Category: Causes

In celebration of Earth Day, observed on April 22nd, we have selected 10 impactful initiatives that combine biodiversity conservation with the sustainable development of Brazilian communities.

To celebrate Earth Day, PlanetaEXO, a platform specialized in ecotourism and responsible travel, highlights the work of organizations at the forefront of environmental protection in Brazil. The country, home to the world’s greatest biodiversity, faces growing climate challenges, making support for these ecosystems more urgent than ever.

Drawing on its mission to connect travelers with positive-impact experiences and inspired by this year’s Earth Day theme (“Our Power, Our Planet”), PlanetaEXO has compiled a special selection of the top 10 initiatives for the preservation of fauna, flora, and the socioeconomic development of local communities in Brazil.

“Initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife and traditional communities are imperative to ensure our biomes survive issues like global warming and deforestation. At the same time, responsible tourism acts as a fundamental tool, as it increases public awareness and directly boosts the local economy,” says Lucas Ribeiro, founder of PlanetaEXO.

Check out 10 essential conservation initiatives in Brazil now:

1. Onçafari Project (Mato Grosso do Sul)

A pioneer in biodiversity conservation, Onçafari focuses on raising awareness about Jaguars and promoting ecotourism as a sustainable income-generating alternative. In the Pantanal, it conducts research, environmental education, and the reintroduction of animals into the wild.

How to help: Support by visiting the Caiman Refuge through responsible tourism, following the project’s activities on social media, or making a direct donation.

2. Tamar Project (Brazilian Coast)

Internationally recognized, the Tamar Project has worked for decades to protect sea turtles in vital coastal areas. It combines scientific research, beach monitoring, and social inclusion for communities along the Brazilian coast.

How to help: Visit the project’s visitor centers in Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Espírito Santo, Bahia, Sergipe, and Pernambuco (Fernando de Noronha) and buy official products in physical and online stores, or contribute with donations to the Tamar Project Foundation.

3. Sustainable Amazon Foundation – Pensa Program (Amazonas)

The Sustainable Amazon Foundation (FAS) combats social vulnerability in the Amazon through the Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Business Program (Pensa). The focus is on community-based tourism in Conservation Units, transforming the standing forest into an economic asset that has already generated millions in income for riverside communities.

How to help: Prioritize community-based tourism itineraries in the Amazon operated by FAS partner communities and support the institution through donations for forest education and health projects.

4. Humpback Whale Project (Bahia and Espírito Santo)

Working in the species’ main nurseries in the South Atlantic, this initiative blends science with the promotion of sustainable whale watching, generating local income without harming the animals’ life cycle.

How to help: Participate in sustainable whale-watching expeditions with accredited partners or purchase official institution products.

5. Hyacinth Macaw Institute (Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso)

A success story where science saved a species from extinction. Through the monitoring of natural and artificial nests, the project has allowed the population of Hyacinth Macaws to grow significantly in the Pantanal biome.

How to help: Symbolically adopt a nest or chick, buy official brand products, or make donations through the institute’s official website.

6. Spinner Dolphin Project (Pernambuco)

Based in Fernando de Noronha, it has worked for over 30 years in the research and protection of spinner dolphins. It is fundamental to ensuring that tourism on the island occurs without interfering with the natural behavior and rest of these cetaceans.

How to help: Strictly follow the Marine National Park rules when visiting Noronha, visit the project’s Visitor Center, or make direct donations.

7. Ibiti Project (Minas Gerais)

Focused on Atlantic Forest regeneration and regenerative tourism, the project reforests degraded areas and protects native fauna—most notably the Northern Muriqui—in total harmony with the villages in the Ibitipoca region.

How to help: Practice regenerative tourism by visiting the project and prioritize the consumption of sustainable products produced by the local community.

8. Lobos da Canastra Program – Pró-Carnívoros Institute (Minas Gerais)

Operating in the Serra da Canastra, this project focuses on protecting the Maned Wolf, monitoring animals and working with rural producers to mitigate conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence in the Cerrado.

How to help: Spread the word about the project’s educational campaigns (such as “I am a friend of the wolf”) or make donations through the Pró-Carnívoros Institute website.

