Scientific research, communication and fire control projects are also part of FEC’s conservation strategy for the Cristalino region
With snacks and jaguar-print T-shirts, the environmental education projects of the Fundação Ecológica Cristalino – FEC (Cristalino Ecological Foundation) enchant children in the city of Alta Floresta, in the state of Mato Grosso. Among the various activities are forest trails, nature-based games, jungle excursions and storytelling sessions featuring characters from Amazonian biodiversity.
The idea is to spark curiosity through playful experiences, encouraging children to care about environmental protection. In other words, to promote conservation by fostering knowledge. For many of these children, this is their first experience in the forest.
“It’s a moment when they can go beyond walls and screens, because even though they live in the heart of the Amazonian region, they often don’t have the opportunity to explore the forest up close, to experience nature, and to understand the vast biodiversity that exists here in the region”, explains biologist Mariana dos Santos.
The environmental education projects are aimed at students aged 5 to 11. The children take part in guided visits through the forest, all led by experienced educators.
Environmental education
The experience leaves a lasting impression, as biologist Mariana dos Santos herself recalls. It was only at the age of 11, after an invitation from FEC, that she and many of her schoolmates visited the forest for the first time.
The activity was part of the Programa Escola da Amazônia (Amazon School Program), which has existed since 2002 and includes three environmental education projects. “Our class took part in the Projeto Teles Marginatus (Teles Marginatus project), which focused on the white-cheeked spider monkey, a species endemic to our region. We spent three days camping on an island to learn about this monkey’s habits. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Mariana didn’t know it at the time, but that expedition would shape her professional path years later. She went on to study biological sciences at the Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (Federal University of Mato Grosso) and today coordinates the foundation’s Programa de Educação Ambiental da fundação (Environmental Education Program).
Fundação Ecológica Cristalino
Created to promote the conservation of the Reserva do Cristalino (Cristalino Reserve), the Cristalino Ecological Foundation (FEC) combines the management of conservation units, bioeconomy, public policy, environmental education, scientific research and communication as part of its broader conservation strategy. Alongside four other private reserves, the area managed by FEC covers more than 11,000 hectares and forms part of the largest ecological corridor in the region, known as the Arco do Desmatamento (Arc of Deforestation).
The name is no coincidence. This region belongs to the vast stretch of land across southern Amazon, which has been systematically devastated over the past decades. The opening of the agricultural frontier was followed by gold mining, then cattle ranching and, more recently, soybean farming.
Witnessing the advance of deforestation in Alta Floresta, FEC president Vitória da Riva Carvalho decided she needed to protect her land. She first created the Cristalino Lodge, an internationally recognized jungle hotel known for its ecotourism initiatives, especially birdwatching and observing monkeys and butterflies.
Later, she established the first Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) in the Cristalino. Once a territory is designated as an RPPN, it can no longer be sold. That area, by law, will remain permanently protected.
Amazon Conservation
Over time, Vitória gradually acquired more pieces of land and transformed them all into private reserves. Today, the RPPNs of the Cristalino are vital for protecting the biodiversity of Mato Grosso, as they connect with other reserves, parks and Indigenous territories.
FEC was founded 26 years ago to support conservation efforts in these reserves. The organization plays an active role in environmental councils in Alta Floresta and surrounding areas, due to its environmental assets and scientific research. Some animal species, for instance, are found exclusively in this region.
“We continuously monitor biodiversity, partly to ensure that ecotourism at Cristalino Lodge doesn’t have a negative impact on these areas. When Vitória created the foundation, it was precisely to demonstrate the value of keeping the forest standing,” says Mariana.
Alta Floresta
Most of the initiatives are funded by a conservation fee charged to tourists who visit the RPPNs. In addition, FEC participates in public funding calls, receives donations, and forms partnerships with other organizations, such as the Instituto Centro de Vida.
These resources support all areas of the foundation’s work, including environmental education projects. The Programa Escola da Amazônia (Amazon School Program) alone has already reached more than 11,000 students in Alta Floresta since its inception.
“The Programa de Educação Ambiental has been a key area of our work, as we collaborate closely with schools and the community. Because nothing can be done alone. It’s essential to raise awareness among the entire population about the importance of conservation,” emphasizes Mariana.
Raising awareness
FEC has also begun expanding its environmental education efforts to high school students aged 15 to 18. The Projeto Aliança Cristalino Sem Pogo (Project Crystalline Alliance without Pogo) engages with small-scale farmers to address the impacts of slash-and-burn practices.
Developed in rural settlements surrounding the Parque Estadual Cristalino (Cristalino State Park), the project takes an innovative approach by involving students from local rural schools in discussions on climate change and the water crisis. “Whether we like it or not, these issues are already affecting our region,” notes Mariana.
For the biologist, environmental education projects are essential for raising awareness among both children and youth.
“Alta Floresta is a city surrounded by forest fragments, yet most children and teenagers today don’t actually know the forest. So even though it’s close, it feels distant. That’s why we want them to feel a sense of belonging to the forest. Because many of them still think the Amazônia is somewhere else. But we are in southern Amazon, this is the Amazon of Mato Grosso”, she concludes.
Support this cause!
Learn more about FEC’s environmental projects by visiting their website or following them on Instagram and Linkedin. FEC also runs a great volunteer program. Check it out!
