Key Highlights
- Leonardo DiCaprio’s support through Re:wild has transformed a false accusation into an opportunity for Caetano Scannavino and his nonprofit organization Saúde e Alegria.
- The accusations against the organization in 2019, made by former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, led to hostility and legal scrutiny but also gained DiCaprio’s attention.
- DiCaprio’s support has helped expand the mission of Saúde e Alegria from healthcare to community development and sustainable practices.
- The Forest Economy EcoCenter in Santarem, funded by Re:wild along with governments of Brazil, Germany, and Norway, plays a crucial role in local goods processing and anti-deforestation efforts.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Support: Turning Accusation into Opportunity
BELEM, Brazil — The false accusation that once threatened the work of Caetano Scannavino and his nonprofit organization Saúde e Alegria in Brazil has unexpectedly turned into a positive opportunity. In November 2019, former President Jair Bolsonaro claimed that American actor Leonardo DiCaprio had financed nonprofit groups contributing to Amazon fires. This baseless assertion led to significant risks for Scannavino and his organization.
Scannavino, the coordinator of Saúde e Alegria since 1988, focused on sustainable development in Brazil’s heartland along the Tapajos River.
Four of his friends, who volunteered as forest firefighters, were imprisoned for two days and faced prosecution before being cleared. The organization was scrutinized by authorities, leading to anonymous threats and an incident where Scannavino’s car was set ablaze.
From Crisis to Collaboration
The scandal that initially posed a significant threat to Scannavino’s work attracted the attention of DiCaprio. Through his conservation nonprofit Re:wild, DiCaprio chose to support Scannavino’s initiatives. Their collaboration has flourished over five years.
Scannavino highlighted DiCaprio’s prompt response to Bolsonaro’s remarks. “He assured the public he was not funding the group but recognized the need to support their vital work,” said Scannavino in a recent interview. “I’ve never been with him or spoken to him, but he gives us support and uses his social media to show what this partnership does.”
Expanding Mission and Impact
The support from DiCaprio’s Re:wild has helped expand the mission of Saúde e Alegria. Initially established as a healthcare initiative, the organization now focuses on community development, improving quality of life, and encouraging civic engagement.
A key project supported by Re:wild is the Forest Economy EcoCenter in Santarem, designed to process, store, and market local goods. This facility, which opened last year, is backed by the governments of Brazil, Germany, and Norway through the Amazon Fund—an initiative financing anti-deforestation efforts with a budget of about 5 million Brazilian reais (approximately $938,000).
Reflections on Turbulent Times
Reflecting on the initial days following Bolsonaro’s accusations, Scannavino admitted that it was fraught with anxiety and hostility. However, he noted a surprising shift in public perception: “People were curious about us — including DiCaprio,” he said. This unexpected positive attention has helped the organization navigate criticism more civilly.
Scannavino anticipates an opportunity to meet with DiCaprio and Re:wild representatives during COP30, the upcoming UN Conference of the Parties in Belem. He reminisced about a near-encounter with the actor two decades ago in New York, expressing hope that their next meeting will be more meaningful. “I hope that the next encounter is a very different one, so we can thank him duly,” he concluded.
