

We’re backing the Indigenous protectors of the Amazon
The Amazon is the most biodiverse place on Earth, home to 3,000,000 species of plants, animals and fungi. But it isn’t just a biodiversity hotspot, it’s also one of nature’s nine global tipping points. If it collapses, the consequences will ripple across the entire planet. We’re talking mass species loss, extreme weather, and a massive increase in global warming. And we’re dangerously close to that point. Nearly 18% of the forest has already been lost. Scientists warn that if we hit 20% to 25%, we’d reach a tipping point where deforestation is so severe that the rainforest can’t sustain itself anymore.
The mission
At the heart of this crisis, 16 different Indigenous communities across 150 villages of the Xingu region have united to preserve their homeland. Their organized patrols, community-led fire protection, and legal efforts have pushed back against illegal loggers and land-grabbers. They’ve built one of the Amazon's most successful forest protection systems. Their knowledge has proven more effective than any top-down conservation effort, and we wanted to do our part to keep their important work going.



Together with our partner Ecosia, we’re supporting the communities of the Xingu region in three ways. First, we’re funding three years of forest patrols, by providing salaries, headlamps, transport and any field equipment they need. Second, we’re equipping their community-led fire teams with tools like leaf blowers and satellite internet to help stop fires before they spread. And third, we’re supporting the legal work needed to get the Xingu region recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.
What we achieved
Ideal outcome
Our Partner
Chief Tapi Yawalapiti is the son of legendary Chief Aritana, who united the 16 communities of Brazil’s Xingu territory to protect their land and way of life. Today, Tapi carries on his legacy, advocating for protecting Indigenous lands and culture through collaboration with governments and global partners. In 2023, he helped launch Brazil’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, and met with world leaders like Germany’s president Frank-Walter Steinmeier and France’s president Emmanuel Macron. As president of the Aritana Institute and Honorary President of The Rainforest Organization, he’s connecting ancient Indigenous knowledge with modern advocacy to keep the Amazon and his culture alive.
Our Partner

Chief Tapi Yawalapiti is the son of legendary Chief Aritana, who united the 16 communities of Brazil’s Xingu territory to protect their land and way of life. Today, Tapi carries on his legacy, advocating for protecting Indigenous lands and culture through collaboration with governments and global partners. In 2023, he helped launch Brazil’s Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, and met with world leaders like Germany’s president Frank-Walter Steinmeier and France’s president Emmanuel Macron. As president of the Aritana Institute and Honorary President of The Rainforest Organization, he’s connecting ancient Indigenous knowledge with modern advocacy to keep the Amazon and his culture alive.