By Andrea Hargraves 
On Tuesday (15), the municipality of Quixabeira, located in the Jacuípe Basin Identity Area (NTE 15), is hosting a series of activities that are part of the 21st National Week of Science and Technology (SNCT). The local programme, which takes place at the Escola Familiar Agrícola de Jabuticaba, marks the third day of the event, which takes place throughout the state, until Friday (18), under the slogan “Biological areas of Bahia: diversity, knowledge and social”. Technologies”, in line with the national proposal.
The Caatinga region, an exclusively Brazilian biome, is the main focus of the event in Quixabira. The activities aim to highlight the region's biodiversity and promote discussions on social technologies that can contribute to local sustainable development. For Pollyana Reis, director of education for traditional peoples and communities at the Bahia State Ministry of Education, this approach is essential. “This week is of great importance for science and technology, as well as for the population as a whole, but it brings a special meaning for traditional peoples and communities. As the theme already says, the action aims to appreciate the biomes of Bahia. Therefore, we are here in the Caatinga evaluation process and the Escola Familia school has been chosen Agricola di Jaboticaba, because it is a reference in the work of preserving this biome, we are very happy to be here, to witness this moment of great importance.”
The event in Quixabira is part of a broader effort across Bahia, with more than 80 activities planned in school units in different areas of the state, from the Quilombo de Caung, in Cachoeira, to indigenous villages in the Prado. The activities, in which public schools and public universities participate, seek to bring knowledge and innovation to different communities, and promote the importance of science and technology as tools for regional development.
With a diverse programme, the event includes lectures, guided tours of the school and exhibitions, bringing together students, teachers and guests and creating a space for dialogue. Marcius Gomes, Chief of Staff of the Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (Secti), also highlighted the importance of the meeting. This partnership, involving the SEC and Secti, as recommended by our Governor, strengthens scientific education in Bahia. Choosing Escola Família Agrícola de Jabuticaba is important because we can recognize and encourage the production of knowledge and what rural boys and girls have produced in relation to the requirements present in their daily lives.
One of the highlights of this event is the promotion of integration between science and traditional knowledge in the region. The Jabuticaba Family Agricultural School plays an essential role in this knowledge exchange. According to Iracema Lima, the school director, Escola Família Agrícola works with the sons and daughters of young farmers. “Specifically, we are working on developing and promoting social technologies for coexistence with the semi-arid region. The school unit acts as a laboratory, and being the scene of this event says a lot about the importance of this place and this exchange of knowledge. This has to happen so that we forget the idea that science is something that is done in Laboratory In order to survive, the people of Caatinga need a lot of science, discoveries and reinvention of many paths and paths to stay afloat.
Source: ASCOM/SEC