ISPN - Institute for Society, Population and Nature

Fostering sustainable livelihoods throught community protagnism

Photo: Paula Cinquetti/ISPN Archive

Fostering sustainable livelihoods throught community protagnism

Photo: Camila Araujo/ISPN Archive

Fostering sustainable livelihoods throught community protagnism

Photo: Méle Dornelas/ISPN Collection

Fostering sustainable livelihoods throught community protagnism

Photo: Prevfogo Archive

Our programs

We structure ourselves into programs that connect biomes, knowledge and communities.

Cerrado

Develops integrated and coordinated actions with peoples, communities and institutions for the conservation of the Cerrado.

Community Initiatives

Strengthens community initiatives of indigenous peoples, traditional communities, family farmers and peri-urban communities.

Maranhao

Promotes sustainable development and biome conservation actions, aligned with the socio-environmental realities and challenges of Maranhão.

Indigenous People

It values indigenous knowledge and ways of life, strengthening environmental and territorial management, the defense of rights, and the improvement of public policies.

Sociobiodiversity

sociobiodiversity

Strengthens community production chains, encouraging the inclusion of sociobiodiversity products in the food market.

Our initiatives

Learn about tools and actions developed by ISPN and coordinated across a network.

Highlights

Follow our latest releases.

PIPOU: Trajectories of permanence

Learn about the Indigenous Program for Student Retention and Opportunities at University (PIPOU) and its role in strengthening Indigenous academic education in Brazil. The video follows stories of overcoming challenges, belonging, and resilience, revealing how the program helps Indigenous students not only enter but also remain in and complete their university education.

Cerrado Quiz: Do you know the heart of Brazil's waters?

From its deep roots to the waters that supply the country, the Cerrado is part of everyone's life. Take part in our interactive challenge and discover how much you really know about the world's most biodiverse savanna.

Sacred songs of the Awa Guajá people available on Spotify and Youtube

Awá Guajá songs are not just artistic expressions; they are a means of communication between humans, nature, and entities. This sound collection represents a milestone in the appreciation and preservation of this people's cultural heritage.

Recognition of the Gurupi Mosaic

After more than 10 years of mobilization, the Gurupi Mosaic was officially recognized by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA). This achievement unites the Gurupi Biological Reserve and six Indigenous Lands located between Maranhão and Pará—an unprecedented step toward a new model for managing protected areas in Brazil.

News

Stay up to date with our agendas, causes and projects.

Climate finance from the territories: resources, power and socio-environmental justice

The challenge is not simply about increasing funding. It's necessary to discuss how these resources circulate, who participates in the decisions, and which organizations are able to access them.

September 17th, 2026

Opinion article

ISPN expresses support for Chief Antonio Wilson Guajajara and warns against the criminalization of indigenous leaders.

The institute argues that Antonio Wilson Guajajara's actions in protecting the Caru Indigenous Territory and defending the rights of his people should be analyzed in light of the context of the absence of the State and constitutional guarantees.

September 16th, 2026

Institutional note

This guide brings together practical ways to access funding for biodiversity conservation.

This publication presents sources, mechanisms, and funding opportunities for biodiversity conservation and territorial protection.

September 14th, 2026

Who writes this story with us?

"ISPN is an organization that has opened up new possibilities, new horizons in the perspective of living in the territory , caring for the Cerrado, generating income and restoring the springs, water and life."

Eldo Barreto

Clemente Pasture Closure (BA)

"If Coapima is structured today, it is also thanks to the support of ISPN. We will always be working alongside you in this fight for the development that our people so desperately need. "

Marcilene Guajajara

General Coordinator of the Organizations and Articulations of Indigenous Peoples of Maranhão (Coapima)

“ ISPN has been with us from the very beginning. They supported us along the way, guiding and teaching us so that we could understand this project that has now gained momentum and reached the entire world.”

Rosana Claudina (Black)

Andalucia Settlement (MS)

“Small things are great when they open a window to new possibilities. ISPN has never abandoned the small , and this decision has contributed to building new worlds against the current collapse.”

Monica Nogueira

Professor and researcher at the University of Brasília (UnB)

“Initially, the growth of ISPN was not foreseen. Today, the team has grown to over 80 people . In addition, former team members and former ISPN beneficiaries continue to apply this knowledge in academia, government, and society.”

Donald Sawyer

Founding member of ISPN

Support for community initiatives

The Ecos Fund is an independent fund that raises funds from various sources and supports community projects involving indigenous peoples, traditional communities, and family farmers.