The New Year is a time to reflect on our learning, achievements, and the challenges we have faced. To renew is to believe that the future can be better than the present. And there is no better way to make the leap from past to future, from the old year to the new, than with gratitude.
We offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports our mission in the Amazon: partners, local community members, advisors, associates, donors, volunteers, followers, and all those who stand with us.
Your support allowed us to achieve the results presented below.
Take a look at our 2024 Year in Review!
Somos Amazônia.
We offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports our mission in the Amazon: partners, local community members, advisors, associates, donors, volunteers, followers, and all those who stand with us.
Your support allowed us to achieve the results presented below.
Take a look at our 2024 Year in Review!
Somos Amazônia.
1 - Opening of the Forest Studio (Ateliê da Floresta)
Offering an alternative source of income and employment, extractivists from the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve are now becoming artisans—transforming fallen forest wood into furniture, household utensils, and art pieces. On June 9, 2024, the Forest Studio (Ateliê da Floresta) was officially opened, fulfilling the dream of Raimundo Mendes de Barros, an extractivist and environmental leader. The initiative is part of the Nossabio project (by Lira/IPÊ) in partnership with Amoprex (the Association of Inhabitants and Producers of the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve in Xapuri). The opening ceremony was attended by the artisan group, local leaders, and representatives from partner organizations. Guests had the opportunity to view locally produced pieces, some of which are now destined for art galleries in Manaus and São Paulo, demonstrating the commercial potential of sustainable woodworking.
Offering an alternative source of income and employment, extractivists from the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve are now becoming artisans—transforming fallen forest wood into furniture, household utensils, and art pieces. On June 9, 2024, the Forest Studio (Ateliê da Floresta) was officially opened, fulfilling the dream of Raimundo Mendes de Barros, an extractivist and environmental leader. The initiative is part of the Nossabio project (by Lira/IPÊ) in partnership with Amoprex (the Association of Inhabitants and Producers of the Chico Mendes Extractive Reserve in Xapuri). The opening ceremony was attended by the artisan group, local leaders, and representatives from partner organizations. Guests had the opportunity to view locally produced pieces, some of which are now destined for art galleries in Manaus and São Paulo, demonstrating the commercial potential of sustainable woodworking.
2 - Chelonians’ Release
Continuing its work in communities across Acre, SOS Amazônia was proud to monitor and document the release of chelonians throughout 2024. During the Amazonian summer, female turtles lay their eggs in the sand. To help preserve these species, our team promotes participatory management within riverine communities, working to prevent predatory hunting and the illegal collection of eggs for subsistence or commercial purposes. Alongside these efforts, SOS Amazônia also carries out environmental awareness activities with children in each community. This year, more than 3,000 baby Yellow-headed Sideneck Turtles (Tracajás), Six-tubercled Amazon River Turtles (Iaçás), and Amazon Turtles were safely returned to nature in the Alto Juruá region. These actions are part of the Quelônios do Juruá – Eu Projeto! initiative and are made possible thanks to the support of partners such as Nike, Rewild, and Norad.
Continuing its work in communities across Acre, SOS Amazônia was proud to monitor and document the release of chelonians throughout 2024. During the Amazonian summer, female turtles lay their eggs in the sand. To help preserve these species, our team promotes participatory management within riverine communities, working to prevent predatory hunting and the illegal collection of eggs for subsistence or commercial purposes. Alongside these efforts, SOS Amazônia also carries out environmental awareness activities with children in each community. This year, more than 3,000 baby Yellow-headed Sideneck Turtles (Tracajás), Six-tubercled Amazon River Turtles (Iaçás), and Amazon Turtles were safely returned to nature in the Alto Juruá region. These actions are part of the Quelônios do Juruá – Eu Projeto! initiative and are made possible thanks to the support of partners such as Nike, Rewild, and Norad.
3 - Soul Amazônia
To combat deforestation and support both forest conservation and the restoration of degraded areas, we launched the Soul Amazônia campaign. The initiative aims to connect people who want to make a positive impact in the Amazon through biodiversity conservation and the celebration of traditional communities.
