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IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE
UNTIL IT'S DONE

Nelson Mandela

© Yann Arthus-Bertrand

The Black Jaguar Foundation is planting trees in Brazil to restore the balance between nature and mankind. Planting trees improves the life of each of us and all future generations on our earth. We all have the power to change.

The Black Jaguar Foundation is planting trees in Brazil to restore the balance between nature and mankind. Planting trees improves the life of each of us and all future generations on our earth. We all have the power to change.

OUR MISSION

OUR AMBASSADORS

OUR TEAM

OUR MISSION

OUR AMBASSADORS

OUR TEAM

OUR OFFICES

NO RISK, NO LIFE

Q&A

OUR OFFICES

NO RISK, NO LIFE

Q&A

OUR MISSION

RESTORING THE AMAZON RAINFOREST AND CERRADO SAVANNA

OUR MISSION

RESTORING THE AMAZON RAINFOREST AND CERRADO SAVANNA

The Black Jaguar Foundation started in 2009, its initial goal making a unique documentary about the black jaguar in the wild – a dream of initiator Ben Valks. During his numerous expeditions it was not the black jaguar he encountered, but the drastically deforested Amazon. Inspired by the powerful documentary ‘HOME’ by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and its message that ‘we all have the power to change’, the BJF has expanded its mission. Ben has since devoted his life to restoring the Amazon rainforest and Cerrado savanna through the BJF.

Instead of being the focus of the foundation, the black jaguar came to be its icon. It symbolizes the precarious future of the entire Amazon and Cerrado as well as the endangerment of our own species. Now, our sole focus is tree planting and the restoration of biodiversity. 

The Black Jaguar Foundation started in 2009, its initial goal making a unique documentary about the black jaguar in the wild – a dream of initiator Ben Valks. During his numerous expeditions it was not the black jaguar he encountered, but the drastically deforested Amazon. Inspired by the powerful documentary ‘HOME’ by Yann Arthus-Bertrand and its message that ‘we all have the power to change’, the BJF has expanded its mission. Ben has since devoted his life to restoring the Amazon rainforest and Cerrado savanna through the BJF.

Instead of being the focus of the foundation, the black jaguar came to be its icon. It symbolizes the precarious future of the entire Amazon and Cerrado as well as the endangerment of our own species.

PEOPLE

OUR AMBASSADORS

Koen
Vanmechelen

Conceptual artist

H.R.H.
Princess Basma bint Ali

Global Environmentalist

Prof. Dr. Jan
van Hooff

Science Supervisor
at Burgers’ Zoo

Koen
Vanmechelen

Conceptual artist

H.R.H.
Princess Basma bint Ali

Global Environmentalist

Prof. Dr. Jan
van Hooff

Science Supervisor
at Burgers’ Zoo

Kees
Rijnhout

Owner of  Jaguar,
the fresh (fruit) company

Shannon
O’Leary Joy

President,
EarthSense Foundation 

Nalden

Co-owner of WeTransfer

Kees
Rijnhout

Owner of  Jaguar,
the fresh (fruit) company

Shannon O’Leary Joy

President, EarthSense Foundation

Nalden

Co-owner of WeTransfer

Tarcila
Ursini

Board member,
Sustainability, Strategy, Innovation,
People & Culture

Humberto
Tan

TV Personality,
Photographer, Writer
& Sports journalist

Carlos
Nobre

Earth System Scientist,
Nobel Peace Prize Winner
& Guardian of the Amazon

MEET OUR CORE TEAM

Our dedicated core team is a mix of professionals, working fulltime to bring our dream of conservation into reality. The BJF core team works both in the field in the Corridor and/or at one of our offices.

Our dedicated core team is a mix of professionals, working fulltime to bring our dream of conservation into reality. The BJF core team works both in the field in the Corridor and/or at one of our offices.

Ben
Valks

Initiator

Joël
Boele

Senior Outreach Coordinator

Eric
Schoorl

Campaign Coordinator

Carol
Sacramento

Partner Project Management

Ben
Valks

Initiator

Joël
Boele

Community Outreach Coordinator

Eric
Schoorl

Campaign Coordinator

Carol
Sacramento

Development Coordinator

Doron
Zarr

Philanthropy & Fundraising

Marco
van der Ree

Fundraiser

Marcelle
Grumberg

Articulation Coordinator

Dimitrio
Schievenin

Project Coordinator

Doron
Zarr

Philanthropy & Fundraising

Eduardo Carlos
Oliveira

Field Coordinator

Marcelle
Grumberg

Articulation Coordinator

Dimitrio
Schievenin

Project Coordinator

Eduardo
Rimoli

Finance Manager

Ana Paula
Mendes

Communications Coordinator

Stefan
Meisser

BJF Swiss Representative

Clarissa
Sciarra

Geoprocessing Analyst

Eduardo
Rimoli

Finance Manager

Ana Paula Mendes 

Communications Coordinator

Tainan Ballestrin

Field Operations Coordinator

Julia
Silveira

Communications Coordinator

Marina
Souza

Restoration Analyst

Norivania
Diniz

Seedling Production Analyst

Laís D’isep
dos Santos

Seeds Production Analyst

Daniel
Brito

Operations Assistant

Matheus
Fonseca

Validation Analyst

.

