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Ana Paula Mendes

Meet the newest members of the BJF community – age 7 and 10!

By News Home

As two of the newest additions to this epic reforestation mission, Mickey (aged 10) and Juultje (aged 7) are filling us with hope!

Their Auntie, Brenda Smeenge, is a long-time friend of the BJF and co-author of No Risk, No Life, an inspiring story about the adventures that led to the creation of the Black Jaguar Foundation. Click here to find out more about what started this journey to complete one of the largest reforestation projects on earth.

Brenda introduced these two young environmentalists to the BJF and joined the first600 campaign in their honour. Becoming some of the first 600 individuals and companies to sponsor the completion of the Araguaia Biodiversity Corridor, the longest nature corridor on its kind on earth.

Before even learning of the BJF, Mickey and Juultje were passionate about our planet. As Mickey so earnestly stated,

“We don’t own planet earth. Please take care of her instead. We need to act now, or else we’ll not survive. Take action for our climate, the animals and our environment!”.

We are inspired by Mickey and Juultje, they reaffirm our hope that together, we can progress with increased consideration, respect and unity. It is amazing to have such young individuals as part of this mission. It is for their generation, and the many more to come, that we do what we do.

Looking at these two young BJF members, we hope you too will feel inspired! We thank these three wonderful individuals for their support and look forward to them joining us on this reforestation journey.

Published 18th June, 2020. 

Seacon Logistics renew their BJF partnership

By News Home

The support we receive from you, our loyal friends, consistently blows us away. Last month, Seacon Logistics got in touch following our last update, asking how they could help. They immediately showed their commitment by renewing their partnership! Seacon’s business model focuses on people, planet and profit, and their sponsorship of the BJF is just one way they are contributing to a more sustainable future.

Making strides to limit their C02 emissions, Seacon acknowledges the need to incorporate environmental, social and economic development into their business plans, utilising their position to create change in the industry.

“ We are constantly investing in the development of better, cleaner, faster and more reliable logistics. Increasingly more and more, this starting point forms the basis for applying new technologies and creating smart and effective solutions.”

Each sponsorship is a powerful statement of support and a desire to create a brighter future for all of us, and for the generations to come. Thank you Hai & Corrie Berden, and all the team at Seacon Logistics for continuing to prioritise our planet.

Published 18th June, 2020. 

The BJF core team expands!

By News Home

We are honoured to have Piet-Hein join our dynamic core team! Piet-Hein has over 14 years of experience at Accenture, providing financial training and consulting. In addition to this, he has recently been coordinating Accenture’s Battle-for-Good Team.

Piet-Hein exemplifies the passion and commitment that are the cornerstone of our small but powerful team. He will join as a financial consultant, committing part of his time to help establish the new BJF financial system and contributing his extensive knowledge to help drive forward the BJF mission.

Now is such a crucial point in our journey, as we start to scale up and receive more funding, the expansion of our core team is vital to be able to fully serve our community and follow through on our commitment to our planet. A vital part of this scaling up is making sure we remain transparent in everything we do. This is why, along with our Brazilian governance project, the addition of Piet-Hein to our team is a huge asset. As a financial consultant he will be integral in making sure our international accounts are aligned, and that we maintain the trust that we have developed with all our sponsors.

Published 18th June, 2020. 

Receive BJF news via WhatsApp…

By News Home

We don’t want you to miss a thing! This is why you will now be able to receive all the latest Black Jaguar Foundation updates via Whatsapp. See everything from planting to partnerships and continue on this reforestation journey with us.

To sign up for our Whatsapp newsletter save the Black Jaguar Foundation in your contacts +31 6 57843682 and message us the word ‘reforest’. Now, you won’t miss a thing on our journey to a greener future!

Your phone number will not be shared or used for any other purposes. Once we receive your ‘reforest’ message, you will be added to our the BJF WhatsApp list receive our updates directly to your phone. You can also respond to these updates and start a conversation with us to ask any questions you may have about our recent updates or the work we do.

Published 18th June, 2020. 

More trees planted in 2020

By News Home

March saw the end of another successful planting season in Brazil. You’ll be pleased to know that we managed to complete our planting work before Covid-19 measures were put in place. In total over 76,000 trees have now been planted!

This number is set to increase drastically once natural regeneration plays its part! This is the process by which seeds of trees in the restoration sites are carried by the wind and animals to other areas. There they establish themselves if the environment is suitable and conducive to their growth. Leading to the natural restoration of the site.

As the planted trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide, promote nutrient cycling in the soil, shelter animals and create the ideal conditions for the establishment of new plants, increasing local biodiversity. By carefully planning which trees are planted and where, we act as a stimulus for nature to flourish.

Part of the team that helped with this season’s planting. On this day the team were carrying out the direct seeding method.
Small trees planted this season (2020).

Last year we saw a 90% survival rate our seedlings, well above the expected average of 70% for this type of planting. Now, we are excited to see this latest round of young trees begin to flourish in their new home. In the coming months and years these trees will be monitored and maintained by our field team. This means bi-yearly checks for 3, 10, and 20-year reviews, to ensure the best chance of survival. From this process, we are also able to evaluate and modify our field processes.