The Soul Amazônia platform offers four donation plans, ranging from US$10 to US$25. Each donation guarantees the planting of a native tree in degraded pastureland, contributing to ecological restoration through agroforestry systems.
The campaign was launched on Amazon Day, September 5, and has since gained traction on social media, supported by artists and public figures committed to the environmental cause. Among them are singers Zenaide Parteira and Patrícia Bastos, activists Sergio Marone and Rogério Fernandes, and actresses Giovanna Antonelli, Bruna Linzmeyer, Carolina Kasting, Lucy Alves, and Malu Mader.
Soul Amazônia: Join us in the movement to protect the forest!
To combat deforestation and support both forest conservation and the restoration of degraded areas, we launched the Soul Amazônia campaign. The initiative aims to connect people who want to make a positive impact in the Amazon through biodiversity conservation and the celebration of traditional communities.
The Soul Amazônia platform offers four donation plans, ranging from US$10 to US$25. Each donation guarantees the planting of a native tree in degraded pastureland, contributing to ecological restoration through agroforestry systems.
The campaign was launched on Amazon Day, September 5, and has since gained traction on social media, supported by artists and public figures committed to the environmental cause. Among them are singers Zenaide Parteira and Patrícia Bastos, activists Sergio Marone and Rogério Fernandes, and actresses Giovanna Antonelli, Bruna Linzmeyer, Carolina Kasting, Lucy Alves, and Malu Mader.
Soul Amazônia: Join us in the movement to protect the forest!
4- Achieving the mark of 40,000 followers on Instagram
In November, SOS Amazônia reached the milestone of 40,000 followers on Instagram. Our team was thrilled to witness the impact of our work, as this growth reflects both the adoption of our cause by the public and the spreading of environmental awareness. To celebrate this achievement, SOS Amazônia held a raffle on its Instagram page, offering an Amazonian Kit that included a backpack, a Soul Amazônia shirt (in partnership with Made In Acre), and a rubber leaf craft made by a group of women from the Cazumbá-Iracema Extractivist Reserve.
In November, SOS Amazônia reached the milestone of 40,000 followers on Instagram. Our team was thrilled to witness the impact of our work, as this growth reflects both the adoption of our cause by the public and the spreading of environmental awareness. To celebrate this achievement, SOS Amazônia held a raffle on its Instagram page, offering an Amazonian Kit that included a backpack, a Soul Amazônia shirt (in partnership with Made In Acre), and a rubber leaf craft made by a group of women from the Cazumbá-Iracema Extractivist Reserve.
5 - Protagonist Youth (Jovens Protagonistas)
This year, the SOS Amazônia team conducted an extra module of the Protagonist Youth (Jovens Protagonistas) course. The fifth stage of the training focused on the theme “Communication in Defense of the Territory,” encouraging the development of young leaders who are engaged, critical, and reflective citizens. The aim was to strengthen social organization in the territories and empower youth concerning their way of life. About 75 young people participated in the course “Youth Protagonism in the Extractivist Reserves of Acre”, which plans to continue offering training to students from Resex Alto Juruá, Resex Alto Tarauacá, and Resex Riozinho da Liberdade. This course is the result of a partnership between SOS Amazônia, the National Council of Extractivist Peoples, and the Chico Mendes Committee.
This year, the SOS Amazônia team conducted an extra module of the Protagonist Youth (Jovens Protagonistas) course. The fifth stage of the training focused on the theme “Communication in Defense of the Territory,” encouraging the development of young leaders who are engaged, critical, and reflective citizens. The aim was to strengthen social organization in the territories and empower youth concerning their way of life. About 75 young people participated in the course “Youth Protagonism in the Extractivist Reserves of Acre”, which plans to continue offering training to students from Resex Alto Juruá, Resex Alto Tarauacá, and Resex Riozinho da Liberdade. This course is the result of a partnership between SOS Amazônia, the National Council of Extractivist Peoples, and the Chico Mendes Committee.
