Sustainability in Focus: The Importance of Training in Charcoal Production
摘要
With the growing demand for more efficient and sustainable production systems, charcoal production has sought to develop and implement methods that promote safety and sustainability. These procedures aim to provide a better understanding of responsible and safe practices, contributing to the economic, social, and environmental development of the involved community, and consequently, of society as a whole. The Normative Deliberation COPAM No. 227 of August 29, 2018, establishes procedures to reduce atmospheric emissions from charcoal production kilns using planted forests. Training in charcoal production has proven fundamental for empowering those involved in the process, resulting in workers, as well as compliance with environmental standards. In this context, the improved productivity and efficiency, while ensuring the health and safety of project aimed to systematize the experiences gained from sustainable charcoal production training, demonstrating the importance of producing charcoal with a focus on reducing atmospheric emissions, achieving higher gravimetric yield, improving charcoal quality, and ensuring better working conditions. The project's activities included courses on the construction and operation of the kiln-furnace system, as well as field days. Charcoal producers, farmers, rural extension technicians, students, professors, and others interested in the topic participated in the events. The training covered theoretical and practical content related to production, regulation, thermodynamic parameters, and preventive and corrective maintenance within the demonstration unit of sustainable charcoal production. The results showed that 55% of participants had no prior training or knowledge of the subject, 91% were unaware of the importance of producing charcoal sustainably to reduce environmental impact, and the majority had questions regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other aspects related to worker safety and well-being in charcoal production. It is essential to create a network of collaboration to prepare for the daily challenges faced in production units. Thus, it is concluded that ongoing training is necessary, with continuous capacity-building initiatives to enhance environmental sustainability, strengthen the communities involved, and ensure that charcoal production is economically and ecologically viable and beneficial.