There are moments in a nature photographer's journey that feel far removed from our professional goals—like my own aspiration to be a conservationist.
Recently, Instituto Últimos Refúgios achieved a significant milestone: we were the most-voted organization, with 26,000 votes, in the Environment category to receive support from the Instituto Américo Buaiz (IAB).
This victory, however, is not just ours but belongs to everyone who believes in the transformative power of the work done by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
A Collective and Emotional Victory
When the IAB launched the voting process to decide which CSOs would receive support in 2025, we knew this was an excellent opportunity to highlight our work even more.
The institute's support, which includes visibility through communication platforms, represents a chance to amplify the impact of our actions.
What truly moved us, however, was witnessing the engagement of so many people who voted, along with other institutions that openly supported our work.
This backing came from a network of partnerships and friendships built over nearly 20 years. Throughout this journey, Instituto Últimos Refúgios has focused not only on implementing its own projects but also on strengthening other organizations that share the same mission.
The results of this vote reflect this collaboration: together, we are stronger.
A Story of Hard Work and Dedication
Founded in 2011, with roots tracing back to 2006, Instituto Últimos Refúgios emerged with a clear goal: to inspire people to protect nature.
With the principle that “people only protect what they know exists,” we dedicate ourselves to documenting biodiversity, promoting environmental education, conducting scientific research, fostering nature-related tourism, and influencing public policy.
The support from IAB is another milestone in this journey. Yet it is not just about Últimos Refúgios—it is a celebration of all participating CSOs, organizations that work tirelessly, often as volunteers, to build a fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable society.
Supporting All CSOs
The third sector consists of organizations that perform essential work for society, often facing enormous challenges with limited resources. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are the heart of many social, cultural, and environmental transformation efforts.
Although Instituto Últimos Refúgios was selected over others, we remain committed to valuing and recognizing all the institutions that participated in this initiative. Each one plays a unique, essential, and inspiring role.
Here are the participating institutions, with links to their social media and websites. Explore, share, and, if possible, support the incredible work they do:
Environment
- Instituto Últimos RefúgiosSocial Media: www.instagram.com/ultimosrefugios | www.facebook.com/ultimosrefugios | www.youtube.com/ultimosrefugios | https://br.linkedin.com/company/ultimosrefugiosWebsite: www.ultimosrefugios.org.br
- Instituto Marcos DanielSocial Media: www.instagram.com/imdbrasil | www.instagram.com/projetocaiman | www.instagram.com/sairaapunhaladaWebsite: www.imd.org.br
- Instituto O CanalSocial Media: www.instagram.com/institutoocanal | www.instagram.com/amigosdajubarteWebsite: www.institutoocanal.org.br
- Instituto GoiamumSocial Media: www.instagram.com/institutogoiamumWebsite: www.goiamum.org.br
- Cidade Quintal (Information in the Culture section)
Culture
- Instituto Serenata D'FavelaSocial Media: www.instagram.com/institutoserenatadfavela | www.instagram.com/orquestrasinfoniadfavela Website: Not provided
- Rede ProtagonistaSocial Media: www.instagram.com/redeprotagonistaoficial Website: Not provided
- Soca BrasilSocial Media: www.instagram.com/socabrasil Website: Not provided
- Montanha da EsperançaSocial Media: www.instagram.com/montanhadaesperancaoficial Website: Not provided
- Associação de Vivência Shalom Social Media: www.instagram.com/vivencia_shalom Website: Not provided
- Cidade Quintal Social Media: www.instagram.com/cidadequintal | www.instagram.com/afantasticacarpintaria Website: Not provided
People with Disabilities
- Cariacica Down Social Media: www.instagram.com/cariacica_down Website: Not provided
- APAE de Cariacica Social Media: www.instagram.com/apaecariacica Website: Not provided
- Soca Brasil (Information in the Culture section)
- Fundação Carmem Lúcia – Projeto Entrelaços Social Media: www.instagram.com/fundacaocarmemlucia Website: Not provided
- Associação de Apoio à Família de Autista e Afins do Espírito Santo (Aafaaes) Social Media: www.instagram.com/aafaaes Website: Not provided
Sports
- Rede Protagonista (Information in the Culture section)
- Instituto Meninas do ES (MDE) Social Media: Not provided Website: Not provided
- Instituto Peb – Projeto Educa Basquete Social Media: www.instagram.com/institutopeb Website: Not provided
- Instituto Maratonas Social Media: www.instagram.com/instituto.maratonas | www.instagram.com/canoaviva.vitoria Website: Not provided
- Montanha da Esperança (Information in the Culture section)
- Clube de Regatas Saldanha da Gama (Remando para o Futuro) Social Media: www.instagram.com/remandoparaofuturo_ Website: Not provided
A Network That Transforms Lives
Each of these CSOs represents an essential piece in the puzzle of social transformation. By supporting them, subscribing to their social media, sharing their initiatives, or volunteering, you also become part of this movement.
Discover their stories, be inspired, and share. Together, we can create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
The Importance of Volunteer Work and CSOs
Organizations like Instituto Últimos Refúgios exist to fill gaps that neither the government nor the private sector can address. Through tireless efforts—often voluntary—these organizations promote education, social equality, and sustainability.
Every smile, every transformed life, is the result of collective effort. Working in a CSO requires dedication, passion, and resilience. Despite financial difficulties, we persevere because we believe in the positive impact we generate.
Most importantly, we find that by helping others, we also grow as human beings.
Gratitude and Pride
Being the most-voted CSO to receive support from the IAB fills us with pride but also with responsibility.
We will continue using our lenses and actions to protect nature, inspire people, and transform lives.
We deeply thank everyone who voted and those institutions that expressed support for our work. If you believe in this purpose, visit the pages of the CSOs listed above, learn about their work, and engage with them. This energizes these vital missions.
Thank you!
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Nature photographer and cinematographer, founder of Instituto Últimos Refúgios, Master in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development, passionate about the environment! Join me on this incredible journey of wildlife discoveries and see more beautiful stories as I constantly explore nature.
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