6- 36 years Birthday
This year, we commemorate 36 years since the founding of SOS Amazônia, an NGO established with the mission to promote biodiversity conservation and foster environmental awareness. These 36 years have been marked by experiences, memories, achievements, and inevitable losses—always accompanied by a steadfast commitment to building a better, healthier, and more balanced world. In 2024, Brazilian actress Malu Marder joined us for a special appearance in the video celebrating the date. Check it out:
This year, we commemorate 36 years since the founding of SOS Amazônia, an NGO established with the mission to promote biodiversity conservation and foster environmental awareness. These 36 years have been marked by experiences, memories, achievements, and inevitable losses—always accompanied by a steadfast commitment to building a better, healthier, and more balanced world. In 2024, Brazilian actress Malu Marder joined us for a special appearance in the video celebrating the date. Check it out:
7 - Nossabio Documentary
To celebrate the successful outcomes of the Nossabio project, carried out between 2019 and 2024 by the Institute Ipê with funding from the Amazon Fund and the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, SOS Amazônia released a documentary showcasing the project’s key activities. Featuring testimonies from extractivists and community leaders, the documentary invites reflection on the essence of extractivism and the power in preserving the standing forest.
To celebrate the successful outcomes of the Nossabio project, carried out between 2019 and 2024 by the Institute Ipê with funding from the Amazon Fund and the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, SOS Amazônia released a documentary showcasing the project’s key activities. Featuring testimonies from extractivists and community leaders, the documentary invites reflection on the essence of extractivism and the power in preserving the standing forest.
8 - Integrated Management Workshop
In November, three Integrated Management Workshops were held with the aim of advancing the Aliança Project and continuing its strategic plan. These workshops included the participation of community members and Indigenous peoples from the Extractivist Reserve Alto Tarauacá and Riozinho da Liberdade. During the meetings, each community's specific demands were discussed in order to propose partnerships and agreements among them. These partnerships help facilitate the development of monitoring, training, and formation strategies with the people living in the territory. Through integrated management activities, the leaders of peoples of the forest gain more resources to care for their communities and defend their land.
In November, three Integrated Management Workshops were held with the aim of advancing the Aliança Project and continuing its strategic plan. These workshops included the participation of community members and Indigenous peoples from the Extractivist Reserve Alto Tarauacá and Riozinho da Liberdade. During the meetings, each community's specific demands were discussed in order to propose partnerships and agreements among them. These partnerships help facilitate the development of monitoring, training, and formation strategies with the people living in the territory. Through integrated management activities, the leaders of peoples of the forest gain more resources to care for their communities and defend their land.
9 - Environmental awareness in indigenous land
During Children’s Month, SOS Amazônia, through its forest restoration agents, promoted environmental awareness activities with students from José Batista Diniz School, located in the Indigenous community of Vaka Visu, within the territory of the Nukini People. Educating children about territorial protection and food security is essential for the future of a community affected by environmental impacts. The activities included planting soursop and cacao, pricking out jatobá seedlings, cleaning the tree nursery, and a talk on agroforestry systems.
During Children’s Month, SOS Amazônia, through its forest restoration agents, promoted environmental awareness activities with students from José Batista Diniz School, located in the Indigenous community of Vaka Visu, within the territory of the Nukini People. Educating children about territorial protection and food security is essential for the future of a community affected by environmental impacts. The activities included planting soursop and cacao, pricking out jatobá seedlings, cleaning the tree nursery, and a talk on agroforestry systems.
10 - BTG Soma Meio Ambiente Mentorship
Between July and November, SOS Amazônia participated in BTG Soma Meio Ambiente, an acceleration program led by BTG Pactual Bank in executive partnership with Ago Social, a school for socio-environmental entrepreneurs. In addition to the valuable learning provided through talks and group workshops, we identified challenges related to our organizational structure and fundraising efforts, with a focus on strengthening our activities. We also benefited from the exchange of knowledge and experiences with other organizations committed to the socio-environmental cause. The partnership concluded with an institutional presentation during Give Back Day, held in São Paulo, which brought together representatives from dozens of mentee organizations.
