In 2026, the Instituto Alok expands its Planeta Verde (Green Planet) program, a partnership with the Airbnb Community Fund aimed at protecting ecosystems across Brazil’s diverse biomes.
In Brazil’s semi-arid region, we support the project “Ecotourism and Development in the Caatinga,” strengthening the connection between environmental conservation and the leadership of local communities. Led by Associação Caatinga, the initiative takes place in the Serra das Almas Natural Reserve (RNSA), a 6,285-hectare territory spanning Ceará and Piauí, as well as surrounding communities. In addition to being an Advanced Post of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Serra das Almas plays a crucial role in greenhouse gas removal and climate change mitigation.
The Caatinga — a biome found exclusively in Brazil — faces severe challenges from desertification and biodiversity loss. This project proposes an integrated response grounded in the Integrated Caatinga Conservation Model, seeking to bring new value to the territory by developing ecotourism as a viable economic alternative that also serves conservation goals.
Planned Actions
- Headwaters Trail Lookout: Construction of a low impact observation structure to enrich the experience of visitors and researchers alike.
- Regional Ecotourism Route: Mapping and development of a route connecting natural and cultural attractions, stimulating the local economy of surrounding communities.
Furthermore, in line with the Planeta Verde program guidelines (Instituto Alok) and Associação Caatinga’s approach to nature protection through socioterritorial development, promoting better quality of life and the empowerment of local actors — the project directly benefits 380 people, prioritizing women and youth in vulnerable situations, through:
- “Caatinga Goes to School, School Goes to the Caatinga”: Guided visits for public school students, fostering a sense of belonging and awareness about the protection of local fauna and flora.
- Income Generation: Skill-building workshops focused on the production of handicrafts and biojewelry sourced from local sociobiodiversity, creating new cycles of economic independence.
- “Everyone Against Poaching”: Engaging activities and educational awareness materials, including puppet theater and participatory mobilization of children and youth.
By April 2027, the project will contribute to establishing the Serra das Almas Natural Reserve as a benchmark in socioterritorial development, ensuring the maintenance of carbon stocks and the protection of springs that are essential to the region.
This partnership seeks to transform how the Caatinga biome is perceived, revealing its richness and potential for ecological renewal.
About Associação Caatinga
Associação Caatinga is a nonprofit civil society organization that, since 1998, has worked to protect the Caatinga and promote sustainable local development. It strengthens the resilience of rural communities against the challenges of semiaridity and global warming through an integrated Caatinga conservation model. The organization is also responsible for managing the Serra das Almas Natural Reserve — a Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN), a protected area category under Brazilian law — spanning 6,285 hectares between the municipalities of Crateús (CE) and Buriti dos Montes (PI).
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About the Airbnb Community Fund
Established in 2020, the Airbnb Community Fund is part of Airbnb’s commitment to serving its stakeholders and giving back to the communities where its hosts operate. The fund will distribute USD $100 million by the end of 2030 to strengthen communities around the world. It works closely with partners and hosts to identify priority causes and support organizations that drive real impact in their regions. Areas of focus include environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, mental health, and the prevention of abuse and exploitation.
