Empower.
Transform.
Inspire.

Our Origin Story

At Pró-Onça, our journey began with a profound passion for wildlife and a deep commitment to empowering communities. Witnessing the rapid decline of large carnivores and the pressing challenges of climate change in Latin America, our founders were driven by the urgent need to make a difference.

Driven by a shared love for nature and belief in community power, we founded an organization tackling critical issues with innovative, science-based approaches. Our mission goes beyond conservation; it focuses on sustainable development, empowering women in science, and creating lasting change.

Our passion for wildlife, our dedication to local communities, and our unwavering commitment to a sustainable future are the foundations of Pró-Onça. We believe that by working together, we can protect our planet’s biodiversity and ensure a thriving coexistence between people and nature for generations to come.

Our team

Letícia Benavalli

Founder and CEO

Find out more

Letícia, a prominent Brazilian conservationist and researcher, leads projects focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Brazil. With expertise in landscape ecology and wildlife management, she champions community-based solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and address climate change. Letícia’s impactful contributions have earned her international recognition and prestigious awards in conservation.

Luma Astun Lopes

Field Coordinator

Larissa Corino

Audiovisual Coordinator

Larissa benavalli

Treasury Manager

Mission

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.

Vision

A thriving Latin America where biodiversity is protected, communities are empowered, and sustainable practices ensure a balanced coexistence between humans and nature.

Values

The basic principles that underpin our vision are:

Conservation

We are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of natural habitats, prioritizing the protection of endangered species and biodiversity.

Empowerment

We believe in the power of education and training to empower local communities, fostering leaders in conservation and environmental stewardship.

Sustainability

We are committed to promoting sustainable practices that balance ecological health and human well-being, ensuring long-term benefits for both.

Collaboration

We value partnerships and collaborative efforts with local communities, governments, and other organizations to achieve our conservation and sustainability goals.

Innovation

We embrace innovative solutions and technologies to address environmental challenges effectively and adaptively.

Respect

We respect the cultural and traditional knowledge of local communities, integrating their insights and perspectives into our conservation strategies.

Integrity

We conduct our work with transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility, maintaining the trust and support of our stakeholders.

Help activists take on the world’s most pressing environmental and social justice challenges

About

We’re an organization dedicated to conserving large carnivores and their prey, empowering women in science, and mitigating climate change in Latin America through community-based solutions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable practices benefiting wildlife and local communities.

Empower. Transform. Inspire.