Montreal, December 4, 2024 – Age of Union, the renowned non-profit environmental organization spearheaded by Emmy-award winning executive producer and environmental activist Dax Dasilva, is making a significant contribution to global conservation. The organization has announced a substantial two-year commitment of USD $287,000 to The Juma Institute, a vital organization dedicated to safeguarding the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and the rights of its Indigenous communities.
This generous funding will be instrumental in the development of a new headquarters and Juma Institute Knowledge Centre. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for preserving and sharing the invaluable knowledge and traditions of Indigenous peoples, crucial elements in the ongoing struggle to protect the Amazon. The center’s importance cannot be overstated; Indigenous communities are the original stewards of this vital ecosystem, possessing generations of knowledge about sustainable resource management and biodiversity conservation. Their continued protection and participation are paramount to the Amazon’s survival.
The new knowledge center will incorporate the internationally recognized Jane Goodall Roots&Shoots program, empowering young people to become active participants in environmental conservation and community development. This integration strengthens the project’s long-term impact, fostering the next generation of environmental leaders and ensuring the continuation of vital conservation efforts.
The Juma Institute’s mission focuses on promoting the human rights, heritage, and territorial rights of Indigenous populations and traditional communities within the Brazilian Amazon. Their work highlights the critical role these communities play in the defense of the forest and underscores the inherent connection between environmental protection and social justice. Age of Union’s investment directly supports this mission, recognizing the inextricable link between the well-being of Indigenous communities and the health of the Amazon rainforest.
This partnership represents a significant step forward in the global fight to protect biodiversity and uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples. Age of Union’s commitment is a powerful demonstration of their dedication to impactful environmental action and highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the complex challenges facing our planet. The new Knowledge Centre, by combining the expertise of The Juma Institute with the global reach of the Jane Goodall Roots&Shoots program, promises to be a vital asset in the long-term protection of the Amazon and its people.
