thanks to nacional incentives programs, I studied in France, where I not only learned a new language but also a new culture that broadened my horizons.

Academic Career and Impactful Projects

Upon returning to Brazil, I became a professor at the Federal University of Technology – Paraná in Campo Mourão, where I dedicated 10 years to guiding undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. During these years, I engaged in various research areas, including Geosystems, Landscape Ecology, Biogeography, Remote Sensing, and Applied Ecology. These disciplines allowed me to study environmental dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

Two projects, in particular, marked my journey. The first was “Rio do Campo Limpo,” which aimed to assess the environmental quality of the waters and sediments of the Rio do Campo. This project emphasized the importance of environmental education, involving schools and local communities to raise awareness about water quality and pollution control.

The second project, “ForestFisher,” focused on conserving interactions between forests and frugivorous fish in the Amazon. This project was crucial in identifying priority areas for conservation and restoration of these ecosystems, essential for biodiversity and local communities that depend on them.

Transition to Carbon Credit Consulting

In 2022, I decided to broaden my horizons and began working as a consultant in the carbon credits sector, under the mentorship of Geisa Príncipe. I discovered that my academic background and previous experiences were fundamental to this new field. I have always wanted to work in a field that could generate social returns, and carbon credit consulting allowed me to do just that.

One of the most impactful projects I coordinated was AgroEcology_Italy for the company Alberami in Italy. I was responsible for the Project Design Document (PDD) and the Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV). During this time, I took on significant responsibilities, including developing models using RothC, designing soil sampling strategies, and working with SDG indicators. I also served as a technical advisor, leveraging my expertise to contribute to remote sensing, biodiversity, and the preparation of documentation.

Challenges and Achievements

My career has not been without challenges. The lack of access to educational resources and the need to balance work and study were constant obstacles. I learned English later in life, and my fluency is still a work in progress. However, each day is an opportunity to learn, and I remain committed to continuous growth.

One of the most gratifying achievements was overcoming my humble beginnings and earning a PhD, working at one of the world’s top ten universities. Participating in meetings with renowned scientists and engaging with them as equals was a significant milestone in my journey.

Today, when I return to my family’s farm, I see and feel the changes imposed by climate change. Intense heat waves, prolonged droughts, and heavy rains have transformed the landscape and agricultural challenges. These observations reinforce my determination to work in sustainability.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, I aim to continue contributing to innovative and high-integrity projects, both morally and socioeconomically. My goal is to participate in initiatives that transform lives and offer practical and efficient solutions to combat climate change. I believe that through sustainable and impactful projects, we can promote development that not only preserves the environment but also improves the quality of life for involved communities.I am committed to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to develop effective, just, and inclusive strategies. My vision is to create a future where economic progress and environmental sustainability go hand in hand, resulting in a more balanced and resilient world for future generations.It is essential to balance development and environmental conservation, mitigating the effects of the climate crisis and addressing the social inequalities and injustices it imposes. Through my experience and knowledge, I strive to lead and support projects that promote sustainable agricultural practices, ecosystem conservation, responsible natural resource management, and the implementation of clean technologies. I am determined to develop solutions that make a real and tangible difference, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build a healthier, more prosperous planet for all.

Commitment to Eyes on Brasil Readers

I am committed to bringing you articles that translate the latest scientific advancements in sustainability and the carbon market into clear and accessible language. I will discuss integrity in the carbon market, how we can implement sustainable practices, and transition to a more sustainable world responsibly and practically. My goal is to provide you with valuable insights and actionable information, empowering us all to contribute to a more sustainable future.

This is my story—a journey of overcoming obstacles, continuous learning, and commitment to a sustainable future. I hope my journey inspires others to believe in the transformative power of education and the importance of working for the well-being of our planet and its communities. I look forward to sharing more with you and engaging in meaningful discussions on sustainability.