Brazilian Leader Shows How Forest Protection Can Boost Economy

Brazil faces a persistent dilemma: how to protect its vast natural resources while still depending on them for economic growth. Renata Piazzon, director of São Paulo’s Instituto Arapyaú, has emerged as a leading voice arguing that conservation and development can work hand in hand, with forest health directly tied to human prosperity.

Piazzon’s environmental journey began in childhood, watching her father work with Indigenous communities in the Amazon. Though initially barred from joining these trips, she eventually carved her own path through environmental law before pivoting to sustainability work. Her defining moment came while observing Christiana Figueres lead the historic Paris Agreement negotiations at COP21. “I thought, that’s what I want to do with my life,” Piazzon recalls.

At Instituto Arapyaú, founded 17 years ago by entrepreneur Guilherme Leal, Piazzon oversees programs focusing on climate action, forest conservation, and bio-economy development. The foundation pioneered climate-focused philanthropy in Brazil when, as Piazzon jokes, “the entire field could fit in a van.” What started as a small circle of environmentally-minded business leaders has now expanded into a network of more than a dozen philanthropists who view sustainability not as mere ideology, but as smart business strategy.

Piazzon’s work represents a growing movement in Brazil that challenges the false choice between economic growth and environmental protection, demonstrating that the country’s natural wealth can be both preserved and leveraged for sustainable prosperity.