The Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize a remarkable achievement in conservation and social impact: Mario Haberfeld, Founder of Onçafari, has been named a Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year 2026.

The prestigious award, presented by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in partnership with the World Economic Forum and the Motsepe Foundation, honors outstanding leaders whose innovative work is creating meaningful and sustainable change worldwide.

Mario Haberfeld founded Onçafari with a bold vision: to protect wildlife while generating economic opportunity for local communities. Inspired by conservation models in Africa, he helped pioneer the reintroduction of jaguars in Brazil and has led efforts to safeguard more than 33 endangered species. Through the integration of science, technology, ecotourism, and community engagement, Onçafari has protected over 2.6 million hectares of critical habitat, built self-sustaining conservation systems, and created livelihoods that demonstrate how biodiversity preservation and economic development can go hand in hand.

About Onçafari

Onçafari International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of jaguars and their habitats across the Americas. By combining scientific research, community engagement, and education, Onçafari promotes coexistence between wildlife and local communities. The organization works globally to raise awareness, support sustainable practices, and protect biodiversity, ensuring a future where jaguars and people thrive together.