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IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute

4.6 (183)VerifiedSince 20079 Programs

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 scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is t...

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IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.6

Total Reviews

183
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Un ressenti exceptionnel

June 24, 2026by: Camille RIGOLAGE - France

Program: IPBio Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant

5

IPBio est le carrefour de la science, de la sensibilisation et de la culture. Nous avons pu participer à de nombreux inventaires, ce qui fait la force d'IPBio. Alter-do-Chao est un village aux plages et aux expériences inoubliables. Situé près de la forêt primaire de Flona il a énormément d'activités à faire. Alors un grand merci à IPBio amazone et toute son équipe d'ultra motivés et passionnés dans la conservation de la biodiversité.

Bird inventory, canal de jariCoucher de soleil à Alter-do-ChaoReforestation

Imersive and challenging allowing personal growth.

June 12, 2026by: Alistair N/A - England

Program: IPBio Amazon Biodiversity Research Assistant

4

Staff are very well informed of the area, program, risks, events... and are keen for volunteers to be informed as well. Everyone recives a comprihensive introduction on arrival and questions are welcome. Volunteers do descover new species and distributions here, but don't let this fule your ego and encumbur your work. People come here to volunteer, not holiday. By prepared and willing to get your hands and cloths dirty. You will be in the forest most days and some nights planting trees and seed. Most your work will be collecting data of birds, arthropods, amphibians and birds and identifying species. Some prior knowlage of species taxonimy is recomended but not nessesary. A camera (to take clear enough photos to identify the animal is very usfull but also not a nessesity. This is the jungle, of course there are some risks. Take precautions staff inform you of and you'll be fine. No the Tarantulas are not 'out to get you'.

Cute little Tarantula.

Meaningful volunteer program in the heart of the Atlantic Forest

June 02, 2026by: María Ortiz de Zárate Cuerva - Spain

Program: Eco-Volunteering Research | IPBio

5

I had an amazing experience volunteering in the Atlantic Forest, thanks to the magnificent natural environment that surrounds the area, where conservation programs are developed to study the biodiversity, which is endless. The local team also played a key role in making this experience so rewarding. Before my arrival, they provided detailed information and support, and once I was there, they offered thorough training and guidance. They truly transmit a deep sense of connection with nature and responsibility for its preservation, valuable learnings that will stay with me forever. I found the experience so enriching that when I returned home and shared it with my friends and family, my sister immediately wanted to experience it herself. She didn't hesitate to follow in my footsteps and become part of this incredible project.

IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute Programs

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Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Imran Viroomal 2017

Imran Viroomal 2017

Interviewed in 2017

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

Simply put I would say, bioluminescent mushrooms, the long term goal of creating 5 research centers, and although it sounds boring, “organization”. The bioluminescent mushroom program makes IPBio truly unique. Our little town of Iporanga holds approximately 25% of the world's glowing mushrooms. There is so much more research that needs to be done in this field and so many ways to apply the research. From simply finding new species which was a major success in 2017 when a volunteer found 7 new species of glowing mushrooms, to developing our local communities tourism sector by attracting visitor to our town with a museum of bioluminescence. And who knows if we find medical, energy or other interesting uses that come from our fundamental research on these mushrooms. As an economist/political scientist, I always look for the social impact our research would have so while the biologists busy trying to understand the evolutionary emergence of bioluminescence. I fantasize about the ways we could apply the research to the benefit of society and our environment. Not to mention, after searching for these natural lanterns at night in the forest and arriving at a point where the entire floor was glowing green like in Avatar, I was hooked!

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Ana Glaucia

Ana Glaucia

Interviewed in 2017

Staff

What inspired you to travel abroad?

What core values do you think are most important at IPBio?

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Morgane Holley

Morgane Holley

Participated in 2017

Alumni

Being the daughter of an American diplomat and a dual French/Swiss citizen I travelled a lot growing up. As cliché as it may sound traveling has proven itself to be more than just a hobby for me but rather a lifestyle. I really do have a hard time staying in one place for too long. Every couple years I feel the tingling desire to embark on a new adventure. I love discovering all the different facets of a country's culture: the food, the art, the traditions, the history, the current geopolitical situation and everything that goes along with it. I truly believe that exploring the world and coming to an understanding and respect of different cultures is one of the greatest forms of education an individual can be lucky enough to experience. 

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IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute

IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute

4.6Verified

Ready to Learn More?

The Biodiversity Research Institute (IPBio) is a place where research meets conservation. IPBio is a non-governmental, non-profit organization that develops scientific research on biodiversity, ecology and ethology of fauna and flora of Brazilian ecosystems. In 2009, the reserve received accreditation as an "Advanced Outpost of The Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. IPBio’s mission is to encourage wildlife conservation, sustainable management and use of natural resources; and promote the development of eco-tourism and cultural projects.IPBio always strives to combine research with education. Our infrastructure was designed to conduct research while simultaneously allow visitors on the reserve to visualize and learn about our native species. Furthermore, IPBio developed various e...

Awards

Check out awards and recognitions IPBio- Biodiversity Research Institute has received

Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Brazil 2026
Top Rated Program Volunteer Abroad in Brazil 2025
Wildlife AcousticsDiscovery Channel LogoUNICAMP LogoUNESP LogoUniversidade de Sãu PauloAntioch University SeattleUNESCOScientific Reports - Nature