Nature Protection: the FBCN and Conservation Initiatives in Brazil, 1958-1992

Abstract

The text evaluates the trajectory of the Fundação Brasileira para a Conservação da Natureza (FBCN, Brazilian Foundation for Nature Conservation). Created in 1958, for about 30 years it was Brazil’s most important non-governmental environmental organization. The text examines its conservation-oriented goals, general strategies, national and international partners, and major hands-on projects and accomplishments. National and international contexts of conservation ideas, science and policies are also considered. Findings show that the FBCN intervened strongly in many inter-related conservation initiatives, working alone or associated with other NGOs, government agencies and businesses. The organization’s decline was associated with the transition to the democratic order that followed a 21-year military dictatorship and with the expanded interest of Brazilians in environmental issues. This allowed the emergence of numerous environmental organizations that eclipsed FBCN. Major sources used are FBCN publications, archival materials and reports, interviews given by its leaders and analytical studies about the organization.