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IPBio - Biodiversity Research Institute

Why choose IPBio - Biodiversity Research Institute?

The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops and supports projects in environmental education and scientific research on biodiversity, ecology as well as on the behavior of species of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In addition, IPBio’s mission is to encourage conservation, management and sustainable use of natural resources; and promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural projects.

We are located in the Atlantic Forest. With only 7% of its original extent remaining, placing it on the top 5 most endangered forests list, we are rapidly losing one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots. Conservation is critical.

The work done in the Betary Reserve has received international recognition. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an advanced outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Website
ipbio.org.br
Founded
2004

Reviews

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Alexandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A meaningful experience shaped by nature, people, and purpose

My experience at IPBio was absolutely wonderful and enriching. The program was very well-organized, from the detailed pre-arrival information to the orientation and support upon arrival. The diverse range of activities, including bird and fish inventories, reforestation, and searching for bioluminescent organisms, allowed me to gain hands-on experience and learn so much about the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon.

The staff was extremely supportive, open to feedback, and fostered a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. The coordinators were approachable and easy to connect with, which made working together enjoyable. On weekends, we occasionally went out together, for example to eat, which added a nice social aspect to the experience.

One of the highlights was exploring partially new areas with exceptional biodiversity. I had the chance to see sloths, monkeys, a wide variety of birds, enormous trees, and so much more.

The accommodation was comfortable, and its location near Alter do Chão provided a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture while enjoying the beauty of the Amazon River.

What made the experience even more meaningful was the opportunity to actively contribute to environmental protection. Whether through reforestation projects or the general mission of the volunteer program, I felt that my work was part of a broader effort to preserve the rainforest and support sustainable practices.

Overall, this program is perfect for anyone passionate about biodiversity and looking for a meaningful volunteer experience that also makes a real difference for the environment.

What was your funniest moment?
One evening, while we were sitting together at our accommodation with the other volunteers, a group of monkeys suddenly appeared and started hopping along the surrounding walls. They curiously watched us, as if we were the ones on display—it was such a funny and unexpected moment that had us all captivated.

But now of the most funny moments was during a trip deep into the rainforest. A troop of monkeys began following us and got incredibly close. Some even jumped onto our shoulders or backpacks without hesitation. It was wild, funny, and a little surreal—like we were temporary members of their troop.
Pros
  • Diverse and Impactful Activities: The program offered a wide range of meaningful activities, such as bird and fish inventories, reforestation projects, and bioluminescent organism searches, allowing hands-on engagement with Amazon biodiversity.
  • Strong Support System: The staff and coordinators were very supportive, approachable, and open to feedback, creating a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere.
  • Unique Cultural Experiences: The program's location near Alter do Chão provided opportunities to connect with local culture and explore the Amazon’s natural beauty.
Cons
  • Challenging Weather Conditions: Working in the intense midday heat, especially during reforestation projects, was physically demanding and required significant resilience.
  • Limited Scientific Depth in Some Activities: Certain tasks, such as tree inventories, could benefit from a stronger focus on species identification and ecological discussions.
  • Minimal Cultural Integration Activities: While the program provided ample leisure opportunities, more structured cultural exchanges, such as workshops or cooking classes, would enhance the experience.
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Alice
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good learning experience and very interactive

During my experience with IpBio, I had the opportunity to learn about the importance of tree, bird, and mushroom inventory, as well as reforestation. I was able to have a hands-on role and the activities were well lead which made it efficient.

I was made to feel really welcomed and Marleen and Imran were super supportive and helpful!

I was able to learn a lot from this experience and I will definitely be able to take a lot away and put more practical steps into my own life to help the environment.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Seeing bioluminescent organisms was really fascinating and interesting.
Pros
  • Feeling welcomed and safe in the town
  • Learning about the biodiversity
  • Taking part in re forestation
Cons
  • Some activities could be split into a shorter time to increase the motivation for the task
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Tatiana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing program with big variety of activities

I enjoyed my 4+ weeks of volunteering with IPbio, many thanks to great level of coordination and organization: all activities are well planned, with guidelines for each, coordinators are helpful to clarify everything and support in any issues! I liked the comfortable living conditions too. The number of species you are able to see as well as format of activities, depends much on the season (wet/dry), but even with the lowest water levels we could see a lot! Climate is hot but bearable, most of activities start early in the morning to balance the temperature

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
It's better to have camera which can both zoom (for birds) and make macro (for mushrooms)
Pros
  • Everything is well organized
  • You have weekend for leisure and tours
  • A lot of new knowledge and different activities
Cons
  • Many tours depend on water levels
  • Logical,but there are insects
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Elisa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great time in the Amazon forest

This great volunteering program is perfect for those who love outdoor activities! I highly recommend it for anyone wanting a genuine experience with wild nature. It offers the chance to explore and connect with the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, one of the world's most unique and vital ecosystems. By volunteering here, you'll play an important role in its conservation efforts. The Amazon deserves our protection, and this program allows you to contribute directly to its preservation and sustainability.

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Andy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

What a great experience.

As a first time overseas volunteer and wildlife researcher, I found this program an awesome experience on so many levels.

It was great to be part of a group that really cares about not only wildlife conservation but also providing the best for the local community.

