A Rocha


A Rocha is an international network of environmental organisations with a Christian ethos. A Rocha, which means "the rock" in Portuguese, was founded in Portugal in 1983.

Organisation

The organisation network is constituted by A Rocha International, as a supporting body, and other organisations, which can be National Organizations or Associated Projects. Each organisation is independent.
As of 2016, A Rocha is working in several countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Ghana, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Netherlands, New Zealand/Aotearoa, Nigeria, Peru, Portugal, South Africa, Switzerland, Uganda, United Kingdom, and United States. There are ongoing conversations with other potential groups around the world, particularly in East and Southeast Asia.
A Rocha's modus operandi is based on five guiding principles: Christian, Conservation, Community, Cooperation, and Cross-Cultural.

Work

A Rocha aims to protect the environment through local, community-based conservation, scientific research, and environmental education, and they have “a track record of successes”.
at the Cruzinha field studies centre, Portugal
A Rocha operates field study centres in Canada, France, India, Kenya, Portugal and also in the Czech Republic. These serve primarily as a base for A Rocha's and other organisations’ field studies and for environmental education, and most also offer accommodation for visitors.
Areas of A Rocha's work include:
A Rocha also serves as an Erasmus+ / European Voluntary Service agency in France, the Netherlands and Portugal.