What is
IPBio?
A private, non-profit institution dedicated to researching the biodiversity of Brazil’s biomes and sharing scientific knowledge with the public.
IPBio – the Biodiversity Research Institute – is a private, non-profit organization that develops and supports scientific research projects on biodiversity, ecology, and the behavior of plant and animal species in Brazil’s ecosystems.
IPBio was founded by Sergio Pompeia, an agronomist and botanist, with the goal of creating connections between scientific research and the general public.
IPBio’s work combines research and education. Our infrastructure is designed to support academic studies while also allowing reserve visitors to observe and learn about our biodiversity.
Our projects are always designed with educational applications in mind, such as the production of e-books, documentaries, and exhibitions. This ensures that the knowledge we generate reaches beyond the academic world and inspires citizens to understand and appreciate the importance of conserving living beings and their ecosystems.
IPBio’s mission also includes promoting conservation, the management and sustainable use of natural resources, and the development of scientific tourism and cultural initiatives.
Biodiversity
Research Centers
The long-term goal is to establish five reserves with research centers across all major biomes of Brazil. The pilot project was built in the Atlantic Forest biome, at the Betary Reserve in Iporanga, São Paulo. A second unit is currently being developed in the Amazon biome, in Alter do Chão, Santarém, Pará.
The goal is to expand the project to the remaining Brazilian biomes: the Cerrado, Pantanal, and Caatinga.
IPBio - Betary Reserve
The long-term goal is to establish five reserves with research centers across all major biomes of Brazil. The pilot project was built in the Atlantic Forest biome, at the Betary Reserve in Iporanga, São Paulo. A second unit is currently being developed in the Amazon biome, in Alter do Chão, Santarém, Pará.
IPBio – Jutuarana Reserve
The Jutuarana Reserve, IPBio’s second unit, is currently under development. Its location within the Amazon River basin will enable research on fish and other aquatic species native to the region. The site, situated on the banks of the Tapajós River, is near Alter do Chão, in Santarém, Pará.
IPBio – Schmid-Fiorini Urban Reserve
This reserve consists of a fragment of Atlantic Forest located in the center of Iporanga, home to a large number of Jussara palm trees (Euterpe edulis). The area was donated by Swiss couple Peter Schmid and Martine Fiorini with the goal of preserving this site, which hosts a high diversity of bird species native to the biome. The location will soon feature the Bird Park, with stations showcasing images and vocalizations of the species found there.
Our Timeline
The land for the Betary Reserve is acquired and construction of the headquarters begins.
Construction of the Biodiversity Research Center (CEB – Ceramic Tile Panel).
Publication of the book Stream Fish of the Atlantic Forest.
Expansion of the Betary Reserve area.
The first biologists join: Ana Glaucia.
The first biologists join: Isaias Santos.
Construction of the greenhouse.
The first school visit.
Construction of the artesian well.
Construction of the Aquarium and Lambari Pond.
Installation of micro-cameras.
Publication of the Reserva Betary Magazine.
Arrival of the first volunteer.
Discovery and registration of a new species of parasitic worm in amphibians.
Discovery and registration of a new species of parasitic worm in amphibians.
Creation of the Begoniarium.
Visit from the National Geographic team.
Construction of the Researcher’s House – the Yellow House.
Installation of satellite internet.
Visit from Rolf Grantsau and Haroldo Palo Jr.
Start of the partnership with Associação Celine for the creation of the Wildlife Release Center.
Fina Camada Project – Exhibition and documentary about the atmosphere, held at Villa Lobos Park in São Paulo.
Construction of the Aquarium Walkway.
Launch of the Young Biodiversity Artists Program.
Creation of the International Volunteer Program.
Discovery of Neoceroplatus betaryiensis, the first recorded dipteran species with a bioluminescent larva in Latin America.
IPBio representative participates in the MAB Youth Forum in Rosolina Mare, Italy (September 2017).
Construction of the Wildlife Release Center, by Associação Celine.
Construction of the Volunteer House.
Discovery of the first blue terrestrial bioluminescent organism ever recorded in
Latin America, published in Scientific Reports.
Partnerships and Agreements
IPBio maintains agreements and partnerships with scientific institutions and universities, both in Brazil and abroad, to develop research projects, thematic exhibitions, specialization courses, training programs, and supervised internships.
Nature’s Gems Museum
IPBio has partnered with the Natural Science Museum “Joias da Natureza” to create the Natural History Museum of São Paulo.
This museum will feature a scientifically valuable collection of over 9,000 specimens, including fossils, meteorites, rocks, minerals, sands, and marine organisms from around the world—especially from Brazil.
