CONNECTING SEA, LAND AND FUTURE
Turning challenges into reality is our essence.
We have currently expanded this mission to generate more real and lasting socio-environmental impact.
The PRIO Institute was born as a non-profit association, promoting projects that combine development and sustainability with efficiency, technique and courage.
Our work connects ecosystems, communities and knowledge to turn good ideas into concrete solutions. If we have already rewritten unlikely stories, it is time to expand that energy to new fronts: from artisanal fishing to the economy of the sea, from biodiversity to environmental education.
Whether on land or in water, we remain committed to a more sustainable future. The transformation begins now!
Strategic Pillars
Over the years, we have refined our own management methodology within the TAC Frade projects, which will now be applied to our volunteer projects. This process led us to define three strategic pillars that will guide the selection of projects:
Through educational programs, workshops and campaigns, we raise environmental awareness and foster collective engagement. We inspire communities, schools and public sectors to embark on a journey of learning, critical thinking and transformative action to preserve the environment.
We work to conserve ecosystems, protect fauna and flora and tackle climate change through research, monitoring, environmental restoration and adaptation and mitigation strategies, always in partnership with communities and scientific institutions.
We foster the sustainable development of coastal and maritime communities, valuing and encouraging economic practices that respect and preserve natural resources. We strengthen local organizations through capacity building, participatory governance and the creation of cooperation networks, promoting ocean conservation and the responsible use of its resources.
Environmental Education
Through educational programs, workshops and campaigns, we raise environmental awareness and foster collective engagement. We inspire communities, schools and public sectors to embark on a journey of learning, critical thinking and transformative action to preserve the environment.
Biodiversity & Climate
We work to conserve ecosystems, protect fauna and flora and tackle climate change through research, monitoring, environmental restoration and adaptation and mitigation strategies, always in partnership with communities and scientific institutions.
Economy of the Sea
We foster the sustainable development of coastal and maritime communities, valuing and encouraging economic practices that respect and preserve natural resources. We strengthen local organizations through capacity building, participatory governance and the creation of cooperation networks, promoting ocean conservation and the responsible use of its resources.
Our Projects
PRIO has been dedicated to several initiatives that promote sustainable development and the well-being of the communities in which it operates. Learn about some of them:
Mar Atento
- Biodiversity & Climate
Mar Atento is an initiative that trains fishermen to act in environmental emergencies, such as oil spills at sea. Since 2017, the project has trained around 300 fishermen and registered over 90 boats, strengthening safety and the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems in the Campos Basin. It is an initiative created by Shell and Equinor, which has had our participation since 2024.
Guaiamum
- Biodiversity & Climate
The Guaiamum Subproject, developed by the Science and Development Educational Foundation (FECD) in partnership with UFRJ, aims to strengthen the Local Management Plan for artisanal guaiamum fishing in the São João River Basin APA/RJ. The initiative integrates traditional and scientific knowledge to conserve the endangered species, legalize fishing and promote dignity and sustainability for the pickers, through biological research, participatory mapping and continuous monitoring.
Contaminant effect
- Biodiversity & Climate
The Subproject Effects of Persistent and Petrogenic Contaminants on the Health and Resilience of Rays and Sharks, developed by the Educational Science and Development Foundation (FECD) since 2021, investigates the impacts of chemical pollution on the health of elasmobranchs in Rio de Janeiro. The study identifies critical areas for conservation, assesses risks to environmental and human health and guides management, mitigation and environmental education measures for fishing communities.
Community-Based Tourism in Juatinga
- Economy of the Sea
The Friends of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve Institute (IA-RBMA) has created the Integrated Community-Based Tourism Route on the Juatinga Peninsula in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, promoting sustainable tourism and income generation for 11 caiçara communities. The initiative has trained 80 drivers, strengthened ACAP and values local culture with itineraries drawn up by the locals and disclosed on social media.
IED-BIG
- Economy of the Sea
The IED-BIG subproject in Ilha Grande Bay (RJ) aims to strengthen mariculture through innovation in scallop seed production. The initiative modernizes the local laboratory, improves water quality, investigates scallop mortality and reactivates the production chain, generating jobs and training. It includes the use of technologies and environmental analysis.
Caiçara Community Market
- Economy of the Sea
Developed in 2021 by the Association of Boatmen and Small Fishermen of Trindade (ABAT), with support from FIPERJ and the Linha D’Água Institute, the sub-project qualified the Caiçara Community Market of Trindade with new equipment and training in good practices. It also formed a women’s group to produce fish cakes. The initiative has generated autonomy, increased income, better conservation of fish and appreciation of the caiçara culture.
Strengthening Women Fishers, Aquaculturists, and Artisans of Prainha – MUPAAP
- Economy of the Sea
Created in 2018, the MUPAAP – Sol, Salga e Arte Cooperative brings together women from Prainha, in Arraial do Cabo, fostering social inclusion and gender and racial equity. With the Strengthening the Cooperative initiative, the sale of fish, handicrafts, and traditional dishes was expanded, generating income and enhancing local culture. MUPAAP also works to combat structural racism and gender oppression.
PRIO Institute Manifest
