On April 15th, our founder Ben Valks was in The Hague, Netherlands, representing the Black Jaguar Foundation during the Lunch Lecture organized by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The event brought together representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture, as well as experts from the Partners for Water program.
Alongside Professor Marielos Peña Claros, a leading expert in Forest Ecology and Forest Management at Wageningen University, Ben shared BJF’s mission: to restore the world’s longest biodiversity corridor, connecting the Amazon Rainforest to the Brazilian Cerrado along a 2,600 km stretch.
During the event, participants learned how reforestation goes far beyond environmental impact. It transforms lives, creates jobs, and promotes sustainable development that bridges science and local knowledge.
Professor Marielos emphasized the importance of science-based ecological restoration, highlighting the use of native species, the value of Indigenous and community knowledge, and the need to build a supply chain for seeds and seedlings — pillars that also guide BJF’s work in the Araguaia region.
This international dialogue further strengthens our cause: to regenerate ecosystems, inspire people, and generate real impact for the planet and future generations.
Watch the full lecture on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ6NTyTFFvw
