Coop Babilônia

Situated in the Leme neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Morro da Babilônia is an environmentally protected area designed to prevent further expansion of the favela of the same name. Unusually, the Morro da Babilônia favela has developed from the top down, with the community’s oldest houses at the top, and which are now being earmarked for removal, as part of the efforts to reforest the hills here and re-establish the Atlantic Forest biome and its accompanying biodiversity of flora and fauna. CoopBabilônia is a community reforestation project that protects the local environment of Morro da Babilônia while also offering a favela tour, inviting travelers to climb up through the favela while also gaining insight into the efforts made by the community to conserve the local area and the obstacles they face. Its work also contributes significantly to the pacification of the favela and, by connecting young people to the community, provides an alternative to crime. Travelers visiting CoopBabilônia can enjoy a walking tour of the Morro da Babilônia favela for some of the best views over the city and Copacabana. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn more about the conservation processes carried out by CoopBabilônia as well as the history and transformation of the favela.