Ingrid
Almeida

Validation Analyst

Ygor Pinto
Oliveira

Restoration Analyst

Diogo
Albuquerque

Finance Analyst

Jessica Lopes
da Silva

Human Resources Analyst

Valdilei
Resente Belém

Field Supervisor

.

Erivelto
Carvalho

Field Supervisor

Taiwan
Alves da Silva

Field Supervisor

.

Mayk
Santos Guimarães

Field Supervisor

OUR FIELD TEAM

Our field team is made up of over 120 hard-working individuals, most of which have lived in or near our restoration sites for a big part of their lives. They are the ones on the ground, working hard to make the Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor a reality on a daily basis. By working at the Black Jaguar Foundation, members of the field team are able to earn a living wage while helping to preserve the environment that they live in and depend on.

OUR ADVISORY BOARD

Our advisory board consists of 7 highly experienced individuals, providing a wealth of knowledge from the worlds of Finance, Law, Sustainability, Environmental Research, Strategy & Agribusiness.

Camila
Lefèvre

Partner
Vieira Rezende Advogados

Fernando A.
Simões Filho

Managing Partner
Bemtevi Investimento Social

Sheilla Pereira
Albuquerque

CEO Agrogalaxy

Marcello
Brito

CEO CBKK

Camila
Lefèvre

Partner, Vieira Rezende Advogados

Fernando A.
Simões Filho

Managing Partner, Bemtevi Investimento Social

Sheilla Pereira
Albuquerque

CEO Agrogalaxy

Marcello
Brito

CEO CBKK

Rebecca
Raposo

Founding Partner
RR Strategy

Rebecca
Raposo

Founding Partner
RR Strategy

OUR TECHNICAL ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION COMMITTEE

Our Technical Committee is composed of four qualified specialists from different areas, and two of BJF’s forest engineers. They are currently giving their input and advice on our plans to drastically scale up our field operations during the planting seasons for the next 5 years.

Ingo
Isernhagen

Researcher
EMBRAPA

Sâmia
Nunes

Researcher
Instituto Tecnológico Vale

Maxmiller
Ferreira

Specialist in Direct Seeding Technique
Caminhos da Semente

Júlia
Mangueira

Sustainable Agriculture | The Nature Conservancy

Dimitrio
Schievenin

Project Coordinator
Black Jaguar Foundation

Our team of professional volunteers

Meet our amazing and ever-growing team of successful professionals from all over the world. They contribute their time, talent and services free of charge or work at charitable rates to help us plant trees.

Meet our amazing and ever growing team of successful professionals from all over the world. They contribute their time, talent and services free of charge or work at charitable rates.

Alex Vermeule – Alexey Neischenko – Ana Paula Aquino – Angel Garcia-Rojo – Anouk Kuiper – Anton Theunissen – Ashley Aslett – Babette Zwager – Bart Greve – Bart Jenezon – Berry Philippa – Bianco Nijhoff – Brenda Smeenge – Camila Tubino Bandeira – Cees Berkhout – Cherie McDonald – Chris Tap – Claire King – Constantijn de Longh – Daisy Longden – Daniel Hillel-Tuch – Daniel Oscar Hunter – David Velt – Davy van der Elsken – Derek Gallo – Dietmar Dahmen – Dwight Groot – Eelco Wisman – Ellen Windemuth – Elvire Jaspers – Emmelie Zipson – Eric Steuten – Esther Lapère – Eveline Dietz – Farhad Massoudi – Fatima Del Carmen Lopez – Fernando Bedaque – Flavia da Cruz Carneiro – Flávia Frazão – Floris de Clerque – Floris Wouterson – Fred Porro – Geert Sonnemans – Gerard Nieveen – Gijs van Kampen – Gina van Dijk – Hans Idema – Hans Knoop – Hans Lutz – Hans Simons – Heidi Little – Herman Witkam – Ingeborg van Bruggen – Ingrid Valks – Irene Andrea – Isabelle Delannoy – Jacqueline Goffart – Jack Myasushkin – Jan Coppelmans – Jan Willem Lokerman – Jeanette aan de Stegge – Jeroen Otter – Jessica Benedictus – Joao S. de Queiroz – João Bosco Paulo Carneiro – John Kappel – Jolanda Treffers – Joris Vos – Junior Afraino Machabo – Juliano Lissano – Kurt Kelly – Leonie Roos – Maaike Gonzàlez – Maaike Veen – Marieke van der Heijden – Mario Dos Santos Cabreira – Martijn van Rooij – Martin Nijdam – Matthijs van Schendelen – Menfis Alves – Merel van Beeren – Michael Hekking – Michelle Bade – Michelle Johnson – Leonie Roos – Natascha Wouterson – Natasja de Winter – Nicole Bekhuis – Nuño Negroes – Paco Valks – Pascale Fuchs – Patrick Wachner – Paul Feenstra – Peter Vosters – Peter Baas – Philip Jan Meijer – Philippe van den Weghe – Randy McNamara – Raymond Badoux – Remco de Boer – Rob Burkhard – Roberta Carminati – Roelof ten Broeke – Ronald Kip – Ru van Meeteren – Sjoerd van Schaaijk – Sonja de Vries – Suzanne Bergman – Tanya Lyabik – Tatjana Medvedev – Thaís Sabino – Thijs Gerritsen – Thomas Roos – Ton van der Meer – Tulio Dornas – Virginia Hamilton – Vladyslav Kadlubytskyy – Willem van Riet – Yann Arthus-Bertrand – Yoska van der Harten

