On February 2026, in the mood of COP30 in Belém (Brazil), European audiences in Amsterdam and Brussels will have the opportunity to see a sample of videos made by female eco-community leaders showing their work about environment. A debate will follow the presentation of the videos. These women work in a program called Guardiãs das Matas / Guardians of the Woodlands created by the Secretariat of Environment and Climate of the City of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).
The Program Guardians of the Woodlands
This program in the city of Rio has the goal to empower women in vulnerable areas in the outskirts – or favelas – and also to develop environment & climate education. It also aims to create a dialogue between the City Government and low income population aiming environmental improvements. The videos are the result of 38 workshops on educational cinema tools given by a Brazilian Project, Cine-Educação, whose directors - Bernard Brito and Juliana Caciquinho - will be present. The presentation is a showcase of environment and climate education practices in an urban perspective enhancing women’s role on changing perspectives and behaviour.
The Guardians of the Woodlands Program has been nationally recognized, receiving the 'Living Periphery Award,' an initiative by the Ministry of Cities through the National Secretariat of Peripheries. The award highlights actions that address socio-spatial inequality and promote the transformation of territories.
Social Media https://ambienteclima.prefeitura.rio/guardias-das-matas/
The presentation in Europe
This presentation in Europe brings together several organizations, and it is a collaborative initiative of volunteers from the Councils of Brazilian Citizens and NGOs of Brazilians living abroad. They are the Citizenship Council of the Netherlands (CCPB), the Association of Brazilians Living Abroad (CRBE), Fam and Events, Teatro Munganga, Cine-Educação Project. The Secretariat of Environment and Climate (SMAC/PMRJ) of the city of Rio de Janeiro sponsors the Guardian of the Woodlands Programme and promoted as well se cinema – environment workshops made bu Cine-Educação.
