On May 28 and 29, Raízes Desenvolvimento Sustentável was in São Paulo to participate in the 9th CAMBI – VIEX Environmental Congress, held at the Brazilian Cultures Pavilion within Ibirapuera Park.
As one of the event’s exhibitors, Raízes brought to this gathering a track record that, in 2026, will mark 20 years of work in the field of sustainable development, always committed to building socio-environmental solutions connected to the territories, the people, and the realities that need to be heard.
A track record of social and environmental impact rooted in local communities
Over the past two decades, we have carried out more than 100 projects, directly benefiting approximately 23,000 people. We have also mentored more than 200 small businesses, most of which are led by women, traditional communities, and other historically marginalized groups.
For us, participating in CAMBI 2026 was an opportunity to present this journey to companies, foundations, institutes, and organizations seeking to develop initiatives with social and environmental impact through active listening, strategic planning, and measurable positive results.
In addition to a space for welcoming visitors and discussing our work, we had a spot on the Innovation Stage to present hot topics. We brought the assessment for socio-environmental projects as an opportunity to share this new product from Raízes, but more than that, to raise awareness among large companies about the importance of strategic project design for long-term success.
In addition to presenting our work, we were also able to attend lectures, debates, and discussions on various topics related to the socio-environmental and impact sectors. Representing Raízes at the event were Mariana Madureira, Jussara Rocha, Claudia Gonçalves, Lucila Egydio, Pamela Martins, and Barbara Ataide.
The presence of part of the team in São Paulo also reinforced the importance of being in spaces where new partnerships can emerge, where experiences converge, and where socio-environmental impact ceases to be merely an intention and becomes a topic of conversation, coordination, and a concrete possibility for action.
Autonomy Transforms Lives: “Dona do meu fluxo” at CAMBI
On May 28, Menstrual Dignity Day, Raízes also held a special event as part of the “Autonomy Transforms Lives” campaign, in support of “Dona do Meu Fluxo,” its own project aimed at promoting menstrual, financial, and personal autonomy for women in socially vulnerable situations.
The event provided an opportunity to introduce the initiative to more people and companies, inviting attendees to view menstrual dignity as an urgent issue that intersects with health, income, school retention, self-esteem, access to rights, and autonomy. As part of the campaign, Raízes also held a raffle for kits containing products from small businesses that have already benefited from our projects, including snacks, handicrafts, and other items produced by local entrepreneurs.
“This choice also conveys a way of doing things. By raising the profile of these businesses, Raízes underscores that the social and environmental impact can continue long after a project ends, as the opportunities created empower people, strengthen production networks, and boost local economies,” notes Jussara Rocha, our project director.
A lasting impact
Raízes carefully selected products linked to projects that are very dear to our social enterprise. In total, each kit contained 15 items, arranged in a charming straw basket made from carnauba palm from Ceará.
In both kits, the winners found:
- Notebooks, buttons, and postcards from Raízes;
- Three handicrafts from the Jequitinhonha Valley in Minas Gerais: a paperweight made of emu cinnamon, a ceramic bullfrog, and a Saint Anthony embroidered with buriti fiber;
- Four products from Flores do Carmo Handcrafted Weaving, featuring embroiderers from Ipoema, in the district of Itabira, Minas Gerais: a pillowcase, a toiletry bag, a glasses case, and a pencil case;
- Two pastries from Sabores de Morro, in Catas Altas, Minas Gerais;
- A cupuaçu jam from Belém, in the state of Pará.
In addition to the items listed above, Kit 1 included:
- A scented bath with Amazonian herbs from Ygara Artesanal, in Belém, in connection with the Raízes project and the Rota Combú;
- A saffron plant from Quilombo São Domingos, in Paracatu, Minas Gerais.
Kit 2, on the other hand:
- An açaí liqueur from Saldosa Maloca, in Belém, also in connection with the Raízes project and the Rota Combu;
- A café in Águas da Prata, São Paulo.
Get yours today! We’ve included the links above so you can purchase one too.
We’re staying connected
Participating in CAMBI 2026 left us feeling nostalgic, but it also sparked new conversations, connections, and possibilities. For Raízes, attending a conference like this is a way to share what we’ve learned, showcase the paths we’ve already taken, and continue building bridges.
We’d like to thank everyone who stopped by our booth, spoke with our team, learned more about our work, and helped strengthen this movement!
