IBAM - Instituto Bem Ambiental

Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30360310 Brazil

Mission Statement

The Instituto Bem Ambiental (IBAM) is a Brazilian non-governmental, non-profit organization founded in 2015 with a bold mission: to catalyze transformative environmental action that enhances climate resilience, restores ecosystems, and empowers communities. Rooted in the rich biodiversity of Brazil and connected to global climate governance, IBAM operates at the intersection of science, policy, and grassroots innovation. Our core purpose is to drive systemic change toward a more just and sustainable future—translating global climate frameworks into locally relevant, high-impact initiatives. We believe that environmental challenges cannot be tackled in isolation, and our work is guided by an integrated approach that connects social equity, ecological restoration, and economic resilience. IBAM is officially accredited by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and is actively engaged in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), particularly in areas related to land use and adaptation strategies. This institutional recognition allows us to both influence and interpret international climate negotiations, bringing technical knowledge and policy insights back to communities across Brazil—especially those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. We specialize in five strategic pillars: - Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience We support subnational governments, civil society, and local businesses in assessing climate risks and developing adaptation strategies grounded in local realities. Through technical assistance, training, and participatory diagnostics, we build capacities that allow communities to thrive in the face of environmental uncertainty. - Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) IBAM implements and promotes nature-based solutions such as forest restoration, green infrastructure, sponge cities, and ecological corridors. We are a Regional Node of the Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact, contributing to the recovery of one of the most threatened and biodiverse ecosystems in the world. - Environmental Education and Communication Our programs use innovative methods—videos, podcasts, community journalism, and public events—to make science accessible and inspire environmental action. We translate complex climate issues into compelling narratives that mobilize diverse audiences, from school children to policy-makers. - Climate Justice and Social Inclusion We work to ensure that climate action is equitable, inclusive, and driven by the needs of marginalized populations. Our initiatives engage youth, women, Indigenous communities, and traditional knowledge holders, amplifying voices that are often excluded from decision-making. - Policy Engagement and Technical Advocacy Through research, technical reports, and direct participation in climate negotiations (including the COP conferences), IBAM acts as a bridge between global policy and local practice. We advocate for stronger environmental governance, accountability in the private sector, and increased financing for adaptation and mitigation. IBAM is currently leading an innovative project for the COP30 in Belém, Brazil, mobilizing a solar-powered climate communication motorhome that will travel through the Amazon region to document climate solutions, amplify community stories, and broadcast key discussions from the Blue Zone in real time. This project exemplifies our commitment to combining technology, storytelling, and sustainability to democratize climate knowledge. Across all initiatives, IBAM maintains a strong commitment to integrity, transparency, and scientific rigor. We collaborate with local governments, multilateral institutions, companies, and grassroots movements to ensure that environmental progress is inclusive and measurable. We envision a future where every community—regardless of geography or income—has the tools, knowledge, and power to shape its own climate-resilient pathway. And we work every day to turn that vision into reality.

About This Cause

The Instituto Bem Ambiental (IBAM) is a Brazilian non-governmental, non-profit organization established in 2015, dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, scientific integrity, and climate justice through interdisciplinary action. Our work integrates technical expertise, territorial governance, and public engagement to strengthen resilience and environmental awareness in both urban and rural territories across Brazil. IBAM was born out of the recognition that environmental degradation and climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. We aim to bridge the gap between global climate agreements and practical, local implementation—translating policy into action and science into accessible knowledge. Our institutional activities are grounded in scientific research, policy advocacy, and inclusive partnerships that reflect the complexity and urgency of environmental issues in Brazil and Latin America. As an accredited organization to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and actively engaged with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), IBAM has participated in multiple international climate forums, including the Conference of the Parties (COPs) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA). Our participation emphasizes not only high-level policy engagement but also the transmission of those discussions back to local and subnational stakeholders in ways that generate real change. Beyond institutional credentials, IBAM maintains a robust scientific production track record. Our team regularly contributes to peer-reviewed literature, technical reports, and applied research on themes including land use, biodiversity, climate adaptation, and socio-environmental indicators. Publications from our leadership and technical staff are indexed and accessible through international platforms, such as ORCID, affirming our commitment to evidence-based decision-making. Key Areas of Operation: - Climate Adaptation & Risk Assessment: We support municipalities and civil society actors in assessing climate vulnerability, projecting risk scenarios, and structuring locally-adapted strategies. Our work uses both qualitative and quantitative methods to produce actionable insights for territories facing increasing exposure to extreme weather events and ecosystem disruption. - Territorial Governance and Environmental Planning: IBAM has been instrumental in developing participatory planning processes and tools that integrate environmental licensing, land use regulation, and socio-environmental compensation. These activities are particularly impactful in mining-affected regions, where we promote municipal leadership in environmental governance. - Restoration Ecology & NbS: As a Regional Node of the Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact, IBAM contributes to large-scale reforestation, the promotion of ecosystem services, and the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS) that align ecological regeneration with human development. Our approach emphasizes long-term monitoring, local stewardship, and alignment with global biodiversity frameworks. - Environmental Communication & Public Engagement: We translate complex topics—such as the IPCC reports, Article 6 mechanisms, or climate finance negotiations—into formats that are accessible to diverse audiences. This includes audiovisual productions, workshops, educational content, and digital campaigns. IBAM has active partnerships with regional media and academic networks to expand the reach of these materials. - Youth Engagement, Gender Equity, and Climate Justice: Our programs center on empowering those traditionally excluded from environmental policy spaces, including young leaders, women, Indigenous peoples, and rural communities. We provide capacity-building, policy training, and opportunities for visibility within the broader climate movement. Highlighted Initiative – The Road to COP30 In 2025, IBAM is launching a unique mobile communication platform: a solar-powered motorhome that will travel across Brazil—from the Southeast to the Amazon—culminating in the city of Belém for COP30. This “Climate Communication on Wheels” project will document adaptation practices, highlight community solutions, and deliver live coverage and interviews directly from the Blue Zone. This initiative combines sustainability, innovation, and storytelling in a single experience, bringing global negotiations closer to everyday citizens. It exemplifies how IBAM makes climate diplomacy relatable, concrete, and inclusive. Institutional Partnerships and Integrity IBAM operates through structured partnerships with public institutions, private companies, multilateral banks, academic networks, and grassroots movements. We work with regulatory agencies, universities, and international organizations to co-produce knowledge and mobilize climate finance. As part of our governance and integrity agenda, IBAM adheres to best practices in nonprofit transparency, internal controls, and ethical engagement. We are committed to inclusive leadership and periodically review our operational policies to ensure alignment with ESG principles and the SDGs. Why Support IBAM Investing in IBAM is investing in climate action that is scientifically grounded, locally anchored, and globally connected. Our capacity to act across scales—from rural communities to international negotiations—makes us a unique actor in Brazil’s environmental landscape. Your support enables us to expand our programs, deepen impact in frontline communities, and ensure that Brazil’s climate narrative is shaped by those who live its reality. We invite all donors, companies, volunteers, and partners to join our mission of building a resilient, fair, and ecologically restored future.

IBAM - Instituto Bem Ambiental
Rua Cenaturo, 231. 6 Andar
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30360310
Brazil
Phone +5531984741320
Unique Identifier 5807316525756_10ec