The collection also includes archaeological artifacts and replicas of hominid skulls.
In 2021, the partnership began developing thematic exhibition projects featuring exclusive samples from the collection, along with digital content, aimed at education and the dissemination of scientific and cultural knowledge.
The “Joias da Natureza” Museum, with support from IPBio and CPEA, has been hosting live broadcasts on its YouTube channel covering a variety of natural science topics, featuring renowned researchers and scientific institutions from around the world.
Partnerships with universities for
the development of scientific research
Partnerships with universities for
the development of supervised internships and
specialization courses
Partnership with BRAMON
In 2021, IPBio – the Biodiversity Research Institute – partnered with BRAMON, the Brazilian Meteor Observation Network, to install a meteor observation and monitoring station within the Betary Reserve.
The main objectives of this partnership are: To triangulate possible meteorite fall locations, collect data on other phenomena detectable by the station, and support education and science communication in the field of astronomy.
Institutions that Support IPBio
CPEA – Environmental Planning and Studies Consultancy directly supports research, education, and environmental education activities, contributing to the conservation of Brazil’s biodiversity.
Since 2010, CPEA has been IPBio’s main sponsor, making it possible to develop a wide range of the institute’s projects.
Since 2009, the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve – MaB UNESCO has recognized the Betary Reserve, maintained by IPBio, as an Advanced Post of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve. At this site, the conservation guidelines established by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MaB) Programme are actively implemented.
Partnerships and Agreements
Support the conservation of Brazil’s biodiversity by making a donation.
IPBio is a private, non-profit organization that, while striving for financial independence through the development of research and education-related products and services, relies significantly on donations and sponsorships from individuals and organizations.
See below how you can contribute.
An institutional donation can be a general donation, allowing us to allocate your contribution where we believe it will have the greatest impact, or a project-specific donation, where you can email us at contato@ipbio.org.br to indicate which project(s) you would like your donation to support.
You may choose to make a one-time donation or set up a recurring donation.
*For a recurring donation, please check the box “Make this a monthly donation” below the donation amount.
If you make a direct donation via bank transfer, please send an email to contato@ipbio.org.br so we can thank you and provide a receipt for your contribution.
Bank transfer details:
IPBio – INSTITUTO DE PESQUISA DA BIODIVERSIDADE
CNPJ 19.418.945 / 0001-56
Banco Bradesco – 237
Ag.: 2062
C/C.: 336402-0
Volunteer Program Donation
Volunteers participating in the program should make their donation in Brazilian reais (BRL), which will be automatically converted by PayPal into the currency of their home country. Simply enter the agreed amount specified in your acceptance email and complete the rest of the PayPal form.
IPBio also welcomes donations of equipment and materials to support research and educational activities.. Equipment donations depend on what you’re able to offer!Examples range from office equipment (such as computers) to laboratory tools (like microscopes) and even field research gear (binoculars / walkie-talkies). If you’re interested in donating equipment, please contact us at contato@ipbio.org.br and let us know what you would like to contribute.
Sponsorships
IPBio can develop research projects and educational activities aligned with the focus or interests of sponsors, as long as they relate to biodiversity conservation.
Sponsored research may include, for example, the study of wild plants and animals for species protection, behavioral studies involving video production, research on bioluminescent organisms, and conservation of endangered species, among others.
Educational activities may involve courses, training programs, publications, multimedia content, thematic exhibitions, and more.
Sponsorships can take many forms—from individual or academic support to corporate sponsorships by companies interested in promoting socio-environmental sustainability initiatives.
If you are interested in sponsoring our institution or a specific project, please contact us at contato@ipbio.org.br, and we will be happy to guide you through the process.
Fund Your Travel Experience
Do you have a travel plan in mind, but
financial concerns are holding you back?
If you're ready to start planning your trip but feel discouraged by financial obstacles, IPBio – the Biodiversity Research Institute – has a solution for you.
We’ve partnered with FundMyTravel, which provides an online platform where you can raise funds for your trip. You’ll create a campaign page, fill out a short profile to build trust, add a video, and share your story!
*To reinforce our commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional ethics, IPBio’s Code of Ethics and Conduct is available for public access.
Contact
Fill out the form below to get in touch with us.
Betary Reserve Unit
- Estrada Iporanga - Apiaí, Km 6, Iporanga- SP - Brasil - CEP: 18339-899
- contato@ipbio.org.br
- +55 15 3556-1470 (Fixo)
Important: We recommend accessing via the city of Jacupiranga on the Régis Bittencourt Highway for visitors coming from either São Paulo or Curitiba, even if your GPS suggests a different route.
Portuguese