Caring for Nature. Inspiring People.
SPVS has been working for 40 years in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and environmental education. Our work connects science, communities, and companies to protect what is essential: life.
Who We Are
Since 1984, the year of its foundation, the Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education (SPVS) has been carrying out actions aimed at nature protection in the country, especially in the region known as the Great Atlantic Forest Reserveâthe largest continuous area of the biome, between the states of SĂŁo Paulo, ParanĂĄ, and Santa Catarina.
A wide range of initiatives have been developed by SPVS over the past decades, making it one of the most representative Brazilian third-sector organizations specializing in biodiversity conservation.
SPVS is a third-sector institution qualified since 2001 as an OSCIPâCivil Society Organization of Public Interest.
Access the SPVS statute:
Our Mission
SPVS’s mission is to work for nature conservation through the protection of native areas, environmental education actions, and the development of models for the rational use of natural resources.
Vision for the Future
To be a reference and influence the implementation of strategies and models that apply the concept of Nature Production in key territories for the maintenance and preservation of natural heritage, cultural heritage, and ecosystem services.
Governance and Institutional Structure
Founded in 1984 by researchers and professionals to create new alternatives for action in the field of nature conservation, SPVS advocates that natural areas are essential to life and an integral part of all businesses. Since its foundation, SPVS has been committed to conducting innovative projects, ensuring technical, administrative, and financial quality in its initiatives through integrated management, and ensuring transparency in its processes.
Throughout its history, institutional management processes, project monitoring, and evaluation of results and risks have been implemented and improved, as well as other tools that provide clearer, faster, and more precise decision-making.
Today, the institution is composed of a General Assemblyâthe supreme body in the structure responsible for preparing the activity reports and balances, as well as electing members of the Deliberative and Fiscal Councils.
The Deliberative Council’s function is to discuss goals, guidelines, and performance indicators, as well as to assist in the development of fundraising programs, decide on asset acquisition, and appoint the executive director. The Fiscal Council is responsible for issuing opinions on the balances sent by the Executive Board, opining on financial operations, and overseeing compliance with the institution’s Statute.
Clovis Ricardo S. Borges
With a degree in Veterinary Medicine and a Master’s in Zoology, ClĂłvis leads SPVS with the challenge of ensuring the institutional strengthening of SPVS and promoting consistent and coordinated actions with public and private actors in the field of nature conservation. He is an Ashoka fellow, affiliated with the Avina Foundation, a member of the Advisory Board of FUNBIO, and vice-president of the Deliberative Council of the LIFE Institute, which manages the LIFE Certification.
Carlos Manoel Amaral Soares
President of the Deliberative Council. Senior analyst and auditor at the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Company (ECT), graduated in Business Administration from FAE Business School (Curitiba), with a specialization in Postal Administration from the Higher School of Postal Administration â ESAP/ECT (BrasĂlia). For over 15 years, he has participated in conservation organizations such as Birdlife International, PrĂł-Natureza Foundation, Conservation International â CI/Brazil, and SPVS. He is a founding member of the Biodiversity Condominium (ConBio). He has been a SPVS advisor since November 2004.
Giem GuimarĂŁes
Giem GuimarĂŁes holds a Master’s in International Business Law from the University of Vienna and in Business from Positivo University. He is a postgraduate in Marketing from the University of California, also a shareholder and board member of the Positivo Group. He was president of Posigraf, ABIGRAF-PR (Brazilian Graphic Industry Association), and director of FIEP (Federation of Industries of ParanĂĄ). In the third sector, he has been an SPVS advisor for over 15 years. He was one of the founders of the LIFE Institute and the Positivo Institute. He is one of the biggest advocates for the protection of the Araucaria Forest. His business activities are distinguished by the defense of natural heritage conservation.
Christoph Hrdina
Member of the Deliberative Council. Graduated in Tropical Agriculture from the German Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture (DITSL), in Witzenhausen/Goettingen/Kassel, Germany, his country of origin. He migrated to Brazil in 1975 and today owns a travel agency specializing in environmental tourism. He has been an SPVS advisor since September 2012.
Dieter Brepohl
Member of the Deliberative Council. Brepohl has degrees in Economics and Law and is a missionary of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), of which he is currently the president of the Council. Dieter is also the president and owner of Lapinha SPA, recognized as one of the best in the Americas. He has been an SPVS advisor since September 2012.
