The Pequeno Príncipe Complex has launched a unique project to protect and celebrate the Iguaçu River, the largest river in the state of Paraná. Called Rediscover and Revive the Iguaçu River, the initiative proposes a new way to view this natural treasure by integrating sports, education, science, and community action to highlight the connection between health and the environment.

The project is rooted in the One Health concept, which recognizes the interdependence of the human, the environmental, and the animal health. Through a broad range of activities, the project aims to strengthen the population’s connection with the river and emphasize the importance of its preservation for present and future generations.

Activities include educational programs for public school students, outdoor sports, and community events. A key goal is to create meaningful experiences with the river, fostering a stronger bond with nature. “Now more than ever, we need to practice the idea of ‘thinking globally and acting locally.’ Health goes beyond hospital care – it depends on a healthy and sustainable environment,” highlights José Álvaro da Silva Carneiro, corporate director of the Complex.

The schedule includes eco-walks, riverbank cleanups, fishing tournaments, bike rides, and sports workshops for children and teens. Events are being held in riverside cities like Porto Amazonas and Lapa, engaging diverse audiences and promoting local biodiversity and culture.

The project is supported by the Pelé Pequeno Príncipe Research Institute, which, together with the Pequeno Príncipe College, is conducting studies on water quality and hospital wastewater impacts. Research topics include antibiotic and micropollutant filtration – generating valuable data to guide public policies and sustainable water management strategies.

“The Iguaçu River plays a vital role in water supply, energy generation, fishing, and ecotourism. But it faces serious challenges like the pollution and the unregulated development. Our goal is to raise collective awareness about the importance of its preservation,” says Aristides de Athayde, institutional director of Ô MATA – Nature Production, the company that is developing the project.

With over a century of commitment to child and adolescent health and well-being, the Pequeno Príncipe Complex reaffirms, through this initiative, its mission to build a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. By connecting science, education, and community action, the Rediscover and Revive the Iguaçu River project expands the institution’s impact and invites all of society to join this transformation.