9. Mateiros Artisans Association (Tocantins)

An emblematic example of conservation through sustainable use, the association acts as a guardian of the Cerrado in Jalapão. The harvest of Golden Grass (Capim Dourado) is conducted under strict regulations that respect the plant’s seeding cycle, ensuring ecosystem regeneration and income for quilombola communities.

How to help: Support community-based tourism when visiting Jalapão and purchase original handicrafts with a seal of origin, respecting the official harvest period.

10. “Na Rota do TamanduAÍ” Project – Tamanduá Institute (Maranhão)

Operating in Lençóis Maranhenses, this project studies and protects the Silky Anteater, the smallest anteater species in the world. The initiative trains local communities in sustainable ecotourism as an alternative to social vulnerability and environmental degradation.

How to help: Opt for community-based guides and itineraries in Lençóis Maranhenses and support the environmental education campaigns of the Tamanduá Institute.

Earth Day 2026 Celebrates the Power of Individuals in Environmental Advocacy

Since 2009, a UN resolution has established April 22nd as International Mother Earth Day or Earth Day, an international date created to raise awareness about the importance of environmental preservation and to encourage concrete actions against issues such as pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

The celebration began in the United States in 1970, long before official recognition by the United Nations. Today, Earth Day mobilizes millions of people worldwide.

The 2026 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” celebrates the power of individuals and community mobilization in environmental defense. Learn more about the date and global mobilization at the official website EarthDay.org.

Support Brazilian Conservation Through Ecotourism with PlanetaEXO

PlanetaEXO is a platform dedicated to responsible ecotourism, connecting travelers to authentic nature experiences and strengthening community initiatives across Brazil. The company works in partnership with local communities, guides, and conservation projects to promote travel that values culture, biodiversity, and sustainability.

Sustainable adventures in Brazil for travelers attending COP30, offering curated nature experiences that connect you with the forest, its people, and the climate agenda.

For those planning to attend the conference or follow it closely, there is one key question: What to do in Brazil during COP30? This is a great opportunity to explore the Amazon Rainforest and other unique destinations like the Pantanal, Monte Roraima, and Chapada Diamantina. And nothing makes more sense during a climate conference than supporting ecotourism, which directly benefits conservation efforts and local communities.

COP30 Brazil, held in Belém, Pará, from November 10 to 21, 2025, will bring global attention to the Amazon, a region vital for climate regulation and biodiversity. By visiting Brazil, you help preserve its ecosystems, support sustainable tourism, and promote climate action.

With this in mind, explore Amazon Rainforest tours and other destinations with PlanetaEXO during COP30 Brazil, and choose an experience that supports ecotourism as a real and effective solution for conservation and climate change. These are authentic wildlife travels for conscious explorers: 

Explore the Amazon Rainforest

Have you ever imagined exploring the Amazon through curated experiences, from canoeing in flooded forests to visiting riverside communities? These nature tours connect adventurers to local culture, biodiversity, and climate action.

Cruise the rivers of the Amazon 

COP30 Brazil is an invitation to understand the importance of environmental conservation, right? For those seeking change from the meeting, travelling consciously already means taking action. And it could be even better with a river cruise in the Amazon Rainforest!

Join Katerre on a 5-day Amazon cruise aboard the Jacaré-Açu boat. You’ll visit indigenous communities and witness the incredible biodiversity of the Anavilhanas Archipelago and Jaú National Park. 

How to get there from Belém: Belém to Manaus flights daily; boat departs from Manaus port.

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity: Cruise the Amazon Rainforest now and live this experience with PlanetaEXO!

Ideal for Short Escapes: Discover the Amazon in 3 Days 

Pressed for time? This 3‑Day Amazon Jungle Tour offers a deep and meaningful immersion into the rainforest without requiring a long visit. You’ll be hosted at a comfortable riverside lodge and explore the jungle by canoe, go on guided hikes, observe wildlife, and visit a local caboclo’s home in the village of Careiro da Várzea. 

The experience includes full board, private bungalows, and expert local guides ready to introduce you to the forest, including the Meeting of the Waters, where the Negro and Solimões rivers meet. It’s a short but powerful journey.

How to get there from Belém: Fly to Manaus, then the lodge team will meet you at the airport and take you by road to the port, followed by a boat transfer to the lodge.

