Prosperity and healthy, resilient ecosystems with and for local populations in a world in climate crisis

Prosperity and healthy, resilient ecosystems with and for local populations in a world in climate crisis

Prosperity and healthy, resilient ecosystems with and for local populations in a world in climate crisis

Prosperity and healthy, resilient ecosystems with and for local populations in a world in climate crisis

For 35 years, Gaia Social has been connecting companies, communities, and governments with innovative territorial solutions, valuing local knowledge and fostering development through its approach: Local Decolonial Regenerative Development.

More than minimizing the impacts of human activity in a place, regenerative development is a system of strategies and methods to build the capacity of people, communities, cultures, ecosystems, and places to renew, evolve, and prosper. It implies an attentive look and listening to the life of the place, strategic and systemic thinking and acting in which all involved, including ourselves, are regenerated.

Impact

Millions

of private social capital applied and managed in the last 15 years

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Thousands

of people directly impacted in the territories

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initiatives

Social-environmental supported and strengthened in the territories of operation

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Projects

executed in 4 biomes, 23 states, and more than 250 municipalities

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Territory is at the
center of our work

More than 100 projects in 4 biomes: Amazon, Cerrado, Caatinga, Atlantic Forest

What We Build Together

We work along four axes: three strategic verticals that run through our impact history, and the Agroecological Gardens, our territorial climate solution.

Local Development

We co-create, in a participatory way, regenerative development plans for communities, organizations, and social businesses.

Regenerative Networks and Value Chains

We articulate networks and regenerative value chains of materials and foods.

Education for Sustainability

Integrated with creating conditions for sustainability in schools, communities, and companies.

Agroecological Gardens

A territorial climate solution that implements agroecological gardens and community kitchens in schools and territories with vulnerable populations.

Companies, municipal managers, and civil society organizations.

Gaia Social studies and promotes solutions to face the challenges of climate change, improving private and public social investment, enhancing public policies, developing regeneration projects and programs for social fabric and ecosystems, contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation in territories.

Get in touch so we can design together the best solution for your situation.

History

1990

Formation of a student group at Unicamp around the “Geologia à Beira da Estrada” project, Campinas, SP.

1991 to 1993

Projects “Ciência Viva na Cidade”, “Conheça Americana” and “Vale do Piracicaba” in Americana, SP.

1993

Founding of the association Grupo de Aplicação Interdisciplinar à Aprendizagem (GAIA) and first steps in Environmental Education in the Campinas region and several municipalities in the State of São Paulo with the project Education, Environment and Citizenship.

1994

First corporate environmental education project.

1996

Expansion of activities across Brazil, focusing on environmental education for the implementation of environmental management, safety and health systems.

1997 to 2000

Active participation in the environmental education movement in São Paulo state and in Brazil.

2000

Expansion of areas of action to Social Responsibility and Local Development in communities in partnership with companies from various sectors.

2007 to 2008

Strengthening of the environmental education front with the Environmental Educator Collective in partnership with several public organizations.

2007 to 2015

Consolidation of the fronts of local development and of regenerative clusters and value chains with significant local impact.

2015 to 2022

Focus on solid waste management, with the structuring of the social enterprise ViraSer, which became independent in 2022.

2023

Internal restructuring and consolidation of the Local Decolonial Regenerative Development model.

2024

New visual identity and increased participation in councils and networks on climate change mitigation agendas and production models based on agroecology.

Clients / Partners

Networks / Partnerships

We participate in networks that strengthen and expand impact.

logo-empresas-(35)

Testimonials

Aricely Lamontanha Sustainability Manager, Coca-Cola FEMSA Brasil

"The partnership between Coca-Cola FEMSA Brasil and Gaia Social in the environmental education project 'Renovação' has been a transformative experience. Throughout this project, we have been able to promote environmental awareness in a practical and accessible way, reaching schools and communities with a message of preservation and sustainability.

The joint work made it possible to develop a solid and inspiring educational approach, with practical activities and relevant content for everyone involved. Gaia Social brought its expertise and dedication to the project, greatly contributing to creating a positive impact on the attitudes and outlook of new generations toward the environment.

We are deeply satisfied with the results so far and look forward to continuing this journey of learning and renewal alongside Gaia Social, strengthening our commitment to sustainable development and the creation of a better future."

Andressa SpataSocial Coordinator, Voltalia

"We began our partnership with Gaia in 2024 through two strategic projects for Voltalia: supporting the Public Administration of Serra do Mel (RN) in developing the Municipal Solid Waste Policy and leading Thematic Training for Educators in Oiapoque (AP) and Serra do Mel (RN). We can only praise the team's dedication, commitment, and deep knowledge.

Gaia’s professionals combine lightness and seriousness in conducting their activities, and the organization has been fundamental in implementing private social investment strategies in Voltalia’s territories in Brazil."

Sustainability TeamJDE Peet’s

"The partnership between JDE Peet’s and Gaia Social has been essential for promoting sustainable territorial development. Over the years, Gaia Social’s expertise in connecting civil society, the private sector, and public authorities has strengthened our social and environmental investments, promoting environmental education, entrepreneurship, and the empowerment of local communities."

Jair ResendeFundação FEAC

"Gaia Social partnered with Fundação FEAC to map small businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals living in the Jardim Novo Flamboyant neighborhood in Campinas. Beyond excellent technical work, Gaia Social involved a group of young residents as researchers, which ensured community engagement and the success of the study that provided Fundação FEAC with valuable information for social investment decision-making in the territory."

Bárbara AzevedoExecutive Director, Instituto Lina Galvani

"The work carried out by Gaia Social was essential for Instituto Lina Galvani, as the careful and inclusive approach in the socio-territorial diagnosis strengthened our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the territories where ILG operates. The applied methodology, which prioritizes active community participation, brought valuable insights, allowing us to develop initiatives that are more grounded and aligned with local realities."

Marjorie BolognaniEducation Management Unit (UGE), Municipal Government of Jundiaí

"Through the partnership with Gaia Social, for over six years with the 'Renovação Project'—the start of our collaboration—the renowned organization has sown, nurtured, and harvested fruits in Environmental Education, scientific thinking, and above all, pragmatism!

More than 10,600 people were involved and over 100 hours of training, planning, and action!

The involvement of the Gaia Social team has been so significant that it was possible to implement environmental solutions together with Jundiaí’s municipal schools, addressing issues such as: dirty neighborhoods — through proper waste disposal and income generation for the local community; high water bills — through conscious consumption and rainwater harvesting; flood-prone areas — with the construction of rain gardens! Shade for children and families, improved air quality, and climate benefits with the planting of native and fruit trees in and around schools.

Problems caused by the extinction of stingless bees were also addressed through the installation of jataí bee boxes in 65 schools.

These and other actions were filled with learning, knowledge, and a sense of belonging! I can only express my deep gratitude for being part of this story!"

Certificates and recognitions

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