BrazilFoundation and Conservation International to Raise Funds for Covid-19 Recovery in the Amazon
In response to the health and economic threat Covid-19 poses to indigenous, quilombola and riverside communities, BrazilFoundation, a leader in philanthropy in Brazil, and Conservation International (CI-Brazil), are joining forces to raise US$1 million to provide humanitarian aid to communities in the Brazilian Amazon most impacted by the global pandemic.
The effort, “Amazônia Sempre”, which means Amazon Forever, launched with a $20,000 donation from BTG-Pactual, one of Latin America’s largest investment banks. BTG-Pactual is committed to supporting education, environment and entrepreneurship in Brazil.
All funds raised will benefit local social organizations working on the frontlines to combat the pandemic. As a result, thousands of vulnerable families will receive direct support as they rebuild. Recovery solutions will also contribute to the long-term sustainability of local communities and nature in order to help protect forests, enhance biodiversity and secure resilient livelihoods.
To support Amazônia Sempre, donations can be made at brazilfoundation.org/amazonia.
“The Amazon is one of the most vulnerable areas due to the absence of basic services. For this reason, we are proud to join Conservation International in raising funds and collaborating to protect the Amazon, its communities and local economies that depend on it as a source of food and livelihood,” said Rebecca Tavares, CEO of BrazilFoundation.
“The peoples of the rainforest play a fundamental role in the protection of the Amazon, and consequently, the well-being of the entire global community. From the air we breathe to the rainfall we count on, to a stable climate, we all benefit and prosper from a thriving Amazon”, said Mauricio Bianco, Vice President of Conservation International in Brazil.
Francisco Costa, founder and CEO of sustainable beauty line Costa Brazil, and Chair of Conservation International’s Americas Council, is an ambassador of the Amazônia Sempre initiative. Conservation International partners with Costa Brazil to support the conservation of the Amazon, and to help establish the beauty line’s sustainable strategies, including procurement, production and packaging.
“I am humbled and honored to help inspire the #AmazonForever campaign alongside two leading non-profit organizations who I am happy to call my partners,” said Costa.
About BrazilFoundation
BrazilFoundation mobilizes resources for ideas and actions that transform Brazil. The foundation works with leaders, social organizations and a global network of supporters to promote equality, social justice and opportunity for all Brazilians. In 20 years of operation, BrazilFoundation has raised more than US$53 million and invested in more than 625 social organizations across the country in the areas of Education, Health, Culture, Socioeconomic Development, Human Rights and the Environment.
About Conservation International- Brazil
Conservation International uses science, policy and partnerships to protect the nature that people rely on for food, fresh water and livelihoods. Founded in 1990 in Brazil, Conservation International works in more than 30 countries on six continents to ensure a healthy, prosperous planet that supports us all.
About BrazilFoundation’s Amazon Fund
The Amazon Fund was created by BrazilFoundation to promote the sustainable development of the people and communities of the Brazilian Amazon through support for biodiversity conservation and local socioeconomic development.