RAINFOREST SCHOOL GARDEN
2022 – 2024
Within our protected land, we initiated our heart project, investing immense time and love. Every Friday, children aged 4–12 from the official Brazilian school, Escola Municipal Sebastião Aprígio José Santana, enjoy outdoor classes in our Rainforest School Garden. We plant, build, dance, learn, sing, create, and connect with Mother Nature. Thank you for your support in keeping this amazing spirit and learning experience alive.
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WHAT WE DO &
WHERE WE DO IT
The main goal of the Atlantic Rainforest Institution (ARFI) is to preserve and reforest the critically endangered Atlantic Rainforest in Southern Bahia, Brazil. Alarmingly, 93% of its original size has been lost. UNESCO lists the area where ARFI operates as one of the five remaining biodiversity hotspots on the planet. Biologists have identified an astonishing 456 different tree species in just one hectare of land, setting a world record for tree biodiversity!
ARFI has already saved over 130,000 square meters of pristine rainforest around the Rio de Contas rivermouth. In collaboration with the local school, Escola Municipal Sebastião Aprígio José Santana, and 80 children, we plant rainforest and cultivate food for current and future generations. Our commitment to syntropic agroforestry ensures that our efforts are in harmony with nature, driving sustainable development and conservation
WHY SUPPORT US?!
All work is done on voluntary basis. This guarantees that 100% of your donation goes into protecting the Atlantic Rainforest. This is a totally different and honest approach of NGO work.
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Our small project is driven by world elite mountain-athletes. We feel the change of the global warming up on the mountains, and the change is drastic!! We are positive, that the most effective measure to combat CO2 is to save and protect standing rainforests. Action is required now - so thanks for your support and donation!
Itacaré, our home base, is located within the Northeast Coastal Rainforest Corridor, recognized as a UNESCO Natural Biosphere hotspot. The historic Rio de Contas Rivermouth is part of the Bahia Atlantic Rainforest Ecosystem and is a unique area encompassing 11 natural and geobiological biomes within just 7 miles. These include the rainforest, the cove, the mangrove, the river arm, the river islands, the river line, the delta, the bay, the beach, the ocean, and the peninsula.
By supporting our project, you contribute to saving the rainforest in an area of exceptionally high biological importance!
OUR PROJECTS
ARFI PROTECTION LAND
Since 2006, ARFI has protected over 130,000 square meters of Atlantic Rainforest around the mouth of the Rio de Contas river in Southern Bahia, Brazil.
ARFI
PROTECTION
LAND
PARTNERSHIP WITH SUDDENRUSH GUARANA
2006 – 2024
Together with ARFI we founded the project SuddenRush Guarana back in 2006. Since the beginning we support ARFI with 10% of our net profit of the sales of our effective and natural Guarana Shots.
SKATE BOWL ITACARÉ
2010-2024
The Breathe Foundation and ARFI hosted the Awareness Festival “BREATHE BRAZIL” in 2010. We invited 30 skaters, snowboarders, surfers, and freeskiers to discuss the local situation of the Atlantic Rainforest. Together, we built a skate bowl on the local beach, Tiririca, which remains in excellent condition 15 years after the first skater dropped in. Thanks to the local community for your continued maintenance.
CONSTRUCTION OF FORMER ARFI
NGO HEADQUATER
2012
A house made out of recycled glass bottles, Itacaré, Bahia.
BEATEN COBWORK
2016
A house for Naco, a local clay artist and one of the last of his tribe. In 2016, ARFI supported the construction of his new 100% sustainable natural house. Thanks to Manu and the great crew for your amazing work!
