controversially, farmers gilvan and manelao have long relied on traditional slash and burn agriculture, even though the technique used to be banned in the protected area. >> if we're not permitted to use our traditional techniques, then we can't maintain the quality of our produce and we also end up producing less. >> now, however, the practice is once again legal. but only so long as the fire brigade is on hand. >> we have been working together since the beginning of the year because we want to reconcile the goals of the protected area with the needs of the local population. we put the fire brigade at their disposal so as to prevent the fire from spreading and at the same time we guarantee that the local population can continue using their traditional farming methods. we've reached a binding agreement and we want to work together harmoniously. >> the carbon in the ash makes the soil more fertile and burning clears land for new crops. the fire management program in the cerrado is designed to help brazil reach its ambitious climate goals. by 2020, it hopes to have reduced its carbon dio