Onçafari is proud to celebrate an achievement that promotes our mission and strengthens our support network. We were doubly recognized in the 21st edition of the Social Entrepreneur Award, one of the most prestigious honors in Latin America for socio-environmental impact initiatives which is promoted by Folha de S.Paulo. The award highlights projects that work directly on biodiversity protection, energy transition, and sustainable development with a special focus on climate solutions and aligned with the themes of COP30.
Divided into two major categories, the award celebrated both emerging solutions and well-established initiatives. In the Social Innovators of the Year category, Onçafari was recognized for its work in wildlife and biome conservation, especially in regions such as the Pantanal. Simultaneously, in the popular campaign on the MobilizAção platform, we led fundraising efforts setting a record at the Social Entrepreneur Award. Despite the award, the platform remains open for more donations until the end of the year; find out how to donate here.
This recognition reaffirms Onçafari’s role as a leader in environmental innovation combining applied science, wildlife management, species reintroduction, environmental education, and community engagement in biodiversity-rich territories.
The award comes at an important moment for the organization. During Climate Week in New York, Onçafari launched the Jaguar Rivers Initiative, an international alliance dedicated to conserving the Paraná River basin and the ecological corridors that connect Brazil with neighboring countries. This new phase expands the scale of the work that we began in the Pantanal and represents our commitment to integrated and lasting conservation solutions.
“Fourteen years ago, I founded Onçafari driven by the same purpose that is now shared by so many people and supporters. The dream has grown and we’ve just brought together Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay to create the largest ecological corridor in the world. A dream comes true when many people dream it together.”
— Mario Haberfeld, upon receiving the Social Innovator of the Year award
This recognition reinforces Onçafari’s commitment to bold and transformative action in support of conservation. The launch of the Jaguar Rivers Initiative is the embodiment of that commitment as we coordinate efforts to protect the Paraná River basin and expand our work beyond Brazilian borders. These awards reflect the strength of our cause and the ongoing support of an ever-growing network engaged in protecting nature.
Discover more about this recognition and other inspiring stories from the 2025 Social Entrepreneur Award in the full article by Folha de S.Paulo.
