ExxonMobil Renews Support to the Golden Lion Tamarin Association through FUNBIO and Announces a Project with Manatee Association

• Oil and gas company renews the Golden Lion Tamarin's project and reinforces funds to the creation of the ecological park, and the protection of the species
• The company extends its socioenvironmental portfolio and starts supporting the Manatee Association in order to preserve this marine mammal 
• The contribution to both Associations is R$ 1,5 million (US$ 295k) and the objective is to reaffirm the commitment with the conservation of Brazilian symbols that are endangered 

On August 2, the Golden Lion Tamarin International Day, ExxonMobil reaffirms its commitment to the environment, renewing the funding to Golden Lion Tamarin Association (AMLD), in Silva Jardim (RJ) through the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO), and starts supporting the Manatee Association, in Porto de Pedras (AL). Both initiatives aim to enhance awareness about national symbols preservation and their natural habitats. Total contribution on both projects is R$ 1,5 million (US$ 295k), including R$ 330k (US$65k) to the Manatee Association, and R$ 1,2 million (US$230k) to the Golden Lion Tamarin Association.

To AMLD, the focus will be the infrastructure of the Golden Lion Tamarin Ecological Park, future private natural heritage reserve managed by the Association, aiming to provide opportunities for local development based on the enhancement of natural resources and biodiversity.

Whereas to the Manatee Association, the objective is to raise awareness about the preservation of the mammal and encourage activities developed by the Association with the communities of Porto de Pedras and São Miguel dos Milagres, on the northern coast of Alagoas. In addition, contribute to ecological tourism through manatee observation tours on the Tatuamunha River.     

To Juan Lessmann, president of ExxonMobil in Brazil, the support to both Associations shows our company's commitment with the protection of the species, national symbols, and the importance of environmental conservation. "Historically, ExxonMobil has the commitment to the environment and development of the communities. The company evaluate socioenvironmental projects, according to a series of factors, including the species roles in the ecosystems, its vulnerability, and the cultural meaning to the communities, society and the country", says Lessmann.

"ExxonMobil's support to the Golden Lion Tamarin Association is reaching the third year and it's extremely relevant to the conservation of the species. The renewal this year aims to raise ecotourism awareness, creating conditions for the public to know the golden lion tamarin and the Atlantic Forest, generating business opportunities for the region's residents", affirms Luis Paulo Ferraz, Executive Secreaty of AMLD. The Golden Lion Tamarin Ecological Park is scheduled to open in the beginning of 2022.

"FUNBIO has the honor to connect the support of ExxonMobil to the Golden Lion Tamarin Association, therefore raise the species and the Atlantic Forest preservation awareness, as well as integrate visitors and residents of the surrounding communities that make this project a reality and a success", says Alexandre Ferrazoli, Project Manager at FUNBIO.

“This is will be a milestone in the community involvement. With the support of ExxonMobil, we want to provide visitors an unique experience at the Manatee Association, making people aware of the importance of preserving our ecosystem", affirms Flavia Rêgo, Director at Manatee Association, which completed 12 years on July 28. This will be the first ExxonMobil's socioenvironmental contribution in the region.  

The Golden Lion Tamarin is considered an endangered species that lives only at the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Currently, there are, approximately, 2,500 animals.

Whereas the manatee, also considered an endangered marine mammal, there are, approximately, 1,000 animals in Brazil.

About the Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (FUNBIO)

FUNBIO is a non-profit private Brazilian civil association created in 1996 through a grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). FUNBIO is a national implementing agency for both the GEF and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and has supported more than 340 conservation projects.

About the Golden Lion Tamarin Association (AMLD)

AMLD was founded in 1992 to coordinate the execution of the Smithsonian Institute. The organization is dedicated to protecting the species and ensuring its long-term survival in its natural habitat, the Atlantic Forest. For this, it implements research programs, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, ecotourism, forest restoration, among others.           

For more information, you can access:

Golden Lion Tamarin Association: https://youtu.be/fYVF00Jqfb4

About the Manatee Association

The Manatee Association is one of the members of the Management Council responsible for the conservation of the Costa dos Corais Environmental Protection Area (APA), which covers the Tatuamunha River, known as the Manatee Sanctuary. In addition to protecting the ecological sanctuary, environmental education and ecotourism activities are also carried out, helping to bring income to raftsmen, conductors, and residents of the region who work in the project's day-to-day activities.

To know more about the Assocation, visit their website: http://www.associacaopeixeboi.com.br/