This is the last chapter on social ecology and in many aspects a consequence of the chapters before.

The security of a place depends a lot on the engagement of its habitants. Once a process of socialisation is initiated, the sense of belonging will be significantly strengthened and the courage to keep the place save will rise simultaneously.

In Britain the neighbourhood watch scheme showed to be very successful. Here the neighbours agreed to observe their own neighbourhood and inform the police of any suspicious conduct. In Brazil this is very difficult to imagine, because often in history it showed, that it was better not to denunciate someone who belongs to ones own group to an unknown governmental power, whose reaction is often inadequate. To make a scheme of neighbourhood watch happening in Brazil, the also British idea of a community officer should be persuade. This policeman visits each family on a regular base and usually lives within the community or within its immediate vicinity. Slowly the people will gain confidence, and the scheme becomes more and more compact.

Source: http://www.apromac.org.br/cv001.htm

To regulate minor conflicts between villagers a village elder should be elected by the villagers and serve as an ombudsman. A further involvement of the whole community is guaranteed by the community agreement of "water for guarding" where everybody will in turns be responsible for the well being of the others.

A very important aspect to gain recognition as a special place will be the public relation work. Associations should be founded that are concerned with the propagation of Sitio Joaninha as an example for a sustainable development. The idea of being something special will help to integrate everybody into the village. Not only should the work of the associations be directed beyond the villages borders, but also to the well being of the villagers themselves. Various groups of mutual help, like private crèches, shopping cooperatives, and not to forget a committee for the organisation of celebration days and the like should be initiated.

Source: http://www.rainhadapaz.g12.br/eventos/festajunina/2002/fotos2.htm

Source: http://www.arcoeflechassis.hpg.ig.com.br/foto_comemoracao.htm