THE BLACK JAGUAR FOUNDATION BOARDS

Ingomar Klaui
BJF Netherlands

Change manager,
Operational management

Jerry Griep
BJF Netherlands

MD of Benelux & North America
Cono Cheesemakers

Bart Jaspers
BJF Netherlands

Social entrepreneur

Ingomar Klaui
BJF Netherlands

Change manager,
Operational management

Jerry Griep
BJF Netherlands

MD of Benelux & North America
Cono Cheesemakers

Bart Jaspers
BJF Netherlands

Social entrepreneur

Ben Valks
BJF Brazil

Initiator

Flavia da Cruz Carneiro
BJF Brazil

Legal Consultant
Pro Result

Camila Lefèvre
BJF Brazil

Legal Director
Vieira Rezende Advogados

Ben Valks
BJF

Initiator

Flavia da Cruz Carneiro
BJF Brazil

Legal Consultant

Pro Result

Janaina Noronha Rocha
BJF Brazil

Sr. Legal Manager
Laureate International Universities

Hans Hagen
BJF Germany – Rep office

Geschäftsführer
Motovers
GmbH

Bastian Laucke
BJF Germany – Rep office

Founder Drehmoment Film GmbH,
Director of photography 

Joe Hechler
BJF Germany – Rep office

Founder Drehmoment Film GmbH,
Director of photography 

Hans Hagen
BJF Germany

Firmenberater
Motovers

Bastian Laucke
BJF Germany

Founder Drehmoment Film GmbH,
Director of photography 

Joe Hechler
BJF Germany

Founder Drehmoment Film GmbH,
Director of photography 

A SELECTION OF OUR OFFICIAL SUPPLIERS

 
 
 
 
 

OUR OFFICES

OUR OFFICES

AMSTERDAM

 

BJF HEADQUARTERS

info@black-jaguar.org
+31 20 760 0765

Stichting Black Jaguar Foundation
H.J.E. Wenckebachweg 123
1096 AM – Amsterdam
The Netherlands

 

SÃO PAULO

 

BJF BRAZIL

info@black-jaguar.org
+55 (11) 99248-4000‬

Instituto Black Jaguar  
Rua Joaquim Eugênio de Lima, 187, Cj. 11
01403-001 – São Paulo – SP
Brazil

SANTANA

DO ARAGUAIA

BJF BRAZIL

info@black-jaguar.org
+55(94) 98436-1389

Instituto Black Jaguar  
Rua Pedro Miranda, 75, Qd 4, Lt 14
Santana do Araguaia

PA – 68560-000
Brazil 

MUNICH

 

BJF GERMANY

hagen@motovers.de
+49 151 23067393

c/o Drehmoment Film GmbH
Adi-Maislinger Str. 7

81373 – Munich
Germany

 

AMSTERDAM

BJF HEADQUARTERS

info@black-jaguar.org
+31 20 760 0765

Stichting Black Jaguar Foundation
H.J.E. Wenckebachweg 123
1096 AM – Amsterdam
The Netherlands

 

SÃO PAULO

BJF BRAZIL

info@black-jaguar.org
+55 (11) 99248-4000‬

Instituto Black Jaguar  
Rua Joaquim Eugênio de Lima, 187, Cj. 11
01403-001 – São Paulo – SP
Brazil

 

MUNICH

BJF GERMANY

info@black-jaguar.org
+31 20 760 0765

c/o Drehmoment Film GmbH
Adi-Maislinger Str. 7

81373 – Munich
Germany

 

Piet-Hein Goossens

FINANCE CONSULTANT

About me

Piet-Hein has over 14 years of experience at Accenture providing financial training and consulting. Recently he had been coordinating Accenture's Battle-for-Good Team. In line with this initiative, Piet-Hein is working with the BJF core team, committing part of his time to help establish the new BJF financial system and sharing his extensive knowledge to contribute to the progress of the BJF mission.

