We are the IEVA Institute. For over 14 years, we have been forging a sustainable future by connecting environmental preservation, cultural heritage, and social inclusion. We don’t just protect green spaces; we transform them into hubs of community, learning, and prosperity.
We Are The IEVA Institute: The Environmental Events Institute
Founded in 2009, the Instituto Eventos Ambientais (IEVA Institute) is a non-profit civil society organization (CSO) with a dynamic and integrated mission. For over a decade, we have been at the forefront of developing, organizing, and executing transformative projects that bridge diverse fields of knowledge. Our work is built upon three fundamental and interconnected pillars:
- Preservation of Environmental and Cultural Heritage: We are dedicated guardians of Brazil’s natural and cultural treasures, ensuring their protection and vitality for future generations.
- Profound Social Inclusion: We believe that access to nature, culture, and education is a fundamental right. Our projects are designed to break down barriers and create equitable opportunities for all members of society.
- Generation of Meaningful Work and Income: We go beyond conservation to create sustainable livelihoods. By training and employing local community members, we foster economic empowerment and build resilient communities.
Recognized as an organization of Public Utility in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro since 2013 (Law 5597), the IEVA Institute has steadily expanded its influence. With our headquarters in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro and a strategic office in Jaguariúna, São Paulo, we are scaling our impact across Southeast Brazil.
We are a team, a movement, and a family. Today, the IEVA Institute is proud to provide stable, formal employment for over 130 collaborators under the CLT regime, reflecting our deep commitment to creating a just and sustainable economy.
Our Legacy of Impact, Quantified
Numbers tell a story of dedication, growth, and tangible change. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve achieved together.
- 14 Years of Operation: A journey of relentless commitment, transforming ideas into lasting environmental and social action.
- 27+ Municipalities: Our work has touched communities across multiple municipalities, adapting our model to meet diverse local needs.
- 385+ Environmental Agents Trained: Through our flagship training program, we empowered hundreds of individuals with the skills to become leaders in their communities.
- 130+ Dedicated Professionals: Our growing team of experts, gardeners, educators, and managers are the heart of our operations, employed with dignity and respect.
- Thousands of Lives Touched: From students in our free courses to residents enjoying revitalized parks, our impact resonates through countless individual stories.
The Foundation of Our Work: Environment, People, Prosperity
Everything we do is guided by a holistic vision where a healthy planet and thriving communities are inseparable.
1. Preservation of Environmental & Cultural Heritage
We believe that a community’s identity is intrinsically linked to its natural and cultural landscapes. Our work is a testament to this belief. We go beyond simple maintenance; we practice active stewardship. This includes the scientific management of conservation units, the careful tending of botanical gardens, and the revival of public parks. By producing native seeds and seedlings, we engage in active reforestation, restoring biodiversity and ecological balance. By protecting cultural environments like Paquetá Island, we ensure that the stories, traditions, and unique character of a place are preserved and celebrated alongside its natural beauty. Our goal is to create a legacy where both nature and culture can flourish.
2. Championing Social Inclusion
A green city must be a city for everyone. The IEVA Institute is passionately committed to dismantling the social and economic barriers that prevent communities, especially the most vulnerable, from accessing green spaces, cultural experiences, and educational opportunities. Projects like “Touring with the Community – Favela with Dignity” are prime examples of this commitment in action. We facilitate access to the city’s cultural and natural landmarks for residents of Rio de Janeiro’s communities, fostering a sense of belonging and the right to the city. Our free courses in gardening and environmental education are designed to be accessible to all, providing valuable skills and opening doors that might otherwise remain closed. Inclusion is not an afterthought; it is the central purpose of our socio-environmental initiatives.
3. Generating Sustainable Work & Income
True sustainability requires economic vitality. We have built a powerful model that channels environmental conservation efforts directly into job creation. We are immensely proud that our team of over 130 professionals are contracted under the formal CLT regime, with all the rights and stability that entails. Our IEVA Gardening School is a direct pipeline to empowerment, offering free, high-quality training in gardening and landscaping. Graduates not only gain the skills to beautify their communities but also to secure professional employment, often within our own expanding projects. This approach creates a virtuous cycle: investing in people leads to better environmental care, which in turn creates more opportunities for people.
Our Projects in Action: From Vision to Reality
Our portfolio is a living map of our mission. Here are some of the key projects that define who we are and the change we create.
Parque Lage – Botanical Garden, Rio de Janeiro
Caretaking and Maintenance of Green Areas
An iconic landmark of Rio de Janeiro, Parque Lage is a public park of immense historical and ecological significance. IEVA is entrusted with its caretaking and maintenance, ensuring that its lush Atlantic Forest vegetation, historic trails, and beautiful gardens remain a pristine and welcoming sanctuary for millions of visitors. Our work here is a symbol of our expertise in managing large-scale, high-profile green areas.
Recanto do Trovador Park – Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro
Park Adoption and Socio-Environmental Implementation
Through the “Adopt a Rio” program, IEVA has transformed the former Vila Isabel Zoo into a vibrant community hub. Recanto do Trovador is now home to our pioneering IEVA Gardening School, where we offer free courses to the public. The park is a living laboratory for our socio-environmental projects, hosting cultural events, educational workshops, and community activities that have breathed new life into the space.
