Category: Agroforestry

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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/

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/

Monday June 30th, 2025
Visiting the Eco Lodge: ecological tourism at Eco Caminhos

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If you are looking for a getaway that offers direct contact with nature and ecological practices, without sacrificing comfort and beauty, the eco lodge may be the ideal option. This space is not just a tranquil refuge built with natural materials but also an opportunity to explore the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro and the agroforestry project of the farm where it is located. Let’s explore what makes the Eco Lodge so special and why this could be your next adventure!

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What is the Eco Lodge?

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The concept of Eco Lodge goes beyond a simple lodging. It is a space built with the purpose of integrating tourism with responsibility. From its conception, everything has been designed to provide a comfortable experience for users through low environmental impact strategies and much contact with nature.

When you stay at the Eco Lodge, you will have the opportunity to experience an agroforestry farm in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, where the focus is on soil recovery through the pillars of permaculture. In addition to being a place for rest, it is also a space for learning and reconnection.

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Location and Landscape

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Located on Eco Caminhos farm in the Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, the environment offers a unique opportunity for guests to disconnect from the frantic pace of urban life and reconnect with rural life integrated with nature. The Eco Lodge is surrounded by many mountains, trails, and is close to rivers and waterfalls. In the midst of the Atlantic Forest, in a region rich in biodiversity, known for its many trails, peaks for hiking, and culinary references, as well as the cultivation of vegetables, strawberries, and flowers.

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Unique Experience

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Construction with Natural Materials

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The Eco Lodge, like the other constructions on the farm, is built using local materials and natural building techniques, such as cob (a mixture of earth, sand, water, and straw), green roofs, recycled wood, bamboo strips, and natural stones. The chosen materials ensure thermal comfort during the day and night and allow for significant natural light capture, reducing energy and artificial cooling needs. Additionally, the design has been carefully planned to integrate with the natural environment and bring it inside.

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Energy and Waste Management

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The house’s energy and water heating are sourced from renewable sources, such as solar panels; the green roof and cob walls ensure thermal comfort without the need for artificial climate control. We have waste management that includes recycling and composting, and the treatment system for wastewater, both black and gray, is done through an evapotranspiration basin with banana plants.

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Organic Foods

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Additionally, upon request, we promote access to ingredients grown on our own farm and in the region, ensuring fresh and nutritious meals that respect the natural cycle of the land.

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Connection with Nature

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We offer suggestions to our guests for various outdoor activities in the surroundings. Among the options are trails through the most well-known mountains and visits to nearby waterfalls.

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Environmental Education

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In addition to enjoying the landscape, guests have the chance to learn more about permaculture. We can offer workshops and classes on topics such as natural building and agroforestry, where visitors can learn ecological practices that can be incorporated into their daily lives.

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Community Participation

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Another differential is the opportunity to participate in projects that involve the local community, learning more about the traditions, culture, and gastronomy of the region.

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Guest Testimonials

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“The stay was great. The place is even more beautiful than the presentation photos. The house is very well equipped, and it was possible to cook for eight people with the provided utensils. The temperature inside the house is always very pleasant, both on sunny days and colder nights. The beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms were very clean. Maria Ines welcomed us very well and was always willing to help us. We recommend the accommodation.” – Kamilla

“Awesome place, very well-equipped house, with very spacious areas, excellent furniture, and an incredible view of the valley and mountains. Upon arriving at the location, we were warmly received by Mrs. María Inês, who provided us with all the details and operation of the house. Speaking more about the house, it is an attraction in itself, a sustainable, comfortable construction, different, and located within a farm. It is definitely worth staying in this house and at this location. There are many attractions in the region, the farm itself offers some, and in the surroundings, you can find waterfalls, trails, and the city of Nova Friburgo. A place to return to.” – Luis

“What an amazing moment we had! The house is so beautifully decorated, the view is breathtaking, and it will be just you and nature around. For us city folks, it was everything we needed. Birds visiting us on the porch, the distant sound of cows in the meadow, the calming sound of nature. And at night, not even that: total silence without noise! What a remarkable experience in itself! Oh, and don’t forget to buy some fresh vegetables from the host: carrots, lettuce, corn – homemade goodness! Fresh milk that tastes like what I think milk tasted like 50 years ago, from happy cows grazing on fresh green grass. The lovely host María Ines was also very helpful and made us feel very welcome. Thank you!” – Johannes

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Why Visit the Eco Lodge?

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Visiting the Eco Lodge is much more than just a stay; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a sustainable lifestyle, learn from nature, and support responsible tourism initiatives, contributing to the continuation of an agroforestry project. If you’re looking for a purposeful trip and want to be part of a positive change in the world, consider making your next adventure at EcoCaminhos!

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Ready to Explore?

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If you’re interested in experiencing this unique experience, contact us to book your stay. Come with us to relax in a welcoming environment and leave with new learnings and a new way of seeing the relationship with nature.

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Monday September 30th, 2024
ECOLIBRIUM: Bioconstructing the Future

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The Ecolibrium Space

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The Ecolibrium Association is a non-profit organization that aims to promote a resilient ecosystem, establishing conscious relationships between agriculture, community, and nature, using permaculture as a tool and values of respect, equality, and collaboration.