Ben Valks

INITIATOR

About me

Ben is a nature lover, adventurer, and entrepreneur. During his numerous expeditions to photograph wild jaguars in the heart of Brazil, it was not the black jaguar he encountered but the drastically deforested Amazon. Instead of returning to pursue more business dreams, he decided to start giving back to our vulnerable planet. He initiated the BJF and now fully devotes his energy and skills to make the dream of the Black Jaguar Foundation come true.

Read more about the inspiring story behind the BJF

Marcelle Grumberg

Articulation Coordinator

About me

Marcelle is an Envrionmental and Sanitary Engineer with a specialization in Geoprocessing. She has worked in environmental regularization for over five years, dealing with different environmental agencies in the states where she worked. She also cultivated direct relationships with family farmers, and traditional people and communities. By getting to know the particularities and potential of each region, as well as the particular characteristics  of each individual rural producer, such as their humility and charisma, a passion was awakened for Marcelle; which is to act in a meaningful way in the area, in an effort to demonstrate the importance of environmental preservation.

Rick Gemser

Partnerships Coordinator

About me

After graduating, Rick started a career in the Music and Entertainment business at a young age in various National and International positions. As a marketing and business development specialist, everything revolved around commerce, targets and making money. Now the time has come to give something back and to combine his further career with this amazing project! In addition, his network and experience come in handy to 'ignite' as many companies and organizations as possible with this important mission. No longer be part of the problem, but part of the solution!

Kaléo Pereira

Restoration Analyst

About me

Kaleo is our new Restoration Analyst! He is a Forest Engineer, with a Master Degree in Applied Statistic and Biometry, and a Doctoral in Forest Engineering from the Federal University of Viçosa.

Erivelto Carvalho

Field Supervisor

About me

Erivelto Carvalho lives in Santana do Araguaia, in the State of Pará. Erivelto works as the Field Supervisor, planting seedlings and seeds, maintaining the areas, and helping the team in the field. And he has a great love and admiration for nature.

Norivania Diniz

Seed Production Analyst

About me

Norivânia is our new Seedling Production Analyst! She is a Forest Enginner, graduated from the Federal University of Tocantins. She has worked in the academic seedling nursery and restoration project sectors, in partnership with the University of Ruraltins. Norivânia coordinates the seedling production nursery for ecological restoration and helps with fieldwork along the biodiversity corridor.

Clarissa Sciarra

Geoprocessing Analyst

About me

Clarissa is trained as a Forest Engineer and has an extensive history working with mapping and geoprocessing. She is a crucial part of our team in Brazil, mapping all future restoration sites to enable us to make a plan for the reforestation.

Carol
Sacramento 

Fundraising Brazil

About me

Carol joined the BJF Team in September 2020. With an extensive career in sales and communications, Carol supports the development of corporate and private partnerships, ensuring the realization of our work of social and environmental transformation in the heart of Brazil.

Tarcila Ursini

Board Member, Sustainability, Strategy, Innovation, People & Culture

About me

Tarcila is an independent advisor to large companies, impact startups and civil society organizations, such as Instituto Capitalismo Consciente Brasil, Banco Santander, Duratex, JSL / Movida Group, Baumgart Group, and the Korin Natural Agriculture Group. She is also a professor and speaker on the theme of governance, sustainability and the new economy. Passionate about music, art and nature, with a strong desire to stimulate transformation and connections, she gives much value to the power of relationships, both in personal life and in business

View her impressive BJF profile page

Marcello
Brito

CEO CBKK

About me

The agro-environmentalist is an invaluable member to our Advisory Board. As a leading figure in the Brazilian agribusiness sector, Marcello offers unparalleled knowledge of the sector and crucially speaks from the viewpoint of one of the primary stakeholders in the Araguaia Corridor, the farmers of the region.

Ingo
Inserhagen

PHD Reseearcher
Embrapa

About me

With years of research experience, Ingo Isernhagen adds a new crucial dimension to our experienced board. Currently at the top of his field, Ingo has completed his doctorate in the Conservation of Forest Ecosystems and is working with Embrapa. His vital technical knowledge will help our work in the field develop to the highest possible standard.

Rebecca
Raposo

Founding Partner
RR Strategy

About me

Rebecca Raposo is our strategy specialist. As Founding Partner of RR Estrategia, Rebecca’s skills in management consultancy and strategic planning are unrivalled. Rebecca’s in-depth knowledge of this area will be vital as we develop into the crucial next stages of the project.

