Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity, equity and inclusion are part of our culture
At Biosfera Copastur, diversity and inclusion are part of our culture and our everyday practices. We strengthen this agenda through awareness, listening, representation and equity initiatives, with the participation of our employees.
We have a Diversity and Inclusion Team and a Committee that run ongoing initiatives throughout the year.
What are diversity, equity and inclusion?
Diversity
Recognizing and valuing multiple identities, cultures and life paths. In the workplace, this means creating spaces where different ways of being and expressing oneself are respected and welcomed.
Equity
Recognizing historical and structural inequalities and acting to promote social justice, taking into account different contexts and needs in access to opportunities, resources and participation.
Inclusion
Ensuring the conditions for diversity to be present and for everyone to have opportunities for full participation, belonging and accessibility, taking individual differences and needs into account.
Corporate diversity in practice: what Biosfera Copastur does
Inclusive culture
We promote respect, dialogue, education and awareness around diversity, equity and inclusion, and we work against prejudice and discrimination.
Equity in our processes
We build diversity and inclusion principles into our hiring processes, policies and practices, expanding opportunities and reducing barriers.
Voice and participation
We create spaces where people with different lived experiences can take part in the conversations and help shape our D&I initiatives.
Partnerships with purpose
We form alliances with social organizations that expand our impact on DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).
About our Diversity and Inclusion Team
Since 2018, we have strengthened our commitment to corporate diversity through educational and institutional initiatives. This work has grown over the years and, in 2021, gained even more structure with the creation of the Diversity and Inclusion Team and Committee, reinforcing an inclusive organizational culture and engaging employees in D&I topics.
The work of Biosfera Copastur’s Diversity and Inclusion Team is people-centered, with initiatives such as:
- Training for teams and leaders
- Recruiting and hiring with a focus on targeted openings for underrepresented groups
- Development journeys that promote equity
- Inclusive and representative communication
- Promoting our values and culture at internal and external events
Our journey over the years
- Research and creation of the educational project
- Start of educational initiatives
- 1st D&I Week
- Creation of Copastur’s Diversity & Inclusion Calendar
- Launch of the Saída de Emergência podcast, covering D&I topics
- 1st internal Diversity Census
- Founding of the Women’s Voices affinity group
- Creation of the D&I Committee and Team
- 1st Black Consciousness Walk
- Launch of the mini-documentary Afroturismo: Tempo de Liberdade (Afro-Tourism: Time of Freedom)
- Founding of the LGBTI+ Voices affinity group
- 1st in-person Black Voices meeting
- Guia Negro Award
- Launch of the “Prazer, Eu!” benefit
- Became a member of the Brazilian LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
- Founding of the Ancestral Voices affinity group
- Diversity in Practice Award for “Prazer, Eu!”
- Lidere-se (Lead Yourself) program
- Young Leaders program, cohort for underrepresented groups
- Creation of the Diversity and Inclusion Guide
- Launch of the ESG Calendar
- Founding of the Voices of People with Disabilities and Neurodivergent People affinity group
Biosfera Copastur Diversity Census
We run the Diversity Census every year to get to know our employees better and to guide our inclusion and equity policies.
Participation is anonymous and voluntary, and the data we collect helps us track indicators and perceptions related to diversity and belonging.
The SDGs in practice: corporate diversity
At Biosfera Copastur, our corporate diversity agenda is aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Our commitment to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) is reflected in actions that promote inclusion, equality and opportunity in the workplace. Here are the SDGs most directly connected to our initiatives:
Gender Equality
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Promote equal opportunities for everyone, with a focus on women in leadership. At Biosfera Copastur, we encourage cis and trans women to take the lead, supporting women’s personal and professional development inside and outside the company.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Foster inclusive, safe and fair environments for all employees. Through the Inclusive Leadership Program, we develop leaders and raise their awareness so they can build diverse, empathetic teams with a sense of social responsibility.
Reduced Inequalities
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Develop affirmative initiatives and internal policies for historically marginalized groups. At Biosfera Copastur, initiatives such as the Prazer, Eu! benefit help reduce the barriers these groups face, with legal support and full coverage of the cost of changing name and/or gender on the documents of trans, travesti and non-binary people.
Different dimensions of diversity
Diversity has many dimensions, which can relate to and intersect with one another. At Biosfera Copastur, our work covers:
Race and ethnicity
We promote racial equity through targeted initiatives, listening, and recognition of the lived experiences of Black and Indigenous people and people of different ethnic and racial identities.
Gender
We work for gender equity and to strengthen the participation and leadership of cis and trans women across the organization.
