Who we are
Together for Brava’s Future
- Our Association consists of 5 active board members and 12 technical staff.
- We mobilize over 30 community members, focusing on youth and women inclusion, via short-term labour contracts for the implementation of our conservation projects.
- We focus on 4 programs: Terrestrial Conservation, Marine Conservation, Sustainable Community Development, and Environmental Education
- We partner with local, national and international institutions to elaborate and implement projects
Our Team
Biflores consists of a diverse and interdisciplinary team dedicated to promoting biodiversity conservation through local development and sustainability. We blend local wisdom with the global scientific effort to conserve Brava’s unique endangered endemic species.
Our focus is on fostering resilience for both human and non-human communities on Brava. We advocate for and work towards a natural resource management system that benefits all, promoting harmony between people and nature amidst climate change challenges.
Meet Our Team
Dheeraj Jayant
Executive Director
Dheeraj Jayant
Passionate about community-based conservation, Dheeraj aligns local development visions with biodiversity preservation, actively disseminating knowledge on its importance to influence policymakers and the public. Under his leadership, Biflores engages in innovative projects fostering harmony between communities and nature.
Dheeraj is committed to bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and community engagement, leaving a positive impact on local and global conservation efforts.
Carlos Bango
Terrestrial conservation program leader
Carlos Bango
Carlos Bango, Terrestrial Program Leader at Associação de Conservação da Biodiversidade – Biflores, is a native of Brava. His deep passion for conservation stems from his local roots and extensive experience in cattle rearing, agriculture, and connection with the environment.
Despite holding a degree in Business Management, Carlos is drawn to the intersection of social organization and biodiversity conservation. His holistic approach emphasizes community engagement and sustainable practices, reflecting his commitment to harmonizing human activities with biodiversity preservation on Brava.
With his profound understanding of the local context, Carlos plays a key role in shaping Biflores’ terrestrial conservation programs, furthering the organization’s mission of sustainability and community well-being.
Vani Furtado
Sustainable Grazing Project Leader
Vani Furtado
Vani Furtado, originally from Picos, Santiago, brings a commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship to Brava. With 14 years of experience as a rural extensionist and technician with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Vani is passionate about sustainable grazing practices.
As Project Leader of “Pioneering Sustainable Grazing for Plants and People,” Vani aims to transform the cattle-rearing sector into an organized and productive force. His goal is to establish a sustainable industry that enhances nutritional security and income for breeders while mitigating threats to Brava’s endemic plants and trees posed by free grazing.
Vani’s expertise and hands-on experience make him a key figure in Biflores’ efforts to balance agricultural practices with biodiversity conservation on Brava. Through his leadership, the Sustainable Grazing Project demonstrates how organized practices can benefit both people and the environment.
Darlene Pina
Communications Assistant
Darlene Pina
Darlene Pina, originally from Brava, serves as the Communications Assistant at Associação de Conservação da Biodiversidade – Biflores. Starting as a volunteer, her passion for documenting Brava’s natural wonders led her to this role.
Darlene’s deep connection to her homeland and her interest in photography and social media enable her to capture and share Brava’s biodiversity with the world. As Communications Assistant, she plays a crucial role in raising awareness of Biflores’ initiatives and the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Through Darlene’s dedication, Biflores can showcase Brava’s natural heritage, inspiring appreciation and responsibility for its preservation. Her work demonstrates the power of visual storytelling in promoting environmental consciousness.
Anderson Gomes
Financial Coordinator
Anderson Gomes
With a background in Management Technology and specialized training in accounting, Anderson combines financial expertise with a passion for community-based conservation. He aims to ensure financial transparency and sustainability for conservation efforts in Brava, supporting Biflores’ mission of harmonizing conservation initiatives with community well-being.
Hedson Santiago
Project Assistant
Hedson Santiago
Driven by enthusiasm and a deep connection to Brava’s environment, Hedson focuses on marine conservation efforts. As a Project Assistant, he dedicates his energy to initiatives aimed at preserving and sustainably using Brava’s marine resources.
Hedson’s transformation from driver to Project Assistant showcases the power of genuine interest and commitment. His dedication to marine conservation contributes to Biflores’ multifaceted efforts in preserving Brava’s biodiversity.
Adilson Pereira
Project Assistant for Terrestrial Conservation
Adilson Pereira
Adilson Pereira, a Brava native, serves as Project Assistant for Terrestrial Conservation at Associação de Conservação da Biodiversidade – Biflores. With over a decade of experience at the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment, Adilson is passionate about conservation and sustainable rural development.
Initially involved in the Sustainable Grazing Project, Adilson’s expanding interest in terrestrial conservation led him to work on various projects. His hands-on experience and holistic approach significantly contribute to Biflores’ mission of harmonizing human activities with Brava’s biodiversity preservation.
As Project Assistant for Terrestrial Conservation, Adilson brings a wealth of experience and dedication, playing a vital role in Biflores’ multifaceted conservation efforts on Brava.
Ruben Freire
Communications and Social Media Coordinator
Ruben Freire
Danielson da Cruz
Invasive Species Initiative Project Technician
Danielson da Cruz
Bruno Martins
Marine Conservation and Environmental Education Coordinator
Bruno Martins
Autilio Gonçalves
Field Coordinator