Sheilla Pereira
Albuquerque

CEO South & Southeast
Agrogalaxy

About me

Sheilla Pereira Albuquerque has over 28 years of experience in the biotechnology and agrochemicals industry, having worked at Rohm and Haas Quimica, Dow AgroSciences and Corteva AgriSciences, where she has held leadership positions in operations, marketing and sales. She is currently the CEO of AgroGalaxy, one of the largest retail platforms for agricultural inputs and services for Brazilian agribusiness. She has a degree in Business Administration from Universidade Paulista and an MBA from Business School São Paulo.

Fernando
Bedaque

Partner
Dinamarco, Rossi, Beraldo & Bedaque

About me

Adding to the board’s world-class legal expertise, Fernando Bedaque is a Partner at Dinamarco, Rossi, Beraldo & Bedaque. Specialising in environmental law, Fernando brings with him not only a wealth of knowledge and experience but a deep passion for our planet. Fernando is a long-time and committed friend of the BJF. We are excited for him to help guide us as we continue on our mission.

Fernando A.
Simões Filho

Managing Partner
Bemtevi Investimento Social

About me

Fernando Simões Filho is an expert in the world of social impact businesses. As Managing Partner at Bemtevi Investimento Social, Fernando has a wealth of experience growing sustainable initiatives. This expert knowledge will help guide the BJF through the world of impact investing and so much more.

Camila
Lefèvre

Partner
Vieira Rezende Advogados

About me

As a partner at Vieira Rezende Advogados, Camila Lefevre specialises in Corporate Governance and Mergers & Acquisitions. Camila is at the top of her field, and with her exceptional expertise has led the implementation of the BJF Governance project. She will now head the BJF Brazil board.

Koen
Vanmechelen

Conceptual artist

About me

As a multi- and transdisciplinary artist, Koen Vanmechelen is one of the most prolific and prominent artists of our time. Central to his extensive and innovative oeuvre is the concept of biocultural diversity and identity. His groundbreaking works have been presented on almost every continent on our planet; such as the National Gallery in London, the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and at the prestigious Venice Biennale.

View his BJF profile page and watch his inspiring video

HRH Princess
Basma bint Ali

Global Environmentalist

About me

HRH Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan is an advocate of biodiversity conservation and has a strong connection with the environment. Among a long and impressive list of awards for her work in the field of conservation, she was honored as a Hero for the Planet by Time Magazine in 1998, the first Arab woman to be featured. In 2002, she was elected as a laureate of the Global 500 Roll of Honor for Environmental Achievement (UNEP). 

View her complete and extensive BJF profile page by clicking here

Professor Jan
van Hooff

Science Supervisor
at Burgers’ Zoo

About me

Professor Jan van Hooff grew up in Burgers’ Zoo, the “family ambition” that started with his grandfather. He studied biology in Utrecht and specialized in ethology, the study of animal behavior, under the guidance of Nobel Prize winner Nico Tinbergen at Oxford. He became known for his pioneering studies on the function and evolution of facial expressions in primates. He remains associated with Burgers’ Zoo as a scientific consultant and the supervisor of scientific research.

View his impressive career page and watch his inspiring video

Kees Rijnhout

BJF Ambassador & CEO Jaguar The Fresh Company

About me

Kees Rijnhout has been an entrepreneur all his life. Representing the fourth generation in a family company, he underwrites the need for a much better and healthier world in the future. In 2007, he became the owner of Jaguar The Fresh Company, a leading sustainable supplier of fresh fruits to the EU retail market. 

His career is based upon profitable business models and his life revolves around key issues such as sustainability and transparency.

View his impressive BJF profile page and watch his inspiring video

Shannon O'Leary Joy

President, EarthSense Foundation

About me

Shannon O’Leary Joy is an environmentalist, ocean advocate and philanthropist. Shannon serves on the Board of Oceans 5, WildAid and on the Executive Committee of Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Climate Emergency Fund and as Executive Director of the EarthSense Foundation which focuses on the protection of our marine ecosystems, the restoration of our forests and the biodiversity of our planet.

View her impressive BJF profile page

Nalden

Co-founder WeTransfer 

About me

Nalden is regularly sought out for his fresh perspective and obstinate but clever style of consulting on everything from music and gadgets to authenticity and reinventing word-of-mouth. As a ‘social entrepreneur, he’s focused on exploring new ways to reach people without interrupting them, in which he already succeeded with his Wallpaper Advertising business model on Nalden.net and as co-founder of WeTransfer. He’s always working on connecting the dots to make this a better world to live in, by sharing and supporting.