Between July and November, SOS Amazônia participated in BTG Soma Meio Ambiente, an acceleration program led by BTG Pactual Bank in executive partnership with Ago Social, a school for socio-environmental entrepreneurs. In addition to the valuable learning provided through talks and group workshops, we identified challenges related to our organizational structure and fundraising efforts, with a focus on strengthening our activities. We also benefited from the exchange of knowledge and experiences with other organizations committed to the socio-environmental cause. The partnership concluded with an institutional presentation during Give Back Day, held in São Paulo, which brought together representatives from dozens of mentee organizations.
PROJECTS:
11 - Alliance for the Acre Forests
Through a consortium between SOS Amazônia, the Pro-Indigenous Commission of Acre, and the Catitu Institute, the Alliance Project engages Indigenous and extractivist peoples in the defense of Acre’s forests through territorial protection and monitoring actions. The project operates directly in nine Indigenous Lands and three Conservation Units, areas that host some of the richest biodiversity in the world. In addition to environmental benefits such as climate change mitigation, Alliance also strengthens food security in traditional communities and promotes the empowerment of young girls and women.
11 - Alliance for the Acre Forests
Through a consortium between SOS Amazônia, the Pro-Indigenous Commission of Acre, and the Catitu Institute, the Alliance Project engages Indigenous and extractivist peoples in the defense of Acre’s forests through territorial protection and monitoring actions. The project operates directly in nine Indigenous Lands and three Conservation Units, areas that host some of the richest biodiversity in the world. In addition to environmental benefits such as climate change mitigation, Alliance also strengthens food security in traditional communities and promotes the empowerment of young girls and women.
12 - Amazon’s Phytotherapeutic Products
SOS Amazônia, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to strengthen the medicinal plant sector within organizations across the Amazon biome. In total, four organizations located in Amapá and Pará were supported; all are involved in the commercialization of medicinal plants or their derivatives. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project provides technical and administrative support to help these organizations enhance their commercial relationships and obtain agroecological certification.
SOS Amazônia, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to strengthen the medicinal plant sector within organizations across the Amazon biome. In total, four organizations located in Amapá and Pará were supported; all are involved in the commercialization of medicinal plants or their derivatives. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the project provides technical and administrative support to help these organizations enhance their commercial relationships and obtain agroecological certification.
13 - Nossabio: conserved territories
The project enhances governance and community management in Conservation Units and develops sustainable value chains based on sociobiodiversity products, such as açaí, wild cocoa, rubber, handcrafted wood products, and ecotourism. It is part of the Integrated Legacy of the Amazon Region, a Brazilian conservation program conceived by the Institute of Ecological Research (IPÊ), and funded by the Amazon Fund and the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation.
The project enhances governance and community management in Conservation Units and develops sustainable value chains based on sociobiodiversity products, such as açaí, wild cocoa, rubber, handcrafted wood products, and ecotourism. It is part of the Integrated Legacy of the Amazon Region, a Brazilian conservation program conceived by the Institute of Ecological Research (IPÊ), and funded by the Amazon Fund and the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation.
14 - Amuralha
The Association of Rural Women United by Liberty, Humanity, and Love (Amuralha), supported by SOS Amazônia and the Mérieux Foundation, is based in the community of Nova Cintra, in the municipality of Rodrigues Alves. It brings together 42 women dedicated to the production and commercialization of soaps made from copaiba, açaí, andiroba, buriti, patauá, and other forest products. In 2023, Amuralha launched a new soap collection, opening up the possibility of reaching a broader market.
The Association of Rural Women United by Liberty, Humanity, and Love (Amuralha), supported by SOS Amazônia and the Mérieux Foundation, is based in the community of Nova Cintra, in the municipality of Rodrigues Alves. It brings together 42 women dedicated to the production and commercialization of soaps made from copaiba, açaí, andiroba, buriti, patauá, and other forest products. In 2023, Amuralha launched a new soap collection, opening up the possibility of reaching a broader market.
