Update following Treesistance’s second birthday
A few weeks ago, we marked the second birthday of Treesistance — and we couldn’t have imagined a more powerful way to celebrate.
Chief Dadá Borarí returned to the Netherlands for a week filled with connection, courage, and community. We honoured two years of resistance and shared space with friends old and new who continue to walk alongside us in defending the Amazon.
Recognition on the global stage
One of the most moving moments came with the announcement that Chief Dadá had been awarded the Prix Voltaire — becoming the first Indigenous leader to receive this international recognition for “Friendly Fighters for Future Fundamentals.”
The award celebrates his decades-long fight to protect his territory and his leadership in training forest guardians across Brazil. Even after surviving violent retaliation — including being kidnapped and left for dead — Dadá continues to lead with unwavering strength and dignity. His recognition sends a message: Indigenous resistance is powerful, and it matters.
IAMazonia: running in solidarity
The celebrations continued on World Rainforest Day, when over 200 runners joined us in Amsterdam Forest for the first edition of the IAMazonia charity run — a day of movement, connection, and shared purpose.
Guided by Chief Dadá and joined in spirit by Surará, a forest guardian from Maró, the run honoured Indigenous leadership and the ongoing protection of the Amazon.
With the support of partners like Greenchoice, IR Global, and Purpose Drinks, the run was followed by an afternoon of music, storytelling, and workshops for all ages at the Amsterdam Bostheater.
It also marked the release of Purpose — an organic drink created in collaboration with Purpose Drinks to support frontline defenders of the Amazon. Ten percent of all proceeds go directly to Indigenous forest guardians. The drink will be available soon, and we’ll keep you posted on where to find it.
Together, we raised more than €11,000 to support the 67 active forest guardians in the Maró territory — a clear sign that collective action, even far from the Amazon, can make a real difference.
Learning from the guardians
Later that week, we invited selected foundations and family offices to the Welna estate for an immersive forest guardian training.
There, Dadá and the Treesistance team shared the methods used to monitor illegal logging, showcased the tools guardians use in the field, and offered a glimpse into the knowledge that has protected these forests for generations.
An additional €15,000 in donations was raised during the tour — funding new uniforms, a patrol boat motor, mobile phones, a laptop, and a drone.
Looking ahead
Two years in, Treesistance continues to grow — shaped by those who defend the forest, and by those who support them from afar.
We left this birthday week with full hearts, feeling hopeful, humbled, and more committed than ever.
To everyone who ran, danced, listened, donated, or simply showed up: thank you for standing with us.
We move forward, together.
