PI's women-led institute helps communities tackle climate change and receives global award

An institute created by three women from Piauí is among the 25 organizations selected in an international initiative aimed at combating climate change. The 'A Filha do Sol' project was one of the winners of the Emerging Climate Champions program, which recognizes organizations led by young people and brought together initiatives from 108 countries.

The selection was carried out in several stages and included technical analyzes and evaluations conducted by experts from different countries in the areas of climate, philanthropy and social development.

In addition to international recognition, each of the selected organizations will receive US$1 million to expand their actions.

Created in 2022 by Rhavena Madeira, Rebeca and Flávia Maia from Piauí, 'A Filha do Sol' operates in communities in Piauí and Maranhão with projects aimed at climate justice, environmental education, strengthening community leaders and valuing traditional knowledge.

The work is mainly aimed at women, young people and traditional peoples who live in areas affected by the climate crisis.

For Rhavena Madeira, co-founder and executive director of the organization, the recognition reinforces the importance of solutions developed by the communities themselves facing the impacts of climate change.

"The award is confirmation that connecting local leaders on the front line of the impacts of climate change to global resources and movements is very powerful, because these communities already have the solutions to face the environmental crisis we are experiencing," he stated.

Also according to Rhavena, the resources received will be used to expand the organization's operations in the coming years. The goal is to expand actions to 50 northeastern communities and directly support another 500 women, young people and community leaders.

The expectation is also to expand the reach of the Climate School and strengthen initiatives related to social participation, environmental education and adaptation to the impacts of climate change.

"Receiving an award like the Emerging Climate Champions is an opportunity to recognize what is already working and demonstrate that locally built solutions can produce systemic changes with global impact," said Rhavena Madeira.

According to the organization, in 2025 alone, its actions reached 23 communities distributed among the Amazon, Cerrado, Caatinga and Coastal biomes.

The institution also claims to have contributed to the conservation of more than 500 thousand hectares and directly benefited 842 people.

Since its creation, 'A Filha do Sol' reports having allocated more than R$500,000 in direct transfers to community associations and local leaders involved in initiatives to adapt to climate change.

Among the projects developed by the organization is the Climate School, a training program aimed at community leaders in Piauí and Maranhão.

Currently in its third edition, the initiative is now carried out in partnership with the State University of Piauí (Uespi) and received 155 registrations.