15 - Rubber’s Women (Mulheres da Borracha)
Aiming to raise women's awareness about the importance of their participation in rubber production, SOS Amazônia, the Institute of Social Development (IDS), and the company Veja promoted workshops and outreach activities with women from communities in Acre that supply latex to the French company, which uses wild rubber in shoe production. Rubber production is a family-based activity, meaning women are involved in various stages of the production chain, from tapping to commercialization. The workshops’ methodological framework includes playful activities, group dynamics, and artistic presentations, with the goal of encouraging experience-sharing, fostering self-esteem, and empowering women in the various spaces they occupy–whether within the family, cooperatives, social movements, or the rubber value chain.
Aiming to raise women's awareness about the importance of their participation in rubber production, SOS Amazônia, the Institute of Social Development (IDS), and the company Veja promoted workshops and outreach activities with women from communities in Acre that supply latex to the French company, which uses wild rubber in shoe production. Rubber production is a family-based activity, meaning women are involved in various stages of the production chain, from tapping to commercialization. The workshops’ methodological framework includes playful activities, group dynamics, and artistic presentations, with the goal of encouraging experience-sharing, fostering self-esteem, and empowering women in the various spaces they occupy–whether within the family, cooperatives, social movements, or the rubber value chain.
16 - Make it Flourish Forest (Faça Florescer Floresta)
Launched in 2019, the project promotes the recovery of degraded areas, including spring surroundings, through the implementation of Agroforestry Systems (SAFs)—the combined cultivation of forestry, fruit-bearing species, and palm trees of ecological and economic interest. Since its inception, it has relied on support from spontaneous donations and organizations such as The Caring Family Foundation, Nike, One Tree Planted, International Conservation, and PMI Worldwide, among others. By 2025, the project aims to directly benefit 840 families through the planting of 1,600 seedlings.
Launched in 2019, the project promotes the recovery of degraded areas, including spring surroundings, through the implementation of Agroforestry Systems (SAFs)—the combined cultivation of forestry, fruit-bearing species, and palm trees of ecological and economic interest. Since its inception, it has relied on support from spontaneous donations and organizations such as The Caring Family Foundation, Nike, One Tree Planted, International Conservation, and PMI Worldwide, among others. By 2025, the project aims to directly benefit 840 families through the planting of 1,600 seedlings.
17 - Socioenvironmental Observatory
The observatory was created to monitor and disseminate information about public policy agendas related to environmental conservation and management. This project is promoted by Project Harpia and supported by the Climate and Health Institute (ICS).
The observatory was created to monitor and disseminate information about public policy agendas related to environmental conservation and management. This project is promoted by Project Harpia and supported by the Climate and Health Institute (ICS).
18 - Jeruá’s Chelonians - I protect! (Quelônios do Juruá - eu protejo!)
Aiming to increase chelonian populations, the project promotes participatory community management through environmental education, training of riverine families, monitoring of threatened beaches, care of recently born chelonians, and their release into safe areas. In 2023, six capacity-building workshops trained 31 monitoring agents to oversee 47 demarcated beaches within four Conservation Units. As a result, over 2,000 baby chelonians were returned to nature in the Alto Juruá Extractivist Reserve and Riozinho da Liberdade in the Carlota Community, Cruzeiro do Sul.
Aiming to increase chelonian populations, the project promotes participatory community management through environmental education, training of riverine families, monitoring of threatened beaches, care of recently born chelonians, and their release into safe areas. In 2023, six capacity-building workshops trained 31 monitoring agents to oversee 47 demarcated beaches within four Conservation Units. As a result, over 2,000 baby chelonians were returned to nature in the Alto Juruá Extractivist Reserve and Riozinho da Liberdade in the Carlota Community, Cruzeiro do Sul.
19 - SOS Recycling (SOS Reciclagem)
The campaign aims to promote environmental education on the proper disposal of solid waste. It began in 2013 as an experimental initiative for separating and selectively disposing of recyclable materials. Currently, the campaign is active at SOS Amazônia’s headquarters in Rio Branco (AC), where people can dispose of plastic and aluminum packaging as well as batteries.
The campaign aims to promote environmental education on the proper disposal of solid waste. It began in 2013 as an experimental initiative for separating and selectively disposing of recyclable materials. Currently, the campaign is active at SOS Amazônia’s headquarters in Rio Branco (AC), where people can dispose of plastic and aluminum packaging as well as batteries.