View his BJF profile page and watch his inspiring video

Phablo
Maia

Environmental Engineer

About me

Phablo is an environmental engineer and has grown up in the Araguaia corridor region. He has an extensive knowledge of farming and the sustainable development of this industry. His role is to communicate the merits of the Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor to landowners in the region. We need these local partners to allow us to restore their lands to the rich, diverse areas they once were. Phablo, with his diverse knowledge of the industry and the region is perfectly placed to create these partnerships.

Dimitrio
Schievenin

Project Coordinator

About me

Dimitrio has a Masters in Forest Science from São Paulo State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Engineering from São Carlos Federal University. Dimitrio coordinates, organizes and implements ecological restoration along the corridor. He works both the field as in our office in Sao Paulo.

Eduardo Carlos
Oliveira

Field Coordinator

About me

Based in the field working closely with the farm managers and the scientists of Bioflora/LERF, he coordinates the important and complex tasks of the ecological restoration, namely the first nurseries and pilot projects. Eduardo is also expanding our network of stakeholders in the Corridor and works closely together with Dimitrio Schievenin.

Marina
Tavares

Partnerships Coordinator (Brazil)

About me

Marina is a "Goiana" who spent a great part of her childhood exploring the Araguaia River with her family. She has a very special connection with the area and so she is very dedicated to restoring it. Marina has over 9 years experience in the field of Marketing & Communication and as Project Manager in different organisations, focussing on social and environmental causes. At BJF Marina fosters partnerships, broadens our network and assists operational tasks within Brazil. Furthermore, Marina coordinates the Research Teams for the comprehensive Cost-Benefit Study.

Ivan
Nisida

Strategy Coordenator

About me

Ivan has been part of the BJF since the foundation's inception. He holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations from PUC-SP and a master's degree in Environmental Policy from Sciences Po, in Paris, France. Before working at BJF he worked at the GoodPlanet Foundation. At BJF, he worked as a project manager and permanent representative in Brazil. He established important connections with the first technical partners of BFJ in Brazil, carried out communication activities and currently coordinates the implementation of multiple activities and strategies.

Michelle
Bade

Communication Coordinator

About me

Michelle recently graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Anthropology, from University College Utrecht. Originally from Germany, but spending many years of her life in Brazil, Michelle holds a personal connection to the country, as well as the project. She will be helping spread the word about BJF, and expanding its online presence. 

Eric
Schoorl

Campaign Coordinator

About me

Eric holds extensive professional experiences as a physical geographer and post-doc environmentalist. Nowadays he uses his enthusiasm to manage TheFirst600 campaign and carries out many other daily tasks to keep the BJF running.

Joël
Boele

Community Outreach Coordinator

About me

Joël holds a degree in Future Planet Studies and a Master’s in Human Geography accompanied by several researches abroad. She continues her interest and enthusiasm for sustainability and conservation at the Black Jaguar Foundation. One of Joël’s many responsibilities is the coordination of the Advisory Board for the comprehensive Cost-Benefit Study.

Ben
Valks

Initiator

About me

Ben is a nature lover, adventurer and entrepreneur. During his numerous expeditions to photograph wild jaguars in the heart of Brazil, it was not the black jaguar he encountered but the drastically deforested Amazon. Instead of returning to pursue more business dreams, he decided to start giving back to our vulnerable planet. He initiated the BJF and now fully devotes his energy and skills to making the dream of the Black Jaguar Foundation come true.

Read more about the inspiring story behind the BJF

Joël
Boele

Community Outreach Coordinator

About me

Joël holds a degree in Future Planet Studies and a Master’s in Human Geography accompanied by several researches abroad. She continues her interest and enthusiasm for sustainability and conservation at the Black Jaguar Foundation. One of Joël’s many responsibilities is the coordination of the Advisory Board for the comprehensive Cost-Benefit Study.

Eric
Schoorl

Campaign Coordinator

About me

Eric holds extensive professional experiences as a physical geographer and post-doc environmentalist. Nowadays he uses his enthusiasm to manage TheFirst600 campaign and carries out many other daily tasks to keep the BJF running.

Carol
Sacramento 

Fundraising Brazil

About me

Carol joined the BJF Team in September 2020. With an extensive career in sales and communications, Carol supports the development of corporate and private partnerships, ensuring the realization of our work of social and environmental transformation in the heart of Brazil.

Doron

Zarr

Partnerships and Philanthropy

About me

Doron is an experienced manager with a demonstrated history (over 20 years) of working in media, gaming and sports industry. He proudly joined BJF to create long-term corporate and private partnerships for one of the longest biodiversity corridors on Earth!

