created in 1989, the instituto brasileiro do meio ambiente e dos recursos naturais renováveis, is known in english as the brazilian institute of the environment and renewable natural resources, but is better known internationally by its acronym ibama, and refers to the administrative organ of the brazilian ministry of the environment (ministério do meio ambiente).

ibama is the executive organ officially responsible for the execution of the national political policies of the environment, and works to preserve the cultural heritage and environmental integrity of the country, as well as regulating the appropriate care and use of the flora, fauna, water, and other natural resources in the country.

among the many tasks, the institution helps in coordinating and creating new programs for volunteers across brazil, in close cooperation with many other institutions and environmental organizations.