With this, we bring to life this space also called Ecolibrium, which will expand the work already developed by Eco Caminhos, sharing our knowledge of agroforestry and natural building with even more people. Through a broader and more inclusive educational program, we will empower our audience with theoretical knowledge in this space and continue to put skills into practice on our farm. Additionally, we will also seek financial autonomy through ecotourism, organizing courses and events, and selling the products we cultivate.

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The Architectural Project

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The architectural project, developed by Mexican architect Pedro Pizarro Villalobos, was designed to host volunteers, students, and tourists, and to connect institutions, farmers, and local builders.

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The building is a large circle and will include collective accommodations, among them dormitories and suites, kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms, as well as a workshop and a multifunctional area for activities, administrative office, and a restaurant with a view of the valley open to the general public, all connected by a large central courtyard.

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Construction Phases and Strategies

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The project is divided into three phases, and we are currently in the first. It is in this phase that most of the collective use accommodations are taking shape, such as the kitchen, laundry, two bathrooms, five rooms, and two of the eight suites.

The main technique used here, as in all our constructions, is cob, also known as adobe, in this case, in solid walls over 40 cm thick, ensuring thermal and acoustic comfort and fulfilling its structural function to support the green roof. As the base of this wall, we use stones, one part below the ground for the foundation, along with a thick layer of gravel and piping for drainage in this area, and another part above, serving to protect the walls from ground moisture and rain since the eaves are not very extensive.

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Taking advantage of the steep slope of the land, the second phase will be a floor below phases one and three, which we consider the ground floor. For this, a retaining wall will need to be built, along with a structure with pillars that will support the third phase. In this case, the walls will be only partitions, which can be thinner and consequently require less material, speeding up the process. Thus, we opted for the so-called wattle and daub technique, using a lattice of wood and bamboo, later covered with cob.

In the second stage, the executive and educational sector predominates, where the administrative office, workshop, and multifunctional space will be located.

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The third phase will be built on top of the second phase, completing the ground floor circle and creating a large internal courtyard. At the front of the building, a wooden deck extends towards the valley. This phase will include the entire structure of the restaurant, which is still under development, and the other suites.

In this case, the chosen technique was also rammed earth, due to its lighter weight, which demands less from the underlying structure. For the coverage of the entire set, a green roof was planned, as it not only uses natural raw materials, prevents heat transfer to the surroundings, keeps the internal temperature pleasant, but also looks aesthetically amazing and maintains the characteristic of the buildings on the farm.

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First Phase – Construction Stages

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Executed Stages:

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1.FOUNDATION: consisting of a high layer of gravel approximately 1 meter thick, with a drainage system and covered by large stones bonded with concrete;

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2. WALLS – BASE: a stone wall approximately 40cm wide and 60cm high, elevating the earth wall from the ground and where wooden posts were fixed to support the walls; in this stage, we also left the hydraulic connections;

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3. WALLS – COB: we obtained cob through a mixture of earth, sand, grass, and water, and it is essentially the core of the construction. We lay layers of 40cm width and structure the walls. For each layer of approximately 30cm height, we place bamboo slats across the posts to ensure more resistance to possible movements. At this stage, we also install conduits for electrical wiring;

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4. LINTELS – for the door and window openings, we used planks from railway sleepers, which are repurposed and very durable. These will later be used to install the frames and also act as lintels. After installing them, we continue to raise the walls;

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Stage in progress:

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5. WOODEN “RING”: when we reach a wall height of 2.50 meters, we place wooden beams over them, fitting them in and creating a kind of belt around the structure. After this, we continue with cob in a diagonal to create the roof slope;

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Next Stages:

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6. BEAMS AND PURLINS: we will place wooden beams perpendicularly to the walls to support the roof, and over them, the purlins;

7. CEILING COVERING: the purlins will receive wooden boards that make up the ceiling and will later receive the green roof;

8. GREEN ROOF: consists of a waterproofing system, a drainage system, and a substrate where plant species will be planted. We decided to cover this part of the work before finishing the veranda side because we are entering the rainy season, and with the covering, we can continue working internally;

9. VERANDA: we will execute the foundation for the columns, which will be pieces of railway sleepers measuring 16x24cm and will have the same roofing structure as the building;

10. SUBFLOOR AND FLOOR: the ground will receive a layer of expanded clay for thermal insulation, a concrete layer, and a stone floor covering, which will be easy to maintain and resistant to the high traffic the location will receive;

11. FINISHES: at this stage, the walls will be covered with plaster and stucco, using a mixture of clay, sand, ground straw, and lime for internal use, and a mixture of clay, sand, fresh manure, and linseed oil for external use. Electrical, hydraulic installations, and frames will also be completed.

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The stages were defined in this sequence due to the rainy season, which usually begins at the end of September. Therefore, we are speeding up to cover what has been done so far, postponing the veranda construction and thus enabling the completion of the final finishes under the covering.

