How Leonardo DiCaprio's Support Transformed Amazon Conservation Efforts After Bolsonaro's False Accusations

When Leonardo DiCaprio's name was falsely linked to Amazon fires by Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro, it unexpectedly created a positive turning point for environmentalist Caetano Scannavino, who leads a nonprofit organization deep within the rainforest.

In November 2019, Bolsonaro wrongfully alleged that DiCaprio had funded nonprofit groups supposedly involved in setting Amazon fires. This false accusation put Scannavino and his sustainable development work along the tourist-frequented Tapajos River in serious jeopardy.

The consequences were severe—four volunteer firefighters from Scannavino's organization were imprisoned for two days and faced prosecution before eventually being cleared. Police examined documents from his Saude e Alegria nonprofit for weeks. Scannavino himself received anonymous threats and discovered his car had been set ablaze.

Ironically, Bolsonaro's false claims brought Scannavino's environmental efforts to DiCaprio's attention. The Hollywood actor decided to support the Brazilian's work through Re:wild, a conservation organization he co-founded. This partnership has now continued for five years.

"After the accusations emerged, DiCaprio publicly stated he wasn't funding us but added that we deserved his support after seeing our work," Scannavino explained to The Associated Press during a phone interview. "I've never met or spoken with him personally, but he provides support and uses his social media to showcase what our partnership accomplishes."

Scannavino, 59, established Saude e Alegria (Health and Happiness) in 1987 to foster integrated and sustainable community development in Para state. The organization's headquarters is in Santarem, not far from Belem, which will host the upcoming United Nations' Conference of the Parties (COP30). Scannavino arrived in Belem on Tuesday after a two-day boat journey featuring media engagements with journalists, activists, and climate experts.

What began as a healthcare initiative has evolved into a comprehensive program working with rural communities to enhance quality of life and promote civic engagement.

One of the projects backed by DiCaprio's institute is the Forest Economy EcoCenter in Santarem, which functions as a central facility for processing, storing, and commercializing locally-made products. The center enhances the economic viability of sustainable practices throughout the region.

Launched a year ago, the hub also receives support from the governments of Brazil, Germany, and Norway through the Amazon Fund, a Brazilian initiative supporting anti-deforestation and sustainable development efforts.

Scannavino revealed that the initiative cost approximately 5 million Brazilian reais ($938,000), with the Amazon Fund covering most expenses.

"The initial days following Bolsonaro's accusation were terrible. People hurled insults at us and our families on the streets, and the firefighters had to leave. But then something unexpected happened," Scannavino recalled.

"Typically, people distance themselves when you become such a large target. In our case, the opposite occurred. Eventually, the accusations faded, the firefighters were released, and people became curious about us—including DiCaprio," he added.

In a recent Instagram post, DiCaprio emphasized that world leaders gathering in Brazil must ensure that environmental defenders receive necessary resources. He announced that Re:wild is committing additional funding to forest protection efforts.

"I urge leaders to unite and meet the moment," he stated. "Our future depends on it."

The Associated Press reached out to Re:wild requesting further information about their collaboration with Scannavino and involvement at COP30.

Scannavino, who relocated from São Paulo to the Amazon over 37 years ago, explained that DiCaprio and other supporters backed his nonprofit partly because he chose to demonstrate to Bolsonaro that he was working with local police and armed forces' support rather than attempting to gain political advantage.

The former Brazilian president was recently sentenced to 27 years in prison for a coup attempt in 2023 following his election defeat.

"Our critics specialize in hatred, and since that incident, we've chosen to remain respectful, providing evidence that we collaborate with all stakeholders and everyone important in the region. We refused to abandon our local communities without proper healthcare assistance just because of an absurd accusation," Scannavino explained.

Now recognized with numerous awards and acknowledgments, Scannavino is expected to meet with Re:wild officials and possibly DiCaprio himself at COP30.

Scannavino shared an amusing near-encounter with DiCaprio approximately 20 years ago while setting up a photo exhibition in New York. His team, not recognizing the cap-wearing actor, complained that he was obstructing their setup, prompting him to leave.

"Shortly afterward, our producer rushed to tell me that was Leonardo DiCaprio," Scannavino recounted. "I told her to chase after him and bring him back. She caught up with him on his bicycle a few blocks away. He thanked her but had to leave."

"I hope our next encounter will be very different, so we can properly thank him," he concluded.