Darke de Mattos Park – Paquetá Island, Rio de Janeiro
Adoption and Implementation of Socio-Environmental Projects
Our latest adoption project, Darke de Mattos Park, is a jewel on the unique Paquetá Island. IEVA is implementing a comprehensive plan to revitalize this cherished space, integrating environmental conservation with projects that celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage. Our work here aims to boost local eco-tourism, provide educational resources, and create a model of sustainable park management.
Forest Production and Management – RJ
Seed and Seedling Production and Forest Management
This project showcases our deep technical expertise in ecological restoration. We operate nurseries for the production of native seeds and seedlings, which are crucial for reforesting degraded areas and strengthening biodiversity in conservation units. Our forest management practices are based on sound science, contributing directly to the health of Rio de Janeiro’s vital ecosystems.
Touring with the Community – Favela with Dignity
SEAC Rio Project for the Right to the City and Access to Culture
This powerful social inclusion initiative ensures that the cultural and natural wealth of Rio de Janeiro is accessible to all its citizens. We organize and facilitate tours for residents of underprivileged communities, providing them with enriching experiences at museums, parks, and cultural centers. This project affirms the right to the city and fosters a deeper connection between all residents and their shared heritage.
A Spectrum of Expertise: How We Can Work Together
Leveraging 14 years of hands-on experience, IEVA offers a range of professional services to public and private partners seeking to create a positive environmental and social impact.
01. Comprehensive Environmental Services
We are leaders in the practical application of environmental science. Our services are tailored to create, restore, and maintain vibrant green spaces that benefit both ecosystems and communities.
- Park Management and Maintenance: Full-service management for public and private parks, from horticulture to infrastructure.
- Green Area Implementation: Design and execution of new green spaces, from community gardens to corporate campuses.
- Reforestation and Ecological Restoration: Science-based projects using native species to recover degraded lands.
- Conservation Unit Management: Technical support and operational management for protected natural areas.
- Solid Waste Management Planning: Developing sustainable waste solutions for projects and events.
02. Specialized Consultancy and Advisory
IEVA is a recognized authority in sustainable practices. We provide expert guidance to help organizations achieve their environmental and social goals.
- ABNT Ecological Label for Sustainable Events (ISO 20.121): We are one of the few third-sector organizations in Brazil specializing in consulting for the implementation of this international standard. We guide event organizers through the process of achieving certification for sustainability, as we did for the landmark Rio+20 Conference in partnership with the UNDP.
- Socio-Environmental Project Development: From conception to implementation, we help design projects that deliver measurable impact.
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy: We work with companies to develop authentic and effective CSR programs that align with their brand and create real value.
03. Sustainable Event Organization
Events are powerful platforms for change. We specialize in creating events that not only inspire and engage but also adhere to the highest standards of sustainability.
- End-to-End Event Management: Planning and execution of environmental fairs, cultural festivals, educational seminars, and community engagement events.
- Sustainability Integration: We embed sustainable practices into every aspect of event planning, from waste reduction and carbon offsetting to ethical sourcing and community benefit.
- Logistics and Production: Full-scale logistical support to ensure your event is seamless, professional, and impactful.
Our History: A Path of Growth and Innovation
- 2009: The Beginning
The IEVA Institute is founded, planting the seed for a journey that will transform lives and landscapes. - 2010: Empowering Communities
We launch the Community Environmental Agents Training Project, a five-year initiative that successfully trained 385 students, creating a network of environmental leaders. - 2012: The Global Stage
IEVA is contracted through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to act as a key consultant at the Rio+20 Conference, solidifying our expertise in sustainable event management. - 2013: Public Recognition
The City of Rio de Janeiro officially recognizes the IEVA Institute as a Public Utility, a testament to our significant contributions to the public good. - 2018: A New Home for a New Vision
Through the Adopt Rio Program, IEVA adopts the Recanto do Trovador Park, beginning its transformation into a model for socio-environmental action. - 2019: Expanding Education’s Reach
IEVA partners with Eletronuclear to design and deliver an online environmental education course for 2,000 of the company’s employees, showcasing our capacity for large-scale digital education. - 2020: Cultivating Skills
The IEVA Gardening School opens its doors at Recanto do Trovador Park, holding its first free gardening and landscaping course and creating new pathways to employment. - 2022: Territorial Expansion
IEVA launches its largest project outside the State of Rio de Janeiro, opening an office in Jaguariúna, SP, and proving the scalability of our model. - 2023: Continuing the Mission
We deepen our commitment to Rio’s heritage by adopting the Darke de Mattos Park on Paquetá Island, bringing our integrated approach to another unique community.
Join Us in Forging a Greener, More Equitable Future
The challenges we face—climate change, social inequality, biodiversity loss—are immense. But our resolve is stronger. Whether you are a corporation seeking a meaningful partnership, a public agency with a vision, or an individual who wants to make a difference, there is a place for you at IEVA.
- Partner With Us: Collaborate with us on a project. Let’s combine your resources with our expertise to create lasting change.
- Sponsor a Project: Fund one of our key initiatives, from training a new class of gardeners to reforesting a critical habitat.
- Hire Our Services: Choose IEVA for your environmental, consulting, or event needs, and invest in a partner whose profits are reinvested into social and environmental good.
Let’s connect. Together, we can cultivate a better world.
Our Valued Partners
Our work is made possible through powerful collaborations with public institutions, private companies, and international organizations that share our vision. We are grateful for their trust and support.