Subfoundation Atlântica

For the protection of the rainforest and its surrounding communities

The Atlantic Rainforest, one of Brazil’s major rainforest biomes, is among the five most threatened biodiversity hotspots. Severe fragmentation poses the greatest threat to its rich biodiversity. Less than 7% of its original area remains in good condition, and although it sustains over 70% of Brazil’s population and provides vital ecosystem services, this rainforest receives disproportionately little support compared to other Brazilian biomes.

The Grande Reserva Mata Atlântica (GRMA), covering 2.7 million hectares, is the largest and most strategically important contiguous remnant of this biome. This area offers unique opportunities to reverse degradation trends, promote ecological restoration, and create socio-economic benefits for thousands of people. Communities living around the GRMA play a key role in conservation. Without proper incentives and training, they may unintentionally cause negative environmental impacts.

The subfoundation Atlântica intervenes directly: by supporting nature tourism initiatives, a restorative economy, and programs for income generation and vocational training, we integrate conservation with socio-economic development and ensure that communities become active guardians and beneficiaries of nature’s productivity. Our goal is to provide strategic financial support to small facilities and micro- and small-scale entrepreneurs, thereby promoting green jobs, training people, improving their conservation skills, strengthening responsible ecotourism as a driver of local development, and generating direct socio-economic benefits for communities dependent on the biome. In this way, we foster a culture of sustainable entrepreneurship and strengthen the preservation and protection of biodiversity in one of Earth’s most important ecosystems.

Our main partner in Brazil, responsible for implementing the supported projects, is SPVS (Sociedade de Pesquisa em Vida Selvagem e Educação Ambiental – Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education). SPVS has more than 40 years of continuous experience, proven technical excellence and community legitimacy to act as a regional nautre conservation leader in the GRMA territory.