The projects supported by Nordesta all meet the following criteria:

• Reforestation: Plant native trees and restore degraded lands and riverbanks. Establish forest corridors to reconnect isolated forest patches.
• Tree Nursery: Maintain nurseries to grow and protect threatened and native tree species, while creating local employment.
• Water Access: Protect natural springs and install cisterns and rainwater collectors to ensure water availability.
• Environmental Education: Raise awareness about the importance of tropical forests for water, soil, biodiversity, and climate.
• Teacher Training: Organize ecological seminars and workshops for local educators to serve as agents of change.
• Biodiversity: Promote conservation efforts in classrooms and through fieldwork.
• Renewable Energy: Support solar panel installations in schools and environmental centers; encourage research in all forms of renewable energy.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Help farming communities prevent forest fires and adopt forest-friendly practices.
• Beekeeping: Develop native bee (melipona) rearing to enhance pollination and forest health.

We empower communities through educational support and vocational training:

• Build schools and libraries to expand access to education.
• Offer workshops for youth in carpentry, ceramics, gardening, sewing, drawing, and screen printing.
• Promote girls' education through our "The Way to School for Every Girl" project (since 2001).
• Support local centers that care for street children, offering shelter, food, education, and guidance.
• Promote sustainable farming practices and assist in the setup of organic gardens and beekeeping programs.
• Contribute to food security through “Zero Hunger” initiatives, including school gardens, community bakeries, and equipment for small farmers.

All projects supported by Nordesta adhere to the following principles:

• Community-led: Priority is given to projects initiated and driven by the local population.
• Active Participation: Beneficiaries must be fully engaged at every stage of the project.
• Sustainability: Projects must aim for financial autonomy in the medium to long term.
• Support for the Vulnerable: Focus on helping impoverished children, women, smallholder farmers, and Indigenous communities.
• Multiplying Effect: Projects must train individuals who can expand and replicate the initiative.
• Environmental Integration: All efforts align with sustainable development that respects both people and nature.
• Policy Alignment: Partner municipalities are expected to implement or strengthen their local Agenda 21.