Marcos Da RĂ©
Member of the Deliberative Council. Currently, he is the executive director of the Green Economy Center at the CERTI Foundation (Centers of Reference in Innovative Technologies). He has coordinated over 40 projects on protected area planning, sustainable regional development, and the conception of models and mechanisms for environmental asset management and social transformation, involving technology and public policy formulation. He was a guest professor (2005 and 2006) for Impact Analysis and Conservation courses in the Master’s in Sustainable Development at the Latin American Forum of Environmental Sciences (Flacam), in La Plata, Argentina. He has also been an ASHOKA Social Entrepreneurs fellow since 1994. He has been an SPVS advisor since September 2012.
Christophe Allain
Luis Gustavo Budziak
Humberto De Ramos Cabral
LuĂs Gustavo Budziak
Member of the Fiscal Council. Partner at Valuup Consultoria. He holds a Master’s in Administration (UP), a specialization in Accounting and Finance (UFPR), a degree in Accounting and Economic Sciences (UFPR), and a course in international business (UCI â University of California Irvine). He works in the areas of accounting, controllership, and financial planning. He was a senior manager at one of the largest accounting consultants (big four) in corporate finance and business restructuring projects. He was also a controllership manager and CFO of large and medium-sized companies. He has been an SPVS advisor since May 2015.
Lucas Lautert Dezordi
Lucas is a full professor of Economics at UP, in the undergraduate program in Economic Sciences and the Master’s and Doctorate program (PMDA). Chief economist of an investment management company, consultant in the economic area for large class entities and employer unions, specialist in business environment analysis, economic regulation, and economic-financial feasibility projects. He has participated in economic projects and studies for large corporations in the automotive, electrical, and agribusiness sectors. He has advised class entities and employer unions, focusing on market studies and analysis. Coordinator of the specialization course in Economic, Accounting, and Actuarial Expertise and Evaluation. He is a fiscal advisor of the LIFE Institute and Corecon-PR. Member of the Council of Economy, Finance, and Development of ACP-PR. Chief Economist of the TrivellĂĄ M3 investment fund. Doctor and Master in Economic Development (UFPR). Graduated in Economic Sciences (UFPR).
Maura Dos Santos Senes
The future of nature is our responsibility. Let's spread this message.
Verified NGO Seal (2024)
SPVS received the Verified NGO Seal certification from the Social Certifier institution. The Seal not only attests to the entity’s existence but also consolidates its reliability with donors, partners, and civil society.
Recognition that Inspires and Strengthens
Throughout our history, we have won important national and international awards that highlight our commitment to biodiversity conservation and the development of innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. Each recognition reaffirms that we are on the right path and motivates us to continue protecting the environment with dedication and transparency.
Ekologia Kolynos 92 Award (1992)
Honor of Merit. Distinction awarded by the company Kolynos to SPVS for the work developed by the institution in favor of environmental conservation.
Ecological Highlight Award (1995)
Awarded by the Rotary Club of Curitiba to SPVS for the work developed by the institution in favor of environmental conservation.
The John and Harriet Dunning Prize (1998)
Awarded by the American organization The Nature Conservancy to conservationists in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Ashoka Award â 3rd National Contest of Innovative Ideas in Resource Mobilization (1999)
Awarded in recognition of the implementation of the Used Cell Phone Battery Collection Campaign, developed in the states of PR, SC, and RS, in partnership with TIM.
Climate Technology Initiative Leadership Award (2001)
Awarded by the CTI (Climate Technology Initiative), this award recognizes initiatives implemented by individuals and organizations that stand out in promoting “climate-friendly” technologies.
9th Expression of Ecology Award (2001)
Awarded by Revista ExpressĂŁo to the best environmental initiatives in southern Brazil. The award, in the pollution control/telecommunications category, was given to TIM for the implementation of the Battery Collection Campaign carried out in partnership with SPVS.
ParanĂĄ Environmental Award (2001)
Awarded by the Government of the State of ParanĂĄ to the Red-tailed Parrot Conservation Project, in the Biodiversity Flora and Fauna category.
SuperEco Award (2002)
Awarded by Revista Superinteressante, from Editora Abril (SĂŁo Paulo), to the Used Cell Phone Battery Collection Campaign, developed by SPVS in partnership with the TIM Sul mobile phone operator. SPVS’s work won in the “soils” category.
