The $9 million investment will support initiatives focused on territorial monitoring and protection, strengthening Indigenous governance, sustainable income generation, cultural preservation, food sovereignty, and environmental restoration.

The program includes five projects in Bahia (involving the Pankararu and Pataxó peoples in the Atlantic Forest), one in Ceará (with the Tremembé people in the Caatinga), five in Mato Grosso do Sul (for the Guarani-Kaiowá, Terena, and Kadiwéu peoples in the Cerrado and Pantanal), two in Pará (for the Munduruku and Kayapó in the Amazon), and two in Pernambuco (with the Pankararu in the Caatinga). The Pampas (low grasslands) is the only one of Brazil’s six biomes not included.

“It’s a small number of projects—only 15—but if they’re well implemented, it’s already a strong beginning,” said Sônia Guajajara, minister for Indigenous Peoples, in an interview with Valor. “One of the key aspects of this initiative is that we’re working across all types of territories, both demarcated and non-demarcated,” she added.

The funding comes from the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, an international mechanism created to advance the goals of the Global Biodiversity Agreement established at COP15 in Montreal (2022). The GBFF is part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), a World Bank–operated financial instrument that has been supporting environmental initiatives worldwide for more than 30 years.

“Indigenous peoples are the true guardians of the forest, and this project reinforces the essential role they play in environmental conservation and in fighting the climate emergency,” said Minister Guajajara in a press release.

Ywy Ipuranguete prioritizes the use of Indigenous Territorial and Environmental Management Instruments (IGATIS), particularly Territorial and Environmental Management Plans (PGTAs). Indigenous communities develop these plans collectively to guide land management in ways that respect their cultural, environmental, and economic specificities. According to the minister, the goal was to put into practice plans that were already prepared and ready for implementation.

The selected initiatives include using drones and radio systems to enhance security, improve territorial surveillance against invasions and environmental crimes, and support Indigenous production chains, such as bio-jewelry, native fruits, and nuts. Other projects aim to strengthen traditional knowledge systems and support the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

The project will be led by the Instituto Internacional de Educação do Brasil (IEB), with support from the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (FUNAI). It will be coordinated by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples and managed by the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (Funbio), a private, non-profit national financial mechanism that works with the public, private, and civil society sectors to secure funding for biodiversity conservation. Indigenous communities will play a central role in the execution of their respective projects.

For Joenia Wapichana, president of FUNAI, the initiative marks an important step toward greater Indigenous autonomy. “This investment strengthens the autonomy of Indigenous peoples and ensures that their lands remain protected against deforestation and other threats,” she stated.

“Implementing projects like these supports Indigenous food sovereignty, the preservation of traditional ways of life and culture,” Minister Guajajara added. “They protect the territory, help conserve biodiversity, and combat climate change.” Ywy Ipuranguete is the first GBFF-funded project specifically focused on Indigenous peoples.