LGBTQIA+
We promote respect for sexual, romantic and gender diversity, with awareness actions, listening spaces, and inclusion and representation initiatives.
People with disabilities
We work to fight ableism, remove barriers and expand accessibility, participation and leadership for people with disabilities.
Neurodiversity
We recognize different ways the brain works and seek more accessible, inclusive environments for neurodivergent people.
Generations
We value exchange between generations and fight ageism and age-related stereotypes.
Body diversity
We recognize the diversity of bodies and work to counter prejudice, stigma and behaviors related to weight and appearance.
Intersectionality
We understand that different dimensions of identity, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability and age, can intersect and shape distinct experiences.
Committee and affinity groups
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee and the Affinity Groups strengthen the participation of employees from different areas of Biosfera Copastur in building D&I actions, discussions and initiatives.
Women’s Voices
A space for mutual support, leadership and development for cis and trans women, strengthening representation and opportunities.
LGBTI+ Voices
A space for listening, organizing and leadership for LGBTQIA+ people, with initiatives focused on visibility, equity and respect.
Ancestral Voices
A group of Black and Indigenous people and allies, dedicated to honoring ancestry, active listening and unlearning.
Voices of People with Disabilities and Neurodivergent People
A space for listening, exchange and leadership for people with disabilities and/or neurodivergent people and allies, to expand participation and raise awareness.
Key partnerships and recognition in corporate diversity
Our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and recognition
We run ongoing awareness, participation and inclusion initiatives across different dimensions of diversity. Explore some of the initiatives that are part of this agenda. Learn more!
Diversity and Inclusion Guide
Our Diversity and Inclusion Guide brings together concepts, practical guidance and references to support a more inclusive culture and build knowledge about diversity, equity and inclusion.
The guide covers topics such as diversity, equity, inclusion, prejudice, discrimination, bias and privilege, as well as different dimensions of diversity, such as race and ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, people with disabilities and/or neurodivergent people, and body and generational diversity.
It also offers guidance on accessibility, inclusive communication and language, plus practical recommendations for everyday situations and for serving trans people respectfully.
ESG and Diversity Calendar
Our ESG and Diversity Calendar brings together the main dates, themes and topics related to diversity, inclusion and ESG, supporting awareness initiatives and offering references to follow and work on these subjects throughout the year.
The “Prazer, Eu!” Benefit
Respect for gender identity and the right to one’s name also translates into policies and benefits.
Since 2023, Prazer, Eu! has provided legal support and fully covers the cost of changing name and/or gender on the main documents of trans, travesti and non-binary employees.
Beyond the benefit, names and pronouns are respected in emails, ID badges and other internal communications.
Julho das Pretas (Black Women’s July): Diversity in Practice
During Julho das Pretas (Black Women’s July), a national movement dedicated to Black women, we ran a full program designed by the Ancestral Voices affinity group.
The program included activities such as AFROPAC, with a conversation circle on racial literacy and a performance by the group AYO; a rhythm class in partnership with Sesc Santana; sessions on self-care and ancestral knowledge; reading encouragement with an Afrocentric collection; and workshops on women’s narratives.
The initiative was also shared at the Group Mentoring session of the Diversidade S.A. community, run by Blend Edu, which brings companies together to exchange Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices. The case “Julho das Pretas | Self-esteem and well-being of Black women”, first held in 2024, was selected for presentation at the meeting.
National Deaf Day: debunking myths about deafness
On National Deaf Day (Brazil’s Day of Deaf People), we ran an awareness campaign about deafness and hearing loss, covering the different experiences of deaf people who use sign language and those who communicate orally, and reinforcing the importance of inclusion and communication accessibility. The video is accessible in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language), and Copastur even got its own sign!
Black Consciousness at Biosfera Copastur
An awareness initiative held during Black Consciousness Month, with the participation of our employees and a focus on representation, Black identity and important reflections.
Celebrating Women’s Voices
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we brought together employees from the Women’s Voices affinity group to celebrate their journey and the spaces for dialogue built over the years.
Founded in 2021, the group hosts meetings and activities for cis and trans women on topics such as equity, health and leadership, strengthening the exchange of experiences and women’s leadership and participation in the company.
Partnership with the Brazilian LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
Our membership in the Brazilian LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is part of Biosfera Copastur’s partnership agenda on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
In an episode of the Jornadas que Transformam (Journeys That Transform) series, we present this partnership and how it helps build a more diverse and inclusive market.
Inclusion Initiative: Galera do Click and Copastur
In partnership with Galera do Click, an organization that supports the development of young people with Down syndrome and autistic young people through photography, we ran an inclusion initiative in March, the month of World Down Syndrome Day.