Rotary (2002)
The executive director, ClĂłvis Borges, received the award in the Forest Preservation area on June 6 for the projects developed by SPVS in the field of carbon sequestration. He was one of the 2002 Laureates of the Rotary Athenaeum.
Social Leaders Forum (2002)
The executive director of SPVS, ClĂłvis Borges, was elected as one of the 20 social leaders in Brazil in 2002.
8th Bravo Business Award (2002)
Awarded by Revista Latin Trade, from Miami â United States. The “Environmentalist of the Year” award was given to SPVS’s executive director, ClĂłvis Borges, for his work leading projects against global warming (“carbon sequestration”), which the institution develops on the Northern Coast of ParanĂĄ.
Von Martius Environmental Award (2002)
Awarded by the Brazil-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry of SĂŁo Paulo, SPVS won in the “Nature” category, thanks to the development of 3 major “carbon sequestration” projects.
Ford Motor Company Environmental Conservation Award (2002)
Considered one of the most important in the environmental field in Brazil, the Award is granted by the Ford vehicle manufacturer and the NGO Conservation International to the best environmental practices developed in the country. SPVS won in the “Environmental Conservation Initiative of the Year” category, with the development of carbon sequestration projects in the Guaraqueçaba region, northern coast of ParanĂĄ.
ParanĂĄ Has Talent Award (2003)
Awarded by the Talento Institute, the Award aims to value and honor professionals and institutions from ParanĂĄ that stand out in their field of activity. SPVS won in the “Talent of the Year” category.
Solidarity Dignity Award (2004)
Awarded by the ParanĂĄ Center for Citizenship (CEPAC), SPVS received the award in the “Non-Governmental Project-Environment” category.
11th von Martius Sustainability Award (2013)
The Conservation Entrepreneurs Program (E-CONS) was awarded first place in the Nature category. The Award is granted by the Brazil-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry of SĂŁo Paulo.
15th Von Martius Sustainability Award (2016)
The Biodiversity Condominium Program â ConBio, created by the Society for Wildlife Research (SPVS) to protect the ecosystems of the urban area of Curitiba and the metropolitan region, was awarded second place in the 15th edition of the von Martius Sustainability Award. The Award is granted by the Brazil-Germany Chamber of Commerce and Industry of SĂŁo Paulo.
VII Hugo Werneck Award for Sustainability Love for Nature (2016)
The Biodiversity Condominium Program (ConBio), carried out by the Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education (SPVS), received the Award in the “Best Example of Flora” category. Conducted by Revista EcolĂłgico, the Hugo Werneck Award is considered one of the most important in Brazil dedicated to the environment.
Best NGOs Award (2017)
The Society for Wildlife Research and Environmental Education (SPVS) was recognized as one of the best non-governmental organizations operating in Brazil. The award aims to highlight institutions that demonstrate greater credibility and conditions to receive support from donors and volunteers, making them references for other NGOs. The Award is granted by the Doar Institute and Revista Ăpoca.
Environmental Merit Medal (2019)
ClĂłvis Borges and SPVS were awarded the Environmental Merit Medal granted by the Environmental Police Battalion Green Force for their dedication and work, always exemplary and tireless, in favor of Nature.
Marco Maciel Award (2023)
Japan Tobacco International (JTI) took second place in the Marco Maciel Award 2023, in the Institutional and Governmental Relations in Private or Mixed Organization category. The award, granted by the Brazilian Association of Institutional and Governmental Relations (Abrig), now in its 6th edition, aims to honor companies and professionals who stand out for their performance in the country in terms of ethics and transparency. The company competed for the award with the ecological restoration project ConexĂŁo AraucĂĄria, an initiative between JTI, SPVS, and BNDES.
Braztoa Sustainability Award (2023)
The Great Atlantic Forest Reserve was one of the winners of the Braztoa Sustainability Award 2023, in the Management/Governance category. It was the first time the Great Reserve was a finalist and winner of the award, which, for eleven years, has recognized the best initiatives in sustainable tourism in Brazil. The award is conducted by the Brazilian Association of Tourism Operators, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism (MTur). In this edition, 25 nature tourism initiatives were selected as finalists among 98 cases submitted. In total, 10 were awarded, and four received honorable mentions.
