Pró-Onça was born from a shared passion for wildlife and the urgent need to respond to the decline of large carnivores in Brazil.
Our founders witnessed firsthand the impacts of habitat loss, climate change and human-wildlife conflict and felt a deep responsibility to act.
We created Pró-Onça to promote science-based conservation rooted in community engagement, gender equity and long-term ecosystem restoration.
To conserve large carnivores and their habitats, empower local communities through education and sustainable practices, and mitigate the impacts of climate change in Latin America.
A thriving Latin America where biodiversity is protected, communities are empowered, and sustainable practices ensure a balanced coexistence between humans and nature.
We are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of natural habitats, prioritizing the protection of endangered species and biodiversity.
We believe in the power of education and training to empower local communities, fostering leaders in conservation and environmental stewardship.
We are committed to promoting sustainable practices that balance ecological health and human well-being, ensuring long-term benefits for both.
We value partnerships and collaborative efforts with local communities, governments, and other organizations to achieve our conservation and sustainability goals.
We embrace innovative solutions and technologies to address environmental challenges effectively and adaptively.
We respect the cultural and traditional knowledge of local communities, integrating their insights and perspectives into our conservation strategies.
We conduct our work with transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility, maintaining the trust and support of our stakeholders.
Letícia Benavalli
Founder and CEO
Luma Astun Lopes
Field Coordinator
Larissa Corino Lacerda Silva
Audiovisual Coordinator
Larissa Benavalli
Treasury Manager