Marco

van der Ree

Fundraiser

About me

In 2024, Marco joined Black Jaguar Foundation as an advisor for strategic partnerships. Bringing 30 years of experience as a a strategic and innovative executive leader and social entrepreneur in sustainable development, with a deep understanding and knowledge of Brazil. His background includes 17 years in various UN roles and expertise in fundraising, partnership building, stakeholder engagement, climate action and biodiversity. Driving multiple impactful initiatives worldwide, he co-organized the 2011 UN DPI NGO Conference on sustainable societies and the global social media campaign volunteer action counts for sustainable development for Rio+20. He furthermore held executive positions at Climate-KIC, GRI, Conexus, and he worked with many partners and initiatives through his own firm Brokering Solidarity, like CSCP, Greenchoice, Global Forest Bond, Green Light District and the 10-year Amazon Fund evaluation (BNDES). He holds a Masters in International Relations from the University of Amsterdam with a focus on international environmental/biodiversity policy (1995). Marco will support taking the Black Jaguar Foundation’s strategic partnerships in both Brazil and Europe to the next level.

Marcelle Grumberg

Articulation Coordinator

About me

Marcelle is an Envrionmental and Sanitary Engineer with a specialization in Geoprocessing. She has worked in environmental regularization for over five years, dealing with different environmental agencies in the states where she worked. She also cultivated direct relationships with family farmers, and traditional people and communities. By getting to know the particularities and potential of each region, as well as the particular characteristics  of each individual rural producer, such as their humility and charisma, a passion was awakened for Marcelle; which is to act in a meaningful way in the area, in an effort to demonstrate the importance of environmental preservation.

Dimitrio
Schievenin

Project Coordinator

About me

Dimitrio has a Masters in Forest Science from São Paulo State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Engineering from São Carlos Federal University. Dimitrio coordinates, organizes and implements ecological restoration along the corridor. He works both the field as in our office in Sao Paulo.

Kaléo Pereira

Restoration Analyst

About me

Kaleo is our new Restoration Analyst! He is a Forest Engineer, with a Master Degree in Applied Statistic and Biometry, and a Doctoral in Forest Engineering from the Federal University of Viçosa.

Eduardo Carlos
Oliveira

Field Coordinator

About me

Based in the field working closely with the farm managers and the scientists of Bioflora/LERF, he coordinates the important and complex tasks of the ecological restoration, namely the first nurseries and pilot projects. Eduardo is also expanding our network of stakeholders in the Corridor and works closely together with Dimitrio Schievenin.

Eduardo

Rimoli

Financial Manager 

About me

Originally from São Paulo, Eduardo holds a degree in Economics from Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado (FAAP). He started his career conducting credit analysis for Financial Institutions, and later worked as a financial manager of companies with a focus on efficiency and cost control. He was an entrepreneur for 5 years, and recently worked for Safra bank, a large Financial Institution in commercial and investment areas. He is excited to to use all of his knowledge and experience to further the BJF's mission!

Ana Paula Mendes

Communications Coordinator 

About me

Originally from Florianópolis, Ana has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Santa Catarina Federal University. She has experience in Digital Marketing and, as Communications Analyst of BJF, she will be helping promote BJF's mission in Brazil and also around the world.

Stefan

Meisser

BJF Representative Switzerland

About me

Stefan is a mountain lover and solar entrepreneur. He is eager and proud to present the quality and devotion of Black Jaguar and all of its people in Switzerland and around the world, with the goal of creating sustainable corporate and private partnerships.

Clarissa Sciarra

Geoprocessing Analyst

About me

Clarissa is trained as a Forest Engineer and has an extensive history working with mapping and geoprocessing. She is a crucial part of our team in Brazil, mapping all future restoration sites to enable us to make a plan for the reforestation.

Tainan

Basso Balestrin

Field Operations Coordinator 

About me

Tainan holds a degree in Forest Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM-FW), and has experience in providing services to rural landowners and environmental regulation. At the Black Jaguar Foundation, Tainan is responsible for finding rural partnerships, with the objective of recovering the native vegetation along the Araguaia River basin.

Julia Silveira

Communications Coordinator 

About me

Julia recently graduated from her Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Law from University College Utrecht. Originally from Brazil, but having spent many years of her life in the Netherlands, the BJF presents a way to strengthen her connection with her home country. Julia will be in charge of the communications in our Amsterdam office and is excited to join us in our mission!

Marina

Souza

Restoration Analyst

About me

Marina has a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering and renewable energy from the Federal University of the Amazon (UFRA). She specialized in environmental management and sustainability with the university of Ipatinga (FUNIP) and is currently pursuing a master’s in environmental science, offered by the Federal University of Para. Marina has significant experience in the digital processing of images, geoprocessing, and environmental licencing and is excited to use this to further the BJF’s mission!