GRASSROOTS ACTIVITIES
20 - Technical Assistence
Technical assistance and rural and forestry extension (ATERF) is one of SOS Amazônia’s pillars, encouraging grassroots activities to adopt best practices aimed at meeting the projects’ economic and environmental goals. This work is based on transferring technical knowledge to producers and extractivists, who have direct contact with families, providing a space for knowledge-sharing and experience exchange, thereby enhancing production in the territories.
20 - Technical Assistence
Technical assistance and rural and forestry extension (ATERF) is one of SOS Amazônia’s pillars, encouraging grassroots activities to adopt best practices aimed at meeting the projects’ economic and environmental goals. This work is based on transferring technical knowledge to producers and extractivists, who have direct contact with families, providing a space for knowledge-sharing and experience exchange, thereby enhancing production in the territories.
21 - Communitarian sanctuaries
To ensure the success of forest restoration projects and improve logistics in less accessible regions, SOS Amazônia builds communitarian sanctuaries to boost seedling production. The goal is to empower families with the tools to expand their restoration areas and diversify the species they cultivate—both ecological and economically valuable—allowing them to commercialize surplus seedlings in local markets.
To ensure the success of forest restoration projects and improve logistics in less accessible regions, SOS Amazônia builds communitarian sanctuaries to boost seedling production. The goal is to empower families with the tools to expand their restoration areas and diversify the species they cultivate—both ecological and economically valuable—allowing them to commercialize surplus seedlings in local markets.
22 - Agroforest
The restoration of degraded areas can support between 1,000 and 2,500 species per hectare, depending on planting density. The restoration work is carried out in partnership with the projects’ beneficiaries—residents of riverine and extractivist communities, settlement projects, and Conservation Units. Beyond forestry species, families can enrich agroforestry systems by integrating agricultural species such as corn, beans, bananas, and cassava.
The restoration of degraded areas can support between 1,000 and 2,500 species per hectare, depending on planting density. The restoration work is carried out in partnership with the projects’ beneficiaries—residents of riverine and extractivist communities, settlement projects, and Conservation Units. Beyond forestry species, families can enrich agroforestry systems by integrating agricultural species such as corn, beans, bananas, and cassava.
23 - Plant a Tree in the Amazon Forest
Through the Make it Flourish Forest website, it is possible to donate forest, fruit-bearing, and palm tree seedlings for 25 reais each. Beyond individual donations, personalized campaigns can be created by individuals or legal entities. With just a few clicks, anyone can plant a tree in the Amazon Forest, providing ecological and economic benefits for riverine and extractivist communities, settlement projects, and Conservation Units.
Plant a tree in the Amazon Forest!
Through the Make it Flourish Forest website, it is possible to donate forest, fruit-bearing, and palm tree seedlings for 25 reais each. Beyond individual donations, personalized campaigns can be created by individuals or legal entities. With just a few clicks, anyone can plant a tree in the Amazon Forest, providing ecological and economic benefits for riverine and extractivist communities, settlement projects, and Conservation Units.
Plant a tree in the Amazon Forest!
24 - Staff Team
All this work is carried out by a dedicated team of 57 staff members, who bring joy, creativity, and professionalism to our mission. We are Amazon!
All this work is carried out by a dedicated team of 57 staff members, who bring joy, creativity, and professionalism to our mission. We are Amazon!
To celebrate 2025’s arrival…
25 - Bonus to celebrate 2025’s arrival
Looking ahead to 2025, the 30th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) will take place in Belém (PA). Leaders, scientists, NGOs, and civil society representatives will gather to discuss actions to combat climate change. SOS Amazônia looks forward to participating in these important debates in defense of the Amazon and the environment. Stay tuned and follow us to learn more about this essential event for our ecosystems.
Looking ahead to 2025, the 30th edition of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) will take place in Belém (PA). Leaders, scientists, NGOs, and civil society representatives will gather to discuss actions to combat climate change. SOS Amazônia looks forward to participating in these important debates in defense of the Amazon and the environment. Stay tuned and follow us to learn more about this essential event for our ecosystems.
Together we flourish
Translator: Natalia Juliano