Project

Instituto ´Üá²µ

Instituto ´Üá²µ protects the endangered ´¡°ù²¹³Ü³¦Ã¡°ù¾±²¹ tree while preserving ³¢²¹°ì±ôã²Ôõ Xokleng culture through reforestation, education, and Indigenous-led conservation.
Picture of a woman wearing traditional face paint, a feather headdress, and a traditional necklace.

Reviving the ´¡°ù²¹³Ü³¦Ã¡°ù¾±²¹ and Strengthening Indigenous Culture in Brazil 

The ´Üá²µ Institute is tackling the urgent threat of extinction facing the ´¡°ù²¹³Ü³¦Ã¡°ù¾±²¹ tree (´Üá²µ), a species both sacred to the ³¢²¹°ì±ôã²Ôõ Xokleng Indigenous people and vital to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest ecosystem. Centuries of environmental degradation, deforestation, and territorial encroachments have caused significant harm to native forests and disrupted Indigenous traditions. In response, Instituto ´Üá²µ combines environmental conservation with cultural preservation, ensuring the survival of the ´¡°ù²¹³Ü³¦Ã¡°ù¾±²¹ and supporting the ³¢²¹°ì±ôã²Ôõ Xokleng community. 

Key Actions: Reforestation, Genetic Diversity, and Land Rights Advocacy 

Key activities include large-scale tree replanting, with over 100,000 ´¡°ù²¹³Ü³¦Ã¡°ù¾±²¹ seedlings planted and plans for continued expansion. Community nurseries are focused on maintaining genetic diversity, while advocacy for land rights combats deforestation. Indigenous-led education and ecotourism initiatives promote cultural exchange, biodiversity awareness, and strengthen Indigenous autonomy by empowering the community to lead conservation efforts. 

Looking Ahead: Expanding Reforestation and Promoting Sustainability 

By 2027, Instituto ´Üá²µ aims to plant thousands more ´¡°ù²¹³Ü³¦Ã¡°ù¾±²¹ trees, continue to advocate for climate justice, and create sustainable jobs. The institute’s model has already been replicated in other Indigenous communities, fostering conservation and sustainable development in Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. Income generation from ecotourism and reforestation activities, along with participation in global conservation efforts, enhances its overall impact. The initiative has already benefited around 500 people directly and 2,000 people indirectly, with plans to extend reforestation and cultural preservation efforts across Indigenous lands in Brazil and beyond. 

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Picture of a group of five volunteers sitting on the ground, preparing bags filled with soil to plant seeds.
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Picture of a group of people preparing seed beds, one woman is wearing traditional face painting.
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Picture of a woman with traditional face paint painting a volunteer’s face with traditional red patterns.
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Project began: 22/09/2017 

Leading organisation: Instituto ´Üá²µ

The country where the team is based: Brazil

Theme: Biodiversity, Local and Indigenous knowledge

Sub-themes: Climate change, Cultural diversity, Environment, Forests and desertification, Health, Knowledge sharing, Natural disasters risk reduction, Natural resource management, Poverty and inequality reduction, Sustainable living

Tags: #Women #Youth 

Project needs

  • Strategy/advocacy
  • Financial management
  • Training, Research
  • Legal
  • Project management
  • Monitoring and evaluation
  • Sponsorship / Philanthropy
  • Partnerships development
  • In search of financial partners
  • Crowdfunding, Press relations
  • Communication strategy design
  • Web design
  • Graphic design
  • Digital communication
  • Social media
  • Logistical support
  • Translations services
  • Volunteer workforce
  • Equipment supply
  • Financial reporting

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