Each year we learn more about the particularities of the planting sites. Adapting and making improvements for the following season. When the rains return later this year, we will once again be ready to plant, taking with us all the knowledge of the previous years. Each tree planted represents months of hard work from our dedicated team, both in the field and those in support, across the world. But ultimately, this is made possible because of your support. This is just the beginning…

Trees of one year old, planted in 2019.
Published 7th May, 2020. 

With your support, the future looks brighter…

By News Home

With everything going on, restoring balance to our planet is more important than ever. This has implications for health, the economy, our resources and so much more! Your support over the years has been truly spectacular. However, we are now asking you, our loyal sponsors, to show your dedication to our planet once again…

As each BJF partnership lasts two years, we ask you to visit our community page and view your profile. Envisage your partnership renewal 2020 stamp, and be inspired to re-commit to the Black Jaguar Foundation this month. If you’re a new friend, explore our site, read about our updates, and get in touch!

Even in these challenging times, we are still receiving shows of incredible generosity. With you, we are capable of having a major, impact on the future of our planet. This is just the start!

Will you continue to help us make this reforestation dream a reality?

Trees planted by the BJF one year ago
Published 7th May, 2020. 

Meet the BJF Advisory Board Brazil

By News Home

One vital milestone is the development of our governance project! Over the past 6 months we have been developing this part of our organisation along with partner legal advisors, Vieira Rezende Advogados. As part of this process, we are honoured to officially announce the members of our advisory board Brazil…

With years of expertise spanning the worlds of law, sustainability, agribusiness, environmental research, Finance and Strategy, we are proud to introduce our world-class board;

Camila Lefevre

As a partner at Vieira Rezende Advogados, Camila Lefevre specialises in Corporate governance and Mergers & Acquisitions. Camila is at the top of her field, and with her exceptional expertise has led the implementation of the BJF Governance project. She will now head the BJF Brazil board.

Fernando Simões Filho

Fernando Simões Filho is an expert in the world of social impact businesses. As Managing Partner at Bemtevi Investimento Social, Fernando has a wealth of experience growing sustainable initiatives. This expert knowledge will help guide the BJF through the world of impact investing and so much more.

Rachel Biderman

As the Executive Director of the World Resources Institute (WRI) Brazil, we are honoured to have Rachel Biderman as part of our board. Rachel has years of knowledge and expertise in the sectors of sustainability, research, and natural resources. Making her perfectly placed to help the BJF grow as we move forward.

Fernando Bedaque

Adding to the board’s world-class legal expertise, Fernando Bedaque is a Partner at Dinamarco, Rossi, Beraldo & Bedaque. Specialising in environmental law, Fernando brings with him not only a wealth of knowledge and experience but a deep passion for our planet. Fernando is a long-time and committed friend of the BJF. We are excited for him to help guide us as we continue on our mission.

Marcello Brito

Marcello Brito is the President of the Association for Brazilian Agrobusiness (ABAG), and another invaluable member of our board. As a leading figure in the Brazilian agribusiness sector, Marcello offers unparalleled knowledge of the sector and crucially speaks from the viewpoint of one of the primary stakeholders in the Araguaia Corridor, the farmers of the region.

Rebecca Raposo

Rebecca Raposo is our strategy specialist. As Founding Partner of RR Estrategia, Rebecca’s skills in management consultancy and strategic planning are unrivalled. Rebecca’s in-depth knowledge of this area will be vital as we develop into the crucial next stages of the project.

Ingo Isernhagen

With years of research experience, Ingo Isernhagen adds a new crucial dimension to our experienced board. Currently at the top of his field, Ingo has completed his doctorate in the Conservation of Forest Ecosystems and is working with Embrapa. His vital technical knowledge will help our work in the field develop to the highest possible standard.

These exceptional individuals will help guide us with their wealth of knowledge, as we continue on, more determined than ever to help restore balance to our fragile planet. 

Published 7th May, 2020. 

BJF Holland moves into new home

By News Home

After much help from you, our wonderful community, many visits to offices around the city, and much deliberation, we are pleased to have a new home in Amsterdam. The Black Jaguar Foundation, Team Holland, will soon complete the move to Scalehub. Taking up residence in their Amstel Business Park offices, we will soon be ready to welcome you. A big thank you to Jetze Steensma, owner of Mijn Steen for helping us turn this dream into a reality!

The collaborative, fast-paced environment of the Scalehub offices is the perfect environment for our organisation to grow. We are extremely thankful to Scalehub for their part-sponsorship of our new office, and we are excited to have them as a new partner!

Making moves amidst the current global health crisis is a new challenge. Many things that may have previously been simple, become suddenly complex. However, we’re adapting because we must move forward! We cannot forget about our fragile planet. It is more important than ever to maintain the amazing momentum that has got us to this position. This momentum will enable us to realise this grand reforestation dream!

We are excited to soon welcome you to our new offices, as we begin to complete the next phase of our mission. The first of many millions of trees. We need new life now, more than ever!

