INSTITUTION

Atlantic Rainforest: Its disappearance may have disastrous consequences

The RÃ-BUGIO Institute for the Conservation of Biodiversity is a non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO). Created in 2003, the RÃ-BUGIO’s mission is to protect the remaining areas of the Atlantic Rainforest in order to save its rich biodiversity (which includes our main group of study – the frogs). RÃ-BUGIO’s activities began with Elza and Germano Woehl Jr.’s volunteer work, which have been developing research in conservation biology and environmental education projects in Jaraguá do Sul in Santa Catarina State (Southern Brazil) since 1998. The main goal of the Institute is to build awareness in the community about the forest biodiversity, especially the amphibian fauna, and provide an understanding of the importance of preserving the Atlantic Rainforest.

Action

The RÃ-BUGIO´s actions consist of protecting the remaining areas of the Atlantic Rainforest through a consistent environmental educational campaign. The proposed initiatives aim especially to the protection of its natural springs, which directly benefit the local community. The RÃ-BUGIO Institute also intends to engage people in their daily lives and bring the community to the forest. We believe that when people start to understand the importance of the Atlantic Rainforest, they will care enough to make an effort to protect it.

Support

With the support of two foundations, "Fundação O Boticário para Proteção à Natureza" and the "Fundacao AVINA”, among other companies, the RÃ-BUGIO Institute has already guided more than 10 thousand people on interpretative trails through the Atlantic Rainforest. 500,000 students have already participated in itinerant exhibitions about the amphibian fauna. More than one hundred lectures pertaining to the Atlantic Rainforest have been given to students and teachers around the area. Various scientific papers have been published as a result of research done with the participation of the Institute.

Do your part!

You can do your part to prevent the loss of biodiversity. Don’t buy wild animals or plants that have been removed from the forest! Whenever you want to appreciate them, you are welcome to visit the RÃ-BUGIO Institute. You’ll be astonished to seethe animals where they belong, in their natural habitat. You can also help prevent the destruction of the remaining areas of the Atlantic Rainforest by becoming a contributing partner of the RÃ-BUGIO Institute. The contribution is of any amount over U$50.00 a year, which can be made by bank transfer to the following account: Banco do Brasil S.A. Agência 2095-8 / Conta: 9.588-5

Your company/organization can also become our partner. In this case the minimum donation is U$2,000 a year.

INSTITUTO RÃ-BUGIO PARA CONSERVAÇÃO DA BIODIVERSIDADE

Address:

Rua Antônio Cunha, 160 - Sala 25

Piso Superior - Terminal Rodoviário - Bairro Baependi

89256-140 Jaraguá do Sul - SC - BRAZIL

Tel.: +55 (47) 3274-8613

Home page: www.ra-bugio.org.br - E-mail: germano@ra-bugio.org.br