The Copaíba Environmental Association was awarded the Muriqui Award 2020 edition, in the legal entity category, recognizing its contribution to the conservation of biodiversity and the Atlantic Forest biome. This recognition is one of the most important honors for anyone working in the Brazilian environmental area, according to the National Council of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve (CN-RBMA).

The award aims to encourage actions that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, the promotion and dissemination of traditional and scientific knowledge and the promotion of sustainable development in the area of the Atlantic Forest. Since its establishment in 1993, the Muriqui Award has recognized people and entities that work towards conservation and sustainable development and scientific and traditional knowledge of the Atlantic Forest. Important national entities have been recognized with this honor, highlighting the Instituto Florestal and Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas IPÊ (2019), the Municipality of Extrema (2013), Pact for the restoration of the Atlantic Forest (2010) and Fundação SOS Mata Atlântica (2010). 1998), among others.

Copaíba was recognized for the results of restoration and conservation of the Atlantic Forest and for the trajectory of its work over 21 years. To date, 690,000 seedlings have been planted in partnership with landowners in the region. 458 hectares, protecting the surroundings of 265 springs and the shore 144 streams. Within the social impact, the projects have involved more than 200 landowners in the region of the Peixe and Camanducaia river basins, in the south of Minas Gerais and the east of the State of São, distributed in 19 municipalities. The award will take place at the event celebrating 30 years of the RBMA, which will be held in May 2021 in the State of Ceará.