👉  Want to live the Amazon beyond the COP30? Try the 3‑Day Amazon Jungle Tour from Manaus

Explore the protected area of the Mamirauá Institute  

Explore the Mamirauá Reserve, part of the Central Amazon Conservation Complex, a region recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding biodiversity. Stay in the Uakari Lodge, a floating ecolodge surrounded by the Amazon’s rich ecosystems, and enjoy activities like night safaris, piranha fishing, and visits to local communities.

Ideal for COP30 attendees, this experience offers a chance to connect with nature while learning about pioneering conservation and research conducted by the Mamirauá Institute.

How to get there from Belém: Fly to Manaus, then connect to Tefé. The lodge team picks you up by boat at the Tefé airport!

👉  Join an unforgettable Amazon adventure: Book your ecolodge experience!

A Real Jungle Survival Adventure 

Embrace the Amazon like never before with this thrilling survival adventure. Venture deep into the rainforest, where you’ll hike, canoe, and camp in the wild. Learn survival techniques, such as fishing, plant identification, and river navigation, while observing the vibrant wildlife in their natural habitat.

Perfect for those seeking an authentic, immersive experience, this nature tour offers a true connection with nature, far from any comfort zones. 

How to get there from Belém: Flights to Manaus daily; pick-up from the hotel or airport is included.

👉  Ready for the 4-Day Amazon Jungle Survival Tour? Immerse yourself in this adventure!

The Best of the Amazon Rainforest Tours in 4 Days

How about immersing yourself in the Amazon without a lengthy commitment? Explore the Meeting of the Waters, hike jungle trails, and enjoy birdwatching as you spot unique species in the rainforest. 

This is the perfect option for those who want a well-rounded Amazon experience without needing to spend too much time. Stay in a comfortable lodge, with expert guides leading you through the local Caboclo culture and the rainforest’s rich biodiversity.

How to get there from Belém: Quick flights to Manaus are available daily.

👉 Don’t miss out on this complete journey! Check out our 4-day Brazilian Amazon Jungle Tour

Experience Wildlife Travels and Birdwatching 

A lesser-known but fascinating option is located in the state of Mato Grosso, where the Amazon begins to meet the Pantanal. At Cristalino Jungle Lodge, visitors explore a private reserve recognized for its biodiversity and conservation work. This area is considered one of the richest in bird species on the planet and attracts researchers from around the world.

With guided trails, canopy towers, river tours, and exceptional accommodation, the Cristalino experience is a great option for those looking to combine nature and scientific relevance, all with minimal impact. 

Perfect for those looking for COP30 tours and travels that highlight scientific discovery and biodiversity.

How to get there from Belém: Fly to Alta Floresta with a stopover in Cuiabá; a lodge transfer is arranged from the airport.

👉  Interested in exploring one of the best conservation models in Brazil? Discover the Cristalino Jungle Lodge. 

Discover other nature tours in Brazil during COP30

Beyond the Amazon Rainforest, Brazil offers other breathtaking ecosystems where ecotourism thrives. If you’re extending your stay after COP30 or planning a parallel escape, consider these unforgettable experiences that blend adventure, sustainability, and cultural immersion: 

Hike the ancient land of Monte Roraima (RR) 

Walk through clouds and ancient legends! Monte Roraima, one of the oldest geological formations on Earth, stands at the border of Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana. This remote tabletop mountain is surrounded by myths, biodiversity, and striking landscapes.

Reach the Summit of Monte Roraima 

Choose between two unforgettable adventures, both taking you to the summit of this legendary mountain. If you’re short on time, the 8-day trek offers a shorter itinerary that still reaches the summit, with one night on the top and visits to the Indigenous Community Paraitepuy, wild camping, and the stunning “La Ventana” viewpoint.

👉  Looking for a shorter but intense adventure? Discover the Monte Roraima 8-Day Trek

For those seeking a deeper, cross-border experience, the 10-day expedition covers the full ascent, summit exploration, and descent via the Venezuelan side, a physically demanding journey offering a profound connection with this ancient land.

How to get there from Belém: Flight to Boa Vista (via Brasília); 4×4 transfer to the trek’s starting point included.

