Copaíba celebrates 26 years of dedication to the Atlantic Forest

Organization founded in Socorro (SP) celebrates a trajectory marked by more than 4 million seedlings produced and a reference in the restoration of the Atlantic Forest

On September 7th, the Copaíba Environmental Association celebrates 26 years of work defending the Atlantic Forest. Founded in 1999 in Socorro, São Paulo, by a group of friends concerned about the impacts of environmental degradation in the region, the organization has established itself as a leader in ecological restoration in eastern São Paulo state and southern Minas Gerais.

Qualified as a Civil Society Organization of Public Interest (OSCIP), Copaíba has achieved impressive results throughout its history: more than 4 million native seedlings produced, 809 hectares restored, 300 rural landowner partners and around 40 thousand people impacted by environmental education programs.

In addition to seedling production and planting, the association works on public policies and promotes experiences that bring communities closer to the daily life of conservation.

According to Ana Paula Balderi, one of the founders, the commitment that began more than two decades ago grows stronger every year: "When we started, our concern was the future of the Atlantic Forest in our city. Today, seeing Copaíba reaching so many municipalities and helping transform landscapes and lives is the certainty that it's worth persevering."

For Flávia Balderi, also the founder of the association, the impact goes beyond forest recovery: "It's not just about planting trees. It's about spreading knowledge, promoting behavioral changes, and ensuring that future generations inherit a more balanced environment."

With an eye to the future, Copaíba continues to expand its regional operations and reinforce the essential role of civil society organizations in preserving Brazil's most threatened biome.