I felt that the work we undertook really made a difference and this was such a good feeling.

The staff were awesome and very supportive.

I'm running out of space but all I will say is if you have chance ... Do it, you won't regret it

What was your funniest moment?
There were so many, hard to choose just one.
Pros
  • Interesting work / projects
  • Very supportive team
  • A great place with awesome wildlife and things to see
Cons
  • Sometimes the hot weather made it hard work

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I chose IPBio Reserva Betary because I was fancy seeing glowing (bioluminescent) mushrooms. One of the projects at the research station is a mushroom project on which some scientist discovered loads of mushrooms during the last years, so I found this quite exiting.

Not having any mushroom based research background I was happy enough to be the photographer and videographer on site for 3 months, so I created 12 video trailers from the 4 main projects, the facilities and short wildlife highlights. Besides that I share more than 500 of stunning images with IPBio which will be used in magazines and on social media.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

IPBio assisted with the whole package. Transport from the airport to the reserve is not part of the program, but you get some recommendation for hostels and the right bus connection to choose and therefore getting there is pretty easy. In general there was a permanent contact before the trip, reviews during my time in Brazil and we are still in contact after finishing my 3 month project.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Obviously check the weather forecast for the specific time of the year. I can get freezing cold in Brazil's south during the winter on the southern hemisphere. No, it seriously was pretty cold and even colder after I left in June. Otherwise just like all other volunteering projects. Be open minded, bring a lot of flexibility, ask a lot, learn something new every day.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

A day in the jungle starts pretty awesome. You'll get a wake up call from monkeys or birds. Sometimes both. Otherwise every week follows a schedule but this is only a rough overview, more like guidelines. Because there are so many different projects running at IPBio the week is filled with totally different things and tasks. As a photography volunteer I joined most of the projects throughout the week, and being part of this was so much fun, that I decided to take the roll of the other ECO volunteers during the daytime and did my photography role during the mornings and evenings, anyways the better time to take high quality images. At the end of the day it gets awesome again. You got the choice of hanging around the ponds and listen to the mighty concert of the frogs and/or stay even longer and gaze at million of stars and depending on the right time of the year the galactic center of the milkyway.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Well, I do travel extensively and I volunteered on other projects in SouthAfrica and Guyana before. If you ever fear something the best thing to do: just do it, don't think too much ´bout it. My favorite quote: "Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it."--Judy Blume;

Point out 3 highlights.

1. I watched a pair of festive coquettes (super tiny hummingbirds) flirting around for about 2 hours. Humming and buzzing, flying high and low, fast and slow. This was amazing!
2. I was able to record a 6 hours timelapse of the milkyway rising into the nightsky above the research station. Clearly a clear night it was.
3. I created a 5-days!! timelapse of mushrooms showing the growth of different mycena species within one minute. A hell of a photograpy set up and project itself.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Ana Glaucia Martins

Job Title
Manager of IPBio
Ana Glaucia gained a undergraduate degree in Biology in 2006 and post-graduate specialization in Conservation and Management of Fauna in 2011. She began to work at IPBio in 2007 as a research assistant and as of 2014 she became the manager.
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What is your favorite travel memory?

I am privileged to have been born in Iporanga, where IPBio is located, as it is situated in an area with such wonderful places to visit. Iporanga is known as the Cave Capital of Brazil and is located in the most preserved area of Atlantic Forest. There are various hikes to do, waterfalls to see and wildlife to watch but my favorite travel memory is from a cave called “Casa da Pedra”. This is located 30 minutes from Iporangas town center and is the largest cave opening in the world stretching approximately 215 meters. I remember visiting it when I was just child and being so impressed by its size. I have visited the cave many times since then but it always seems to amaze me.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I believe I have grown a lot since joining IPBio in 2007. I initially worked as a research assistant, then became the head biologist and now manage the Institute. Since then I have not only gained experience in my own field but developed other skills in management, finance, project development and various other areas. IPBio gave me the space and opportunity to discover new talents and find new interests in areas outside of biology which I am grateful for.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Personally I would choose the “Research Assistant” role. I believe that this role is the most interesting as it is designed so that people with or without scientific degrees can participate in research. Many people, not only biologists, are interested in biology and it is important for the lay public to understand how conservation works on the ground. Additionally, this program is varied as you assist all ongoing research so the volunteer becomes familiar with wide range of activities such as: setting up camera traps to photograph mammals; visiting pitfalls to monitor frogs; working in the lab to study mushrooms; conducting inventories of tree species on the reserve etc.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I believe what makes IPBio unique is the fact that the founder decided to only hire local biologists. This was a conscious decision in order to develop the talents and harness the interest and knowledge of people who live on the front lines of the forest. This gave opportunities to local biologists who would have to relocate to urban areas to follow their passion of working for a reputable research center. Moreover, as the biologists are locals it has connected the research centers aims to the community and rose awareness about environmental concerns and the importance of conservation.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

IPBio's success can be attributed to its diversification. IPBio has managed to combine research, tourism and education in a self-reinforcing manner. Although research is our focus, realizing that people are fascinated by nature, IPBio developed educational tours through public visitation to our reserve as well as receiving school trips. IPBio understood that people are not only interested by nature but also by the scientific method which is key developing future generations who understand and care about the environment.