The International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Government is supporting a new initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity and tackling deforestation in Brazil. The Conservation Networks project brings together civil society organizations, local communities, research institutions and government partners to strengthen conservation strategies across the Cerrado, Caatinga, Pantanal, Atlantic Forest and Pampa biomes.
Funded by IKI through the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), the project is implemented by Caritas Germany, the Brazilian Semi-Arid Articulation (ASA), Rede Cerrado and Rede Ecovida, in partnership with Brazil’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA).
A iniciativa contribuirá para a implementação dos Planos de Prevenção e Controle do Desmatamento e Queimadas (PPCDs) e para as metas brasileiras de redução das emissões de gases de efeito estufa e de desmatamento zero até 2030. Ao longo de sua execução, a expectativa é beneficiar cerca de 25 mil famílias e 100 micro, pequenas e médias empresas, com atenção especial ao protagonismo das mulheres.
International cooperation to address a shared challenge
The launch of the project comes at a time when Brazil continues to face significant challenges in halting the loss of native vegetation. Although the country reduced deforestation by more than 20% in 2025, the Cerrado remained the most affected biome for the third consecutive year, highlighting the need to expand conservation efforts beyond the Amazon.
Against this backdrop, Redes pela Conservação promotes collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders to increase the impact of biodiversity conservation initiatives. The project connects government institutions, civil society organizations, traditional communities, research institutions and international cooperation partners to strengthen public policies and develop long-term solutions for biodiversity conservation.
Conservation that drives sustainable development
In addition to protecting ecosystems, the project invests in strengthening sociobiodiversity value chains, demonstrating that conserving Brazil’s biomes can also generate income and create economic opportunities for the communities that depend on these territories.
The initiative supports family- and community-based agro-industries, strengthens local enterprises and promotes the commercialization of sociobiodiversity products while valuing traditional knowledge and encouraging the sustainable use of natural resources.
Another key component of the project is the recognition of the essential role played by Indigenous Peoples, traditional communities, Quilombola communities and family farmers in protecting Brazil’s biomes. The project will support territorial management, ecosystem restoration and local governance initiatives across different regions of the country.
Innovation to scale up impact
Redes pela Conservação will also invest in the development of innovative financial and legal instruments to support biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, while creating dialogue platforms that bring together governments, organizations and communities to strengthen social participation and improve public policies.
Project activities are organized around four strategic pillars: strengthening sociobiodiversity value chains; developing financial mechanisms for biodiversity conservation; expanding and improving the management of protected areas; and reinforcing policy and institutional frameworks for biodiversity conservation.
Expected outcomes include strengthening 27 sociobiodiversity value chains, improving the management, creation or recognition of 205 protected areas, and implementing innovative financial incentives and legal instruments that support conservation efforts.
By supporting initiatives such as Redes pela Conservação, IKI reaffirms its commitment to biodiversity conservation, climate action and sustainable development, promoting solutions that combine environmental protection, stronger local communities and effective public policies capable of delivering lasting impacts across Brazil.