Laís D'isep 
dos Santos

Seeds Production Analyst

About me

Laís is an Agricultural Engineer, graduated from ESALQ/USP, with experience in community engagement, agro-extractivism production chains and climate change. Laís is responsible for developing the Araguaia Seed Collection Collective with producers in and around Santana do Araguaia, which will support ecological restoration along the Corridor.

Daniel

Brito

Operations Assistant

About me

Daniel is the Black Jaguar Foundation’s new Operations Assistant! He receives all the information about what is happening in Santana do Araguaia and produces reports to monitor the progress of our operations.

Matheus

Fonseca

Validation Analyst

About me

Forestry Engineer, graduated from the Federal University of Tocantins. Postgraduate in Environmental Management. He has been working in the forestry sector since 2017, always focused on ecological restoration and conservation. Currently responsible for the field validation process of areas with environmental potential and support with rural partnerships at the Black Jaguar Foundation.

Ingrid
Almeida 

Validation Analyst

About me

Ingrid works in the field as a Validation Analyst. She is trained as a Forestry Technician at the Federal Institute of Pará, and as a Forest Engineer from the Federal University of Pará. She has worked in the forestry sector since 2011, in several areas. For two years she worked with forest inventory, flora rescue, seedling production, and the processing and storage of seeds for the germplasm bank at UHE Belo Monte. Ingrid is from Pará, originally from the Trans-Amazonian region, where she grew up with contact and love for the forest and rural communities. Now she lives in Santana do Araguaia.

Ygor Pinto

Oliveira

Restoration Analyst

About me

Ygor has a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, graduated from UFMS, with experience in environmental restoration processes, implementation of agroforestry systems and Ethnobiology. He is currently responsible for providing support to the forestry operation, supervising operational processes and monitoring the areas implemented by the Black Jaguar Foundation.

Diogo

Albuquerque

Finance Analyst

About me

Diogo is a Finance Analyst at the Black Jaguar Foundation and performs administrative, financial and purchasing activities in the organization.

Jessica Lopes

da Silva

Human Resources Analyst

About me

Jessica holds a bachelor's degree in accounting sciences, graduated from the UNOPAR/PA university, with experience in the personnel department. It is responsible for the recruitment and selection, integration, internal communication and payroll of all Black Jaguar Foundation employees.

Valdilei
Resente Belém

Field Supervisor

About me

Valdilei is our new Field Manager! He was born in Santana do Araguaia, in the state of Pará. He works as a field supervisor in planting the seedlings and seeds, maintaining the areas, and helping the team in the field so that we have good results. And he has a great love and admiration for nature.

Erivelto Carvalho

Field Supervisor

About me

Erivelto Carvalho lives in Santana do Araguaia, in the State of Pará. Erivelto works as the Field Supervisor, planting seedlings and seeds, maintaining the areas, and helping the team in the field. And he has a great love and admiration for nature.

Taiwan
Alves da Silva

Field Supervisor

About me

Taiwan is our new Field Manager! He was born in Maranhão, and is currently living in  Santana do Araguaia, in the state of Pará. He works as a field supervisor in planting seedlings and seeds, maintaining the areas, and helping the team in the field so that we have good results. And he has a great love and admiration for nature.

Mayk 
Santos Guimarães

Field Supervisor

About me

Living in Santana do Araguaia, Mayk is 21 years old, married and has a 6 years old daughter. As Field Supervisor, Mayk will contribute to Araguaia Corridor's restoration with a lot of dedication and good performance in our activities.

Elyakin
Veiga

Environmental Engineer

About me

Elyakin is an environmental engineer, local to the Araguaia corridor region. With his own environmental consultancy company, he has an extensive knowledge of farming and the intricacies of sustainable agroforestry and reforestation. His intimate knowledge of the area, the people and the industry means Elyakin is able to perfectly articulate to landowners the merits of committing to our biodiversity project and allowing us to restore their lands.

Ingo
Isernhagen 

Researcher at EMBRAPA

About me

Ingo Isernhagen is a Biologist and Researcher on Ecological Restoration at EMBRAPA, and holds a PhD in Forest Ecosystems Conservation.

Sâmia
Nunes 

Researcher

Instituto Tecnológico Vale

About me

 Sâmia is a Forest Engineer with a PhD in Environmental Sciences, working as a Researcher on Ecological Restoration at Instituto Tecnológico Vale.

Maxmiller
Ferreira

Specialist in Direct Seeding Technique

Caminhos da Semente

About me

Maxmiller Ferreira is a  Biologist and Ecologist with a MSc in Ecology, working as a Specialist in Direct Seeding Technique at Caminhos da Semente.

Júlia
Mangueira 

DEPUTY MANAGER  

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE | THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

About me

Júlia Mangueira is a Biologist with a PhD in Plant Biology, and is currently working as Deputy Manager for Sustainable Agriculture Brazil | The Nature Conservancy.