👉  Want to go all the way? Explore the 10-Day Monte Roraima Full Expedition

Wildlife Travels: Pantanal Immersive Safaris 

The Pantanal is the best place for wildlife observation. Unlike the dense Amazon, its open landscapes offer clear views of animals in their natural habitat. As the world’s largest tropical wetland, it’s home to jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, and hundreds of bird species.

Pantanal Jaguar Safari: Luxury & Conservation 

Stay in a 53,000-hectare ecolodge in Brazil’s Pantanal, a region known for its incredible biodiversity and strong conservation efforts. This 4-day luxury safari includes boat safaris, jeep tours, and canoeing, offering close encounters with wildlife like caimans, capybaras, and hundreds of bird species.

It’s a meaningful way to connect with nature during COP30 Brazil, while supporting sustainability and relaxing in comfort.

How to get there from Belém: Fly to Cuiabá with a layover in Brasília or São Paulo; lodge arranges Pantanal transfers.

👉 Ready to discover the Pantanal’s natural wonders? Explore this destination in an environmentally protected area

Pantanal & Bonito: 5 Days of Nature and Adventure 

Combine two beautiful Brazilian destinations on one trip: Explore Brazil’s Pantanal and Bonito in this 5-day ecotourism adventure. Spot wildlife in the Pantanal and then discover Bonito’s crystal-clear rivers and caves. Enjoy boat safaris, horseback riding, and snorkeling in one of the world’s clearest rivers!

How to get there from Belém: Fly to Campo Grande via São Paulo; road transfer to Pantanal and Bonito is included.

👉 Dive into Brazil’s natural wonders: Join this unforgettable adventure today!

Immerse yourself in the highlands of Chapada Diamantina

Chapada Diamantina National Park, in the interior of Bahia, is one of Brazil’s top trekking destinations. With trails crossing canyons, plateaus, rivers, and Atlantic Forest patches, the region offers a mix of biodiversity and impressive geological formations shaped by water and time.

Follow One of Brazil’s Most Iconic Trails

The classic Vale do Pati Trek takes you through one of the most scenic valleys in South America. The route includes river crossings, climbs to panoramic viewpoints like Cachoeirão, and overnight stays in local family homes. Each day ends with a refreshing swim in waterfalls or natural pools.

👉  Short on time? Try the 3-Day Vale do Pati Trek

Discover Remote Trails and Viewpoints

Set off on a 6-day adventure through Chapada Diamantina, hiking to stunning sites like Vale do Pati, Buracão, and Fumacinha waterfalls, as well as the crystal-clear Poço Azul and Poço Encantado lakes.

This moderate trek offers a perfect blend of beautiful landscapes, wildlife encounters, and authentic experiences. Expert guides will ensure you get the most out of this immersive journey.

Note: This trek is moderate, ideal for those with basic hiking experience.

How to get there from Belém: Fly to Salvador (Bahia), then continue by overland transfer to the town of Lençóis, the main gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park.

👉  Looking for a deeper immersion? Discover the 6-day Ultimate Chapada Diamantina Hike

However, if you’d like to explore other tour options in Vale do Pati with different formats and durations, check out our full selection here! 

Traveling with purpose with PlanetaEXO 

At PlanetaEXO, we believe every trip can make a positive impact. That’s why we create experiences that combine adventure, environmental conservation, and cultural exchange. During COP30 Brazil, while the world looks at Brazil, we invite you to go beyond the event and experience what’s at stake: not just in theory, but in the field.

By choosing sustainable tourism, you become part of a movement that protects the forest, values local knowledge, and builds a more sustainable future. Let your journey be part of the solution.

Want help choosing what to do in Brazil during COP30?

Whether you’re looking for a short escape between sessions or planning a deeper immersion after the conference, our team is here to guide you.

From the lush Amazon Rainforest to the vast wetlands of the Pantanal, Brazil offers unmatched wildlife travels that go far beyond the conference halls. There’s no better time to explore these nature tours beyond the COP30 Brazil!

Talk to our team and plan your expedition with a purpose.

