For the first time, the City of Rio de Janeiro will host the ‘Viva a Mata – National Atlantic Forest Encounter’, an event by the SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation taking place between 9 and 17 May at the Botanical Garden. ICLEI South America will participate on 12 and 13 May, at the Encounter on Municipal Atlantic Forest Plans.

The Viva Mata's main objective is to promote the exchange of experiences among stakeholders involved in the fight for forest conservation and to raise public awareness.

On the 12th and 13th, the National Encounter for the Atlantic Forest: Experiences and Opportunities, It will highlight the efforts that have been made towards the implementation of the Atlantic Forest Law (Law 11.428/2006). ICLEI South America, at the invitation of the SOS Atlantic Forest Foundation, will address the indispensable role of local governments in combating biodiversity loss, the recovery and conservation of the Atlantic Forest, and the need for integrating strategies between different levels of government.

Some ICLEI Network Member Cities have already developed, or are in the process of developing, their respective Municipal Atlantic Forest Plans, such as: Curitiba, Sorocaba, Itu, São Paulo, Bauru, Rio de Janeiro and Recife.

Rio de Janeiro City will launch its Plan during the event, on May 13th, at 11am.