Find us at our new address:

Stichting Black Jaguar Foundation
Amstel Business Park
H.J.E. Wenckebachweg 123 ( office C3)
1096 AM – Amsterdam – The Netherlands

This move was made possible by BJF friend Jetze Steensma, who designed the building and is the owner of Real Estate development company Mijn Steen.  You can find out more about Mijn Steen by visiting their website: mijnsteen.eu

Published 7th May, 2020. 

BJF embarks on momentous partnership with Movida

By News Home

We need each other, and we need mother nature, more than ever. 

The global pandemic that has engulfed nations across the world will have consequences for all of humanity. Perhaps the only phenomenon whose global impact will surpass that of such pandemics, is the destruction of our environment. At this moment, preventative measures are being enlisted all around the world to curb the spread of Covid-19 and allow us to manage the incoming crisis before it’s too late. The same must be done for our planet! 

However, in the midst of this crisis, there is some light. The unintended climate impact of coronavirus, such as the reduced air pollution witnessed over China, provides a glimpse at how countries and corporations are equipped to deal with the climate crisis.

Take this time to reflect. Consider your consumption. Muse over your mind-set. Negotiate a new normal. Acknowledge that these global challenges necessitate global AND individual change.

To bring some hope, we would like to share news of a very special milestone. In March, the Black Jaguar Foundation celebrated a new partnership, one which will see the planting of our first million native trees! Movida car rental is Brazil’s leading mobility company and part of the JSL group, Brazil’s largest logistics company. This crucial new partner will co-finance the completion of our next, momentous goal.

From left: Marina Tavares (BJF), Livia Perez Friseira, Ben Valks (BJF), Patrícia Pereira, Renato Franklin (Movida CEO), Fernando Simões Filho (JSL Head of Sustainability & Board Member), Juliana Simões & Tarcila Reis (Board members).
Marina Tavares, Ben Valks & Renato Franklin.

Focusing on innovation, Movida is the first car rental company to create a Carbon-Free programme, with a goal to offset 100% of their carbon emissions by the end of 2030. This contract with the Black Jaguar Foundation is part of this mission, offseting the emissions of Movida’s rental cars by planting trees in Brazilian territory.

On Wednesday 4th March Movida celebrated becoming a certified B-Corporation, a validation of the company’s total social and environmental impact. This accomplishment aligns Movida as the second publicly traded company in Brazil to obtain the seal.  This is a major development for Movida and represents the strides being taken towards a more sustainable future. The Black Jaguar Foundation was honoured to attend this B-corp celebration event to publicly stand with Movida and mark this important partnership. Learn more…

It was during this pioneering event that the BJF-Movida Partnership was officially announced and signed by CEO, Renato Franklin. Watch his inspiring video-testimonial.

The Black Jaguar Foundation-Movida partnership will result in one million native trees being planted, during 2020-2022, in the heart of Brazil. This is a huge step and is the culmination of years of preparation and hard work. What started as a dream of a greener future, is becoming a reality, tree by tree.

This agreement kick starts the first of many millions of natives trees to be planted by the Movida-BJF partnership in the years to come’. – Renato Franklin

Ben Valks presenting the BJF mission. “Become part of one of the largest reforestation missions on earth”.
Renato Franklin sharing Movida’s sustainable future.

This is a process; it entails countless partnerships on a local and a global level; it necessitates constant research and exploration into the best restoration techniques; it requires environmental education in local communities to ensure the increased environmental consciousness of future generations; and it relies on a huge network of volunteers and team members working tirelessly because of their passion for this mission. The completion of the Araguaia biodiversity corridor will see over approximately 1.7 billion trees planted in one of the world’s largest reforestation initiatives. This is the first of many millions of trees! 

We are committed, excited and proud to co-create a greener future with Movida.

Published 2nd April, 2020. 

Update: how the BJF are responding to Covid-19

By News Home

Considering the increasing global concern surrounding Covid-19 we have made the decision to postpone our 18th April 2020 Milestone Celebration Event at LaBiomista in Genk, Belgium.

We feel we have an obligation to help minimise the spread in any way we can and mitigate any additional risk to public health.

Our 2020 Celebration Event will therefore be postponed and will now take place on the 29th August 2020. 

We are closely following the guidelines set out by the World Health Organisation and our respective governments in Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and will continue to take the necessary precautions. This includes restricting travel to the Araguaia Corridor region, where currently the number of reported cases is still very low.

It is because of your vital support that we have been able to accomplish so many major milestones in the past year. Our reforestation work continues, and as always, we make sure to be a sign of hope for our future. In the coming days, we will share with you exciting news of a major milestone, as we continue to keep you updated on our progress.

In times such as this, the protection of our planet’s biodiversity is more important than ever. By preserving ecosystems you also preserve a natural system of checks and balances that helps mitigate the spread of disease. Nature has implications for all aspects of human life and so we are more determined than ever to continue on our mission.

Your support is crucial and we hope you will join us to celebrate our milestones later this summer in Genk.  

This is the time to reflect and move forward with consciousness and care for yourselves and each other. Thank you as always for your continous support.

Published 18th March, 2020