Associação Ambientalista Copaíba
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
The Copaíba Environmental Association was founded 26 years ago by four young people and a teacher who shared the dream of restoring the Atlantic Forest in their communities, in the city of Socorro, São Paulo, Brazil. Initially a local initiative focused on protecting the springs of the Camanducaia and Peixe rivers, it evolved into a leading organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the Atlantic Forest.
Its mission is to conserve the Atlantic Forest in the basins of the Peixe and Camanducaia rivers, engaging communities in awareness and ecological action. To achieve this, Copaíba operates in the 19 municipalities that encompass the two river basins, thru its main areas of focus: public policies, environmental education, seedling production, and ecological restoration.
Over the years, Copaíba has produced more than 4.5 million native seedlings and restored over 900 hectares of forest, planting more than 1.2 million seedlings. It also contributed to the protection of more than 63 km of rivers and streams in the two basins (Peixe and Camanducaia) and to the conservation of more than 490 water springs over this period. In addition, it served more than 40,000 people thru environmental education actions.
Country Information
Brazil, which retains only about 12.4% of its original Atlantic Forest, faces significant environmental challenges. The biome is crucial for biodiversity and water security for over 120 million people but is under threat due to deforestation and urbanization. In the Camanducaia River basin, only 4.6% of native vegetation remains, exacerbating erosion and biodiversity loss. Climate change compounds these issues, leading to irregular rainfall, droughts, and floods, further impacting water availability and quality of life. (Reference data from SOS Mata Atlântica and MapBiomas)
The Need
The Camanducaia River basin is marked by socio-environmental vulnerability, where forest degradation and climate impacts adversely affect local schools, families, and rural producers. There is a pressing need for educational initiatives that connect youth to environmental conservation and climate adaptation. The project aims to enhance climate awareness and resilience among younger generations, empowering communities to foster a balanced and sustainable environment.
The Project We Fund
The “Youth for Atlantic Forest” project introduces a novel approach within Copaíba’s mission, integrating environmental education with corporate volunteerism and educational infrastructure development. This initiative seeks to engage 600 students from the Camanducaia River basin in Brazil, providing them with both theoretical and hands-on experiences to address the climate crisis. The project involves educational meetings, practical experiences at Sítio Copaíba, and collaboration with Concentrix volunteers for educational planting activities.
The Result
The project is intended to directly benefit 600 public school students, making them key agents of environmental change, while indirectly benefiting their families, communities, and local schools. The impact will be tracked through participation reports, qualitative assessments, and public dissemination of results. By enhancing environmental education and infrastructure, the project seeks to inspire future leaders and foster a culture of conservation in the region, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and sustainable community.
