Preserving the Amazon: Kayapo Leadership and Community-Led Conservation
by Andrew Shelepnytsky Contributor
September 07, 2026
Marking Amazon Rainforest Day, conservation advocates are spotlighting the protection of the rainforest through the transmission of ecological knowledge and community stewardship. Central to these efforts is Bàkra, a forest school established by Kayapo elders, leaders, women, and men for Kayapo youth within the Brazilian Amazon.
Operating as a community-led model rooted directly in the territory, the initiative receives vital backing through a partnership between the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Associação Floresta Protegida, acting via the Foundation's Forests and Communities Initiative.
The program ensures that traditional knowledge, conservation skills, and leadership are successfully passed down from one generation to the next by the people who know the region best.
Photo Credits: Marcos Hlace
Andrew Shelepnytsky
Contributor
Andrew Shelepnytsky is the Vice President of International Business Development at The Monegasque™ Magazine, where he spearheads global partnerships. He serves as the host of The Monegasque™ Podcast and is a Partner at FC Barbagiuans, the football club of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. A dedicated Ambassador for Peace for the Universal Peace Federation. Andrew serves as a contributing writer for Monaco Voice.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MonacoVoice™
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