We are excited to have just launched the “WhatsApp for the Amazon” initiative in partnership with Meta and ITS, a programme that aims to unite efforts, recognise and support groundbreaking ideas from entrepreneurs, NGOs, and startups focused on social and environmental impact initiatives within the Amazon region.
The “WhatsApp for the Amazon” initiative invites innovators to use the power of chat technology to implement sustainable development practices and foster social innovation in one of the planet's most vital biomes. As the stakes rise in preserving our environment, we ask: Do you have an innovative idea for the Amazon?
Participants are called upon to submit projects that have the potential for sustainable impact in the Amazon. In addition to competing for prizes of up to R$250,000 (first selected finalist), R$150,000 (second selected finalist) and R$100,000 (third selected finalist), winners will receive invaluable mentorship and technical support to build and advance their solutions. Participants will also engage in a comprehensive 4-week acceleration program facilitated by Turn.io, designed to refine and empower their initiatives.
“The ‘WhatsApp for the Amazon’ initiative exemplifies our commitment to positive social impact through technology that enables meaningful conversations at scale," said Joao Gouvea, Head of LATAM at Turn.io. “We believe that innovative ideas coupled with the power of scalable tech solutions can create real change, and this challenge represents an incredible opportunity for leaders in the field to come together and develop solutions that will positively affect the Amazon and its diverse ecosystems.”
Key aspects of the initiative include:
Environmental and social preservation
The Amazon plays an essential role in regulating the global climate and maintaining biodiversity. However, it faces serious threats due to activities such as deforestation, fires and illegal exploitation. Proposals that seek solutions to these and other issues are essential to ensure the preservation of this unique ecosystem. WhatsApp for the Amazon promotes initiatives that aim not only to protect the environment, but also to support local communities that depend on the forest for their livelihoods.
Use of new technologies
Using WhatsApp and its integrations including Turn.io, the project encourages the application of digital technologies in an ethical, creative and practical way. WhatsApp, with its wide penetration and accessibility, is an ideal platform to promote communication, mobilisation and dissemination of information. Technological solutions that facilitate environmental monitoring, communication between communities and education on sustainable practices can have a significant and positive impact on the region.
Recognition and encouragement of innovation
The challenge offers financial recognition to the three finalists, and mentoring and acceleration programs for the ten selected projects. This not only recognises the innovative work of individuals, companies, and NGOs, but also provides the necessary support to transform these projects and take them to a new level of reach and impact. Individual candidates, research groups, or collectives of authors, including civil society organizations, are eligible to apply. However, it is important to note that only projects that use technologies and solutions that use WhatsApp, the use of chatbots, and integrations with the WhatsApp Business Platform (API) for the social and environmental protection of the Amazon region, in a realistic, feasible, applicable, and responsible manner, will be accepted.
Applications are now open for the “WhatsApp for the Amazon” and will close on December 16th.
Interested parties are encouraged to learn more about participation rules and submit their projects through the provided link.
https://www.desafiopelaamazonia.com.br/
