Arvoredo Island in Guarujá Confirms Green Key Certification for 2026

Arvoredo Island, situated off the coast of Guarujá in the state of São Paulo, successfully completed its re-certification process in February 2026. This achievement allows the site to retain the prestigious Green Key international seal of quality, recognizing its alignment with the world's leading environmental practices. The official status confirmation was granted on February 11, 2026, following a comprehensive external audit that scrutinized environmental management protocols implemented during the 2025 calendar year. This accomplishment solidifies the island's standing as the only eco-tourism attraction in Latin America and the Southern Hemisphere to hold this specific global environmental honor.

The audit process confirmed a rigorous adherence to international standards, which encompass the sustainable management of natural areas, the efficient use of water and energy, and sophisticated waste management strategies. Additionally, the evaluation praised the island's dedication to social responsibility and transparent governance. Currently, Arvoredo Island belongs to an exclusive group of only 87 certified sites worldwide. The Green Key certification is overseen globally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Denmark and is represented in Brazil by the Institute of Coastal Environments (IAR).

The distinctiveness of Arvoredo Island is deeply tied to the scientific and historical groundwork laid in the 1950s by engineer and environmentalist Fernando Eduardo Lee. After receiving a concession from the Navy to use the island for research purposes, Lee converted the 36,000-square-meter rocky terrain into a self-sufficient ecosystem. Located approximately 1.6 kilometers from Pernambuco Beach, the island became the first location in Latin America to install solar panels for energy collection, a move that significantly predated modern global sustainability trends.

Management of the island's environmental programs is currently spearheaded by experts from the Fernando Eduardo Lee Foundation and the University of Ribeirão Preto (Unaerp). These efforts are part of the Sustainable World Project (Projeto Mundo Sustentável), which positions Arvoredo Island as a functional living laboratory for scientific research, environmental literacy, and educational eco-tourism. The successful audit also evaluated critical infrastructure, such as the rainwater harvesting systems used for drinking water and the specialized center for the treatment of marine animals.

These ongoing efforts highlight a commitment to excellence that has been maintained since the island first opened for public visitation in 2021. By securing its certification through 2026, Arvoredo Island continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier model for sustainable tourism in the Southern Hemisphere. The integration of historical legacy with cutting-edge ecological management ensures that the island remains a vital asset for both the local community and the international scientific world.