We started the work in February 2024, thanks to donations from partners and to our collaborators, apprentices, and temporary volunteers, who literally got their hands dirty, guided and supervised by builder Jorge Dutra and director Bart Bijen. We are now focusing our efforts on completing this first phase and raising funds for the next phases.

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Collaborators:

[/vc_column_text][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][vc_column_text css=””]Architectural Project: Pedro Pizarro Villalobos
Construction Manager: Arthur Antony
Construction Master: Jorge Dutra
Construction Team: Rhana Parajara, Wallace Ferreira and Pedro Lindemann
Project Detailing and Construction Team: Alieska Zancanaro[/vc_column_text][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][vc_column_text css=””]

Investor Partners:

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Monday September 9th, 2024
Evapotranspiration Basin – What is it?
What is an evapotranspiration basin? It is a wastewater treatment system that uses plants and soil to remove impurities and purify water. Also known as constructed wetland or floating root zone, however, it mimics the natural water filtration and purification processes that occur in swamps and wetlands.

Evapotranspiration is the sum of the processes of evaporation and transpiration.

How does Evapotranspiration occur in the basin?

It occurs when water is transferred to the atmosphere from surface water movements, processes known as evaporation and transpiration. Evapotranspiration depends on these two distinct processes, as they occur simultaneously on the Earth’s surface.

In general, it can be measured in millimeters per day (mm/day) with vegetated water tanks. One millimeter means transferring one liter of water available from the soil into the atmosphere for each square meter of the surface.

In short, evapotranspiration depends on several factors, such as soil management, use and humidity, climatic conditions, due to the incidence of solar radiation and temperature, and characteristics of the vegetation in question. It can be divided into actual, potential, reference evapotranspiration and crop evapotranspiration.

Processes that make up an evapotranspiration basin

Evaporation and Transpiration

Evaporation is a physical process of phase change, which occurs from the liquid state to the gaseous state of water.

It occurs in oceans, lakes, rivers, soils and vegetation. It is worth mentioning that evaporation is an endothermic transformation. This means that it absorbs heat during its occurrence.

Transpiration is a biophysical process in which a plant expels excess water through its leaves. The process of transferring the water used in the plant’s metabolism to the atmosphere occurs through the stomata and the cuticle.

Stomata are located in the epidermis of the leaves, generally in their lower part. These structures have the ability to open and close, allowing the exchange of gases with the environment and the escape of steam.

On the other hand, the cuticle that covers the leaves can be considered waterproof. Thus, there is only a small loss of water into the atmosphere.

Evapotranspiration in arid environments

In arid environments it can be a challenging process due to the lack of humidity and the scarcity of available water. However, even in arid environments, evapotranspiration still occurs, albeit at lower rates than in wetter areas.

Evapotranspiration is the combination of evaporation of water from the soil and transpiration from plants. In arid environments, evaporation is more significant than transpiration, due to the lack of vegetation and low soil moisture.

Evaporation occurs when water in the ground turns to vapor due to solar energy and heat. In arid environments, lack of soil moisture and high temperature can result in faster evaporation.

In arid environments, plant transpiration also occurs, although on a smaller scale due to the lack of vegetation. Plants in arid environments often have special adaptations to conserve water, to reduce water loss through transpiration.

Understanding these processes in arid environments is fundamental to the sustainable management of water resources in these areas.

What are the types of evapotranspiration?

Actual or current (ET): The amount of water that is brought into the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration, considering actual conditions, including the amount of water available in the soil and the atmospheric factors in effect.

Potential (ETp): Measure of the amount of water that is released into the atmosphere through the combined processes of evaporation and transpiration in a wide region covered by vegetation.

Reference (ETo): is a measure of the amount of water delivered to the atmosphere when there is high availability of water in the soil.

Oasis (ETO): is the process of evaporation and transpiration that occurs in a region of irrigated vegetation, delimited by a vast area of aridity.

Of the crop (ETc): refers to the evapotranspiration of a crop under ideal development conditions, without water restrictions.

What is the role of Evapotranspiration in Permaculture?

In permaculture, the role of evapotranspiration is crucial to the functioning of the system. Through the combined process of evaporation of water from the soil and transpiration of plants.

In permaculture, evapotranspiration plays several important roles:
- Water cycle:
  
  When water evaporates from the surface of the soil and plants, forming clouds and eventually returning to the earth as rain, this helps maintain the water balance of the permaculture system.
- Temperature regulation:
  
  When water evaporates from plants and soil, it removes heat from the environment, cooling it. This is especially important in hot climates, where evapotranspiration can help reduce temperatures and create a more comfortable environment for plants and living things.
- Air humidity:
  
  Increased by releasing water vapor into the atmosphere. This is beneficial for plants as it helps prevent drying out and dehydration. Furthermore, air humidity can attract pollinators and benefit biodiversity in the permaculture system.
- Nutrients and water cycling:
  
  It also facilitates nutrient cycling in the permaculture system. As water evaporates, nutrients dissolved in the water are transported to plants, where they are used for growth and development. When plants transpire, these nutrients are returned to the soