Copaíba Environmental Association celebrates 27 years restoring the Atlantic Forest, connecting trees and people.

On September 7, 2026, the Copaiba Environmental Association It celebrates 27 years of dedicated work in the conservation and restoration of the Atlantic Forest in the basins of the Peixe and Camanducaia rivers, in the eastern region of the state of São Paulo and southern Minas Gerais. What began in 1999 as a community dream of four young people and a teacher has become one of the most respected environmental institutions in Brazil, with its work being recognized nationally and internationally.

But much more than seedlings, trees, and hectares, this year the organization celebrates the people who helped fulfill its mission of conserving and restoring the Atlantic Forest in the basins of the Peixe and Camanducaia rivers. Over these 27 years, many people have contributed, directly or indirectly, to the results of the project. Copaiba.

Each person's contribution

Over nearly three decades, the results of Copaiba The numbers are impressive: nearly five million seedlings produced, more than one million seedlings planted, over 900 hectares undergoing restoration, and more than 300 partner landowners who believed in the institution. Ana Paula Balderi, one of the founders of Copaíba and current coordinator of the ecological restoration team., Looking at these numbers is witnessing the growth of a forest and knowing that this result is the work of many people. “27 years ago, I helped plant a seed called Copaiba. Today, looking at everything we've built, I see that it has become much bigger than I could have imagined. There are approximately 490 protected springs, 900 hectares undergoing restoration, and all of this with the help of many people who have been part of this story, leaving behind lessons, challenges, dreams, and the strength to keep moving forward. As a founder, I have immense joy in seeing that seed, planted by four young people and a teacher, grow, strengthen, and continue to produce new seeds, good fruits, new seedlings, and new trees. And, just like a forest, the Copaiba It is also renewed with each person who arrives, who passes through, who contributes, who learns and who teaches. Each one leaves a little of themselves and takes a little of everything. Copaiba, "...helping to leave its mark on the history of the Atlantic Forest in the Camanducaia and Peixe River Basins," said Ana Paula Balderi.

Environmental and human transformation

Based on its values and principles, the Copaiba He has always believed that all human beings need and have the right to a balanced environment and that, at the same time, they are responsible for its realization. The work that began with the intention of protecting the Peixe River basin is now seeing its real impact on society. Flávia Balderi, another founder of the institution and currently executive secretary and coordinator of the Copaíba Nursery, These results show that... Copaiba is on the right path to transforming society. "My life's purpose is deeply connected to the mission of Copaiba. "I have dedicated most of my life to this cause, and following the institution's trajectory over these 27 years fills me with pride. We see nature transforming, springs returning to have water, fauna returning to previously degraded areas, and so many people mobilizing in defense of our forests. We see children experiencing their contact with nature here and taking this experience with them for life. It is the magnitude of this positive impact, in the conservation of nature and in the transformation of people's lives, that inspires me and motivates us to continue," highlighted Flávia Balderi.

Awareness that translates into action.

A great example of how awareness has a transformative power is Camila Conti, who currently serves as president of Copaíba.. "27 years ago, the Copaiba It acts with a great capacity to mobilize and sensitize people to care for the life of the Atlantic Forest, its riches, water, and biodiversity. I was fortunate to be one of the people sensitized and transformed by this cause. Today, as part of the institution's board of directors, I have the privilege of closely following the impeccable work of a team that shows, year after year, how it is possible to make a difference in the territory when action is guided by clear ethical principles and commitment. Copaiba "It makes me believe in tomorrow," said Camila Conti.

The strength of the collective

If over the course of 27 years the Copaiba The fact that they managed to protect nearly 500 springs, recover more than 900 hectares, and produce almost five million seedlings is due to thousands of individual actions that came together. The history of the conservation and protection of the Atlantic Forest is not made by isolated actions, but rather by the union of hundreds of daily choices made by people like the volunteers and collaborators of Copaíba, the landowners, the business owners and partners, the teachers and students, and every citizen who demands and practices respect for nature.

A single tree does not make a forest, but each tree planted alters the microclimate, retains water in the soil, shelters wildlife, and ensures the life of an entire region. The overall result of a recovering Atlantic Forest is a reflection of our society's engagement, and everyone can be a part of this story.

The forest needs you!

Celebrating its 27th anniversary, the Copaiba We renew our invitation for you to also be part of this transformation. To that end, we have launched the Special campaign: Gift Trees, which will be open throughout the month of September. The proposal is simple: instead of a conventional gift, you can donate a tree and transform this celebration into restoration, biodiversity, and new forests.

This anniversary, we want to plant the seeds of the future. Participate by accessing the campaign link:  https://copaiba.org.br/arvore-de-presente/aniversario-de-27-anos-da-copaiba-19177/

Together, we are planting the future of the Atlantic Forest.

Copaiba

The Copaíba Environmental Association is a non-profit Public Interest Civil Society Organization (OSCIP) based in Socorro (SP), which has been working since 1999 on the conservation and restoration of the Atlantic Forest in the basins of the Peixe and Camanducaia rivers. Present in 19 municipalities in the region, it develops integrated actions in public policies, environmental education, seedling production and ecological restoration, promoting the reconnection of people with nature and the protection of natural resources, especially water and biodiversity.