the extreme by transforming their own parcel into a laboratory of experiences, which demonstrated a harmonious relationship between man and nature. Most importantly, they became sentinels of preservation and transformed their own space into a zone resistant to deforestation. Almost 15years living in the same place, the couple successfully preserved 80% of their lot, a proud accomplishment for both Ze Claudio and D. Maria. Especially, in a region where deforestation is dominant, this peculiarity gained attention from researchers, media, in addition to serve as a model for hundreds of agricultural families. In search of academically grounded research proving the cultural and economic value of standing trees, as opposed to logging, Ze Claudio and D. Maria allied to researchers. The Federal University of Para (especially the Maraba campus and the Center for Agrarian Sciences and Rural Development), supported and expanded scientific cooperation (national and international) with participation from leaders that collaborated on the search towards sustainable alternatives against deforestation. In the beginning of this year, D. Maria defended her undergraduate final paper and received her diploma in Agrarian Pedagogy, like many others from the community that have accessed UFPA and other research institutions. Their youngest son is currently enrolled in the Federal Institute of Para/ Rural Campus at Maraba (IFPA/CRMB), conceived especially for rural social groups. This is an exemplary family, that through much determination have implemented public policies that meet the demands of peasants that inhabit this complex agrarian space, defined by the deficient administration from the Brazilian State. However, wood species of high commercial value in the PAE area attracted other interests. Loggers and entrepreneurs dealing with charcoal launched a strong offensive over the families. In the context of economic struggles, many gave in to make easy profits, facilitating access to illegal exploitation. Protected by the States inefficiency to enforce environmental laws, these agents flow freely through the PAE, rapidly devastating the forest. Even the Brazil nut tree, which is protected by law, does not escape the saw, and is then disguised in the market under another species name. Ze Claudio and D. Marias determination to preserve the forest extended beyond their own lot to all of PAE. It was this determination that motivated them to report illegal logging inside PAE. Governmental agencies such as the Brazilian Institute for the Renewable Resources and the Environment ( IBAMA), National Institute for Colonization and Agrarian Reform ( INCRA) and the Federal Police received several reports from the couple. Without any response, they decided to take matters into their own hands and began direct intervention, such as blocking roads, stopping trucks loaded with logs and writing down their plates. This brave initiative, motivated by a strong sense of morality, was interpreted as a call for war against the loggers, colliers and some farmers who had economic interests in the PAE area. Ze Claudio and D. Maria began to receive threats for defending the forest. They were taking on the States responsibility to enforce environmental legislation. Without due governmental support, they ran serious risks, but were very conscious of this danger. In 2010, in an