Read More: 

• COP30 Brazil: Sustainable Tourism’s Impact on Climate Action 
• Forest Protection Day: Meet 7 Guardians of the Amazon Rainforest 
• 8 conservation projects in the Amazon to support in 2025 

Learn how to separate waste correctly and support recycling

Trash is serious business. PlanetaEXO, a company based in São Paulo that works with nature tourism and positive impact, wants to broaden the debate about the destination of this waste and encourage more conscious habits. In the capital of São Paulo, for example, more than 12 million inhabitants generate a huge amount of waste every day. This is how the Café com Propósito was born, an event created in partnership with Spaces Vila Madalena, to promote reflection and local solutions.

São Paulo produces around 12,000 tons of waste a day, according to Recicla Sampa. Each person generates an average of 1.5 kg of waste every day. Yet most people don’t see themselves as part of the problem or the solution. There is an entire system behind waste collection, with cooperatives, sorting and collectors, which depends on our cooperation.

Understanding what happens to waste after it leaves our homes is the first step. Separating waste correctly prevents damage to the environment and helps those working in the recycling chain. Getting informed is the start of change. So here are some practical ways to separate waste correctly:

1 – Wet and dry waste should be separated

Avoid mixing wet waste (food waste, leaves and dirty paper) with recyclables. Wash and dry packaging before disposing of it (that’s right!). If possible, create a compost bin to turn organic waste into natural fertilizer (humus).

For example, here at Spaces Vila Madalena the separation is done by named garbage cans, into organic and recyclable waste. Employees who use the space are encouraged to dispose of it correctly, and thus collaborate in the process.

2 – Not all waste goes in the same bag

Syringes, razors and broken glass should not be put out with the regular garbage. To avoid accidents with collectors, put them in separate bins or bags marked “contains sharp object”. If you also want to avoid incidents with animals, the use of bins is even more recommended.

3 – Pay attention to special waste

These are materials that can’t go either in the regular garbage or in the separate collection: cells, batteries, light bulbs, cooking oil, tires, medicines, electronics, etc. This waste contains toxic substances and can cause serious damage to the environment if disposed of incorrectly. The Recicla Sampa platform indicates  collection points in São Paulo for each type of material.

4 – Avoid using black bags

It sounds like a detail, but it makes a difference: white or blue bags make it easier for collectors to identify the contents, speeding up separation and sorting for recycling.

5 – Get to know and support local initiatives

In Brazil, there are more than 800,000 waste pickers, according to data from EBC. They are responsible for 58% of the country’s plastic collection. Many work in cooperatives, which play a fundamental role in the recycling chain and in generating income. Supporting these movements, whether with donations or these simple actions of separating waste for recycling, is part of the incentive.

6 – Understand the types of plastic

Not all plastic is the same. There are two main ones: those with a long life (such as those found in electronics) and those with a short life (such as disposable packaging). The latter accounts for more than 30% of the world’s plastic production and is often used only once.

Plastic can take up to 400 years to decompose, so it is essential to reduce its use and prefer recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

7 – … And speaking of plastic

In Brazil, less than 2% of plastic is recycled. This shows that we still have a long way to go. Look for the recycling symbol on packaging. When it is there, it is a sign that the material can be recycled. Even if there is no symbol, dispose of it in dry bags so that the sorting work can be done by cooperatives or recycling centers.

Don’t just throw it away?

There is no such thing as “away”. When we throw something “away”, we usually think that the problem disappears. But everything we produce continues on the planet. Soil, rivers, oceans and even the air we breathe can be impacted by what we dispose of incorrectly.

That’s why it’s essential to rethink our habits and adopt a more responsible attitude. Simple everyday attitudes are part of a collective effort that transforms the fate of waste and the future of the planet.

The role of PlanetaEXO

At PlanetaEXO, we believe that every adventure can have a positive impact. That’s why, in addition to promoting sustainable travel in nature, we are always updating our environmental practices and strengthening partnerships with local communities. We understand that change starts with us, and we want to walk side by side with those who believe the same.

If you’ve read this far, don’t stop at the content: put it into practice. And share it. The world needs more people committed to this cause.

Read more:

• World Environment Day: 10 Ways to Reduce Plastic on Nature Trips
• Earth Day: 5 positive impacts of ecotourism
• PlanetaEXO joins The Long Run global network