Protecting Mangroves and the Brazilian Amazon with Planète Urgence
A Strategic Collaboration on Climate and Forests
The AXA Foundation for Human Progress is partnering with Planète Urgence, an international NGO with 25 years of experience working in countries highly exposed to climate risks such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and human vulnerability. Together, we aim to strengthen the capacity of local communities to protect forests and biodiversity and to test innovative, scalable solutions for climate resilience.
Restoring Mangroves and Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods in Indonesia
Through the MERCI II project in Indonesia, we support the restoration of at least 100 hectares of mangroves in and around the Ujung Kulon National Park, which includes both terrestrial and marine protected areas. Mangroves are vital ecosystems for coastal protection, carbon storage, and biodiversity.
We work closely with local communities to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, addressing a major driver of degradation: around 80% of mangrove loss is linked to intensive aquaculture ponds. The model developed through MERCI II is designed to be replicable in other countries facing similar challenges, thereby amplifying its impact on biodiversity preservation.
Laying The Groundwork for a High-Impact Project in Brazil
Brazil is a priority for Planète Urgence’s geographic expansion, and the partnership marked a decisive step as the world focused on the Amazon, at COP30 in Belém. Since October 2025, we have supported the deployment of a dedicated field expert to carry out an in-depth assessment of local needs and opportunities. Together with local partners and communities, he will co-design the first pilot project by mid-2026.
This first phase will help define a robust, long-term strategy for action in the Brazilian Amazon, in close coordination with leading scientific partners such as CIFOR. The ambition is to launch Planète Urgence’s first high-impact forest and climate project in Brazil, directly contributing to the preservation and restoration of one of the planet’s key carbon and biodiversity reservoirs.
Engaging Employees Through International Solidarity Volunteering
Beyond project funding, we also support eight local organizations every year through Planète Urgence’s “Congé Solidaire®” program. This long-standing international volunteering scheme enables employees to dedicate two weeks of paid leave to support local NGOs in one of the eight countries of intervention.
By combining ecosystem restoration (mangroves and forests), strategic scoping in the Amazon, and skills-based employee engagement, we contribute to:
Restoring critical ecosystems and improving climate resilience
Supporting local communities and partner organizations over the long term
Creating replicable models that can be extended to other vulnerable territories
Together with Planète Urgence, we leverage science and local action to protect vital natural capital, and support those on the frontlines of climate and biodiversity challenges.