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VOLUNTEER IN BRAZIL AT A PERMACULTURE FARM

Category: Agroflorestry

  • Regenerative Connections: Eco Caminhos’ Visit to the Araçá Project — Conservation, Permaculture, and Reforestation in Brazil

    Regenerative Connections: Eco Caminhos’ Visit to the Araçá Project — Conservation, Permaculture, and Reforestation in Brazil

    On the morning of June 19, 2025, a diverse and enthusiastic group departed from Eco Caminhos, a sustainability farm known for its permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building practices, heading to RPPN Alto da Figueira, in Nova Friburgo (RJ). Excitement was high: farm workers, international volunteers, members of the Ecolibrium Association, and 12 students from Saint Mary’s University and Texas A&M were on their way to experience the conservation work of the Araçá Project—an initiative focused on scientific research and Atlantic Forest reforestation in Brazil.

    Understanding the Araçá Project and Its Role in Atlantic Forest Reforestation

    The Araçá Project is a visionary initiative by Alexandre and Anna Antonelli, co-founders of the Antonelli Foundations for Biodiversity Research and Conservation. Based in the RPPN Alto da Figueira, a 120-hectare Private Natural Heritage Reserve, the project is located in one of Brazil’s most biodiverse regions.

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    Thomas Berg and Karine Bresolin introduced the project’s mission, emphasizing a broader objective: building a network of science, education, reforestation, and community engagement to regenerate the Atlantic Forest and balance the relationship between humans and nature. Plans include expanding protected areas and supporting local communities through sustainable land use.

    Trail, Science, and Wonder in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

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    The walk through the forest trail was transformative. Surrounded by lush vegetation and birdsong, we arrived at a majestic centuries-old fig tree, a key site for ecological studies.

    “Even from the ground, you can tell how many species it hosts,” said Thomas. The tree stood as a symbol of interconnected biodiversity, with epiphytes, insects, lichens, and birds coexisting in harmony.

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    Next, we visited a camera trap used to monitor wildlife. Thomas shared stories of local fauna and the importance of such tools in biodiversity research. He also addressed the negative impacts of domestic animals on conservation areas, highlighting real challenges faced with neighboring lands.

    camera trap

    Later, we saw a forest area where LIDAR technology had been used for 3D mapping. This site enables long-term studies of natural regeneration, offering a vivid view of how the forest heals itself.

    Science and Sustainability in Progress: A Hub for Permaculture and Conservation Research

    Our final stop was the future Araçá Research Center, a modern facility under construction. Once completed, it will host global scientists studying biodiversity, conservation, permaculture, and climate change, especially in the Atlantic Forest context.

    More than a laboratory, this center will be a convergence point for diverse perspectives—scientific and traditional—committed to ecological restoration.

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    A Threatened But Living Heritage — and an Opportunity for Volunteers in South America

    The Atlantic Forest is one of the world’s richest biomes in biodiversity. Yet, more than 92% of its original area has been lost over two centuries due to agriculture, urbanization, and logging. Despite this, what remains is home to many endemic and endangered species.

    Projects like Araçá provide hope. Protecting and restoring the forest benefits climate stability, biodiversity, and local communities. It’s also a compelling opportunity for those seeking meaningful volunteering experiences in South America.

    A Day That Inspires Permaculture Practitioners and Eco Volunteers

    For us at Eco Caminhos, the visit was more than an educational outing. It was a call to action. We returned inspired and more aware of our role in collective conservation.

    Our daily work at Eco Caminhos integrates agroforestry, permaculture, bioconstruction, and volunteer engagement in Brazil. Visiting a like-minded project grounded in scientific integrity reaffirmed our mission.

    Want to learn more about agroforestry? Visit our page on the website: https://zieplay.com/agroforestry-syntropic-agriculture/

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    United Paths for Reforestation and Agroforestry

    We sincerely thank Thomas Berg, Karine Bresolin, the Araçá Project team, and the Antonelli Foundations. Special thanks to the students from the USA—your presence enriched this journey.

    We at Eco Caminhos are committed to contributing however possible so that together we can protect, restore, and celebrate the Atlantic Forest.

    Be a part of it too! Come and become a volunteer at Eco Caminhos.
    https://zieplay.com/volunteer-in-brazil/

    Learn more about the Araçá Project at https://www.projeto-araca.org/

  • A New Path to Lasting Impact: Strengthening Small Regenerative Organizations

    A New Path to Lasting Impact: Strengthening Small Regenerative Organizations

    Why a New Path Is Urgently Needed

    In today’s increasingly self-centered and fragmented world, regenerative organizations offer a powerful response to the climate crisis, rural youth exodus, and growing social inequality. Despite macroeconomic improvements, many young adults in urban areas still face high unemployment and informal jobs, with few real opportunities for personal and professional growth.

    A urbanização do Brasil e a relação com a densidade demográfica

     

    According to the Conexão Escola portal, Brazil’s urbanization process is closely tied to population density and has led to a significant rural exodus. From 2010 to 2022, Brazil’s rural population declined from 15.6% to 12.6%, while the urban population rose from 84.4% to 87.4%. This trend illustrates not only a territorial shift, but also the forced displacement of rural communities due to lack of opportunities, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen regenerative organizations in rural areas.

     

    This is where Eco Caminhos and the Ecolibrium Association step in. Based in Nova Friburgo, Brazil, they are pioneering a model that harmoniously integrates ecological, social, and commercial dimensions—proving that it is possible to regenerate the land while also empowering people and building financially sustainable systems.

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  • Coffee Cultivation for Forest Restoration

    Coffee Cultivation for Forest Restoration

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    At Eco Caminhos, our coffee will offer more than a morning pick me up; but serve as a testament to agroforestry, an agricultural technique which combines reforestation with crop production. Guided by the principles of syntropic agriculture developed by Ernst Götsch, we are cultivating shade-grown specialty coffee that thrives in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem. Nestled in Brazil’s Mata Atlântica mountains, we aim to support local family farmers and exemplify how sustainable agriculture can drive economic growth while preserving nature.

    Specialty Coffee: Why the Demand—and Price—Are on the Rise

    Specialty coffee, known for its superior quality and unique flavor profiles, has gained global popularity in recent years. Market trends indicate that the price of specialty coffee is likely to increase, driven by both growing demand and the impacts of climate change on conventional methods of coffee production. Factors like limited availability of suitable growing conditions and rising production costs are putting pressure on prices. At Eco Caminhos, our agroforestry system mitigates these challenges by providing a resilient environment where our coffee can flourish under the canopy of native trees.¹ 

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    The Advantages of Our Agroforestry System for Coffee Cultivation

    Our approach to coffee cultivation is designed to restore the local ecosystem while minimizing resource use. We use 250 species of native trees from the Mata Atlântica, which play a vital role in restoring the region’s flora and fauna. Fertilization is required only once, and irrigation is needed only for the first three years after planting. Beyond that, irrigation stops as the deep-rooted trees naturally enhance water retention, creating a self-sustaining system. Fertilization is maintained through pruning, enriching the soil with organic matter. This method eliminates the need for agrotoxins and avoids annual plowing, as the permanent agroforestry system preserves soil structure and biodiversity. While the initial investment is higher, this approach becomes more workable and cost-effective over time, making it ideal for regions facing water scarcity and soil degradation. Additionally, it contributes to the regeneration of native ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and improving resilience to climate variability.[/swmsc_text_block][/swmsc_simple_section][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”25318″ img_size=”large” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_simple_section id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]

    Supporting Local Farmers Through Sustainable Agroforestry

    With future plans to expand our model, we aim to support local family farmers in adopting the model of agroforestry that we developed. These small farms are essential to Brazil’s agricultural landscape, and by integrating them into our model, we can help them transition to sustainable practices that counteract the heavy pollution affecting the region. 

    Not only does this movement have potential to transform agriculture in the region, but also plays a role in reforestation of the Atlantic Forest, where we are located, which suffered extensive environmental degradation from industrial agriculture and pollution.Our agroforestry practices serve as a buffer zone between natural reserves and agricultural landscapes. By increasing agroforestry systems, we create a protective layer that distances harmful agricultural practices from the natural reserves of the Mata Atlântica, helping to preserve biodiversity and prevent ecosystem degradation.

    In addition to environmental benefits, our program fosters a profound transformation for farmers who adopt agroforestry practices. These farmers reconnect with their land and nature, gaining independence from major fertilizer and agrochemical suppliers. By producing their own coffee brands and selling directly to end consumers, they reclaim power as producers and escape the constraints of traditional supply chains. This empowerment not only fosters economic resilience but also strengthens the bond between farmers, their land, and their communities.

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    Specialty Coffee in Agroforestry: A Resilient, High-Quality Product

    Shade-grown specialty coffee is known for its distinct taste, which develops under the protective canopy of trees. Our coffee plants benefit from this natural shade, which reduces temperature fluctuations and prolongs the maturation process, enhancing the beans’ complex flavors. Furthermore, our agroforestry system reduces the need for chemical inputs, as the diverse vegetation naturally manages pests and diseases, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable coffee product.[/swmsc_text_block][/swmsc_simple_section][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][vc_single_image image=”23783″ img_size=”large” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1731520578623{margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_simple_section id=”” class=”” style=””][vc_single_image image=”23115″ img_size=”large” css=””][/swmsc_simple_section][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]

    Learning and Community Engagement Over a Cup of Coffee

    The Ecolibrium Space, our educational center which is currently under construction, will feature a farm to table restaurant where you can order up a cup of our brew, but that’s not all; at the Ecolibrium Space we will be offering workshops and hands-on experiences in agroforestry, permaculture, and natural building. We aim to share knowledge with a diverse audience and empower them to implement sustainable practices in their own communities. Our programs are designed to foster a deep connection with nature while promoting regional sustainability, giving participants the skills to create positive environmental impacts wherever they go.

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    The Future of Specialty Coffee and Agroforestry at Eco Caminhos

    With increasing demand and prices for specialty coffee on the horizon, our agroforestry system offers a sustainable and economically viable solution. By providing support to local farmers in adopting our business model, we are not only enhancing their economic resilience but also contributing to the restoration of the Atlantic Forest. As we continue to expand, we invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re here for a cup of coffee, interested in our volunteer program, or exploring our tourism offerings, you’ll find opportunities for both theoretical and hands-on learning experiences. Our programs include exciting outdoor activities that immerse you in the beautiful mountains. To learn more about how you can get involved or visit, please explore our website.

    Join us at Eco Caminhos and be part of a growing movement toward sustainable agriculture that supports local economies and preserves the environment.[/swmsc_text_block][/swmsc_simple_section][vc_single_image image=”26679″ img_size=”1000X500″ alignment=”center” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][swmsc_simple_section id=”” class=”” style=””][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]

    Sources

    Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Environmental Science. “Sustainable Coffee Production.” Link.[/swmsc_text_block][/swmsc_simple_section][/vc_column][/vc_row]