SAVE Brasil: 20 Years of Dedication to Environmental Conservation
As Brazil prepares to host COP30, we celebrate 20 years of SAVE Brasil and its dedication to conserving the country’s extraordinary wildlife, proving the power of local action for global biodiversity.
Last year marks a significant milestone for our national Partner, SAVE Brasil, as they celebrate two decades of unwavering commitment to bird and biodiversity conservation.
With Brazil set to host COP30 later this year, the world’s attention is on this megadiverse nation, which plays a crucial role in global biodiversity conservation. This exemplifies the impact of BirdLife’s 123 Partners worldwide, demonstrating how local action drives global change.
A strong start
Founded in 2004, SAVE Brasil initially focused their conservation efforts on the Atlantic Forest, recognizing that more than half of Brazil’s threatened birds inhabit this habitat. Even within this region, prioritization was essential to identify critical areas for conservation and allocate resources effectively.
One of their first major achievements was identifying 163 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Brazil, culminating in two landmark publications:
Important Bird Areas in Brazil: Part I – States of the Atlantic Forest Domain (2006).
Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal – Part II (2009).
To date, 237 IBAs have been identified across the country. SAVE Brasil is currently reviewing and updating these areas while proposing new ones. Later this year, in collaboration with BirdLife and other Partner NGOs, they will begin identifying Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Brazil, expanding their focus beyond birds to include mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, insects, and plants.
“SAVE Brasil’s 20th anniversary reaffirms our mission: protecting birds and nature while bringing people into the cause. Science, engagement, and collaboration have shaped our journey, strengthening partnerships and expanding our impact. Looking ahead, we remain committed to leaving a lasting legacy for birds, ecosystems, and society.”Pedro Develey – SAVE Brasil Director
Fieldwork and Conservation Efforts
SAVE Brasil’s early projects concentrated in Alagoas, Pernambuco, and Bahia, focused on forest conservation through the establishment of public and private reserves, monitoring bird populations, and engaging local communities.
Over the years, their initiatives have expanded to include conservation programmes in the Pampa, Cerrado and Caatinga regions, and coastal environments.
Today, SAVE Brasil operates in 10 states, implementing habitat restoration programmes for various species. Their work also includes public education, policy advocacy, and participation in national and international conservation networks. They also collaborate closely with government agencies at all levels, supporting environmental policies and initiatives.
“For two decades, SAVE Brasil has led bird conservation efforts, protecting species like the Blue-Eyed Ground Dove, restoring habitats like the Atlantic Forest, and empowering local communities. Their work proves that local leadership can drive conservation on both national and global scales. As BirdLife International’s national Partner in Brazil, we celebrate their achievements and look forward to the next 20 years of impact.”Martin Harper – BirdLife International CEO
Birds and People Together
From the start, SAVE Brasil has emphasized community engagement. While conservation efforts focus on preserving habitats, they also rely on people’s participation. Their original motto, “for birds and people together,” evolved into “for birds, for life,” reinforcing the idea that conservation success depends on societal involvement—whether from local communities sharing habitats with endangered birds or from urban dwellers driving change.
Brazil is currently experiencing a surge in birdwatching and bird photography. Platforms like WikiAves and eBird, along with numerous birdwatching fairs and festivals, reflect this growing interest. It’s estimated that nearly 100,000 Brazilians are actively engaged in birding and photography—a diverse group united by their passion for birds.
SAVE Brasil believes birdwatchers are vital allies in conserving the country’s biodiversity. With 1,971 bird species—149 of them globally threatened—public engagement is crucial to reversing habitat loss and species decline.
Despite ongoing climate and biodiversity crises, this team remains steadfast in its mission to conserve natural environments and bird species while fostering human-nature connections. In the coming years, they aim to strengthen their organization, continuing to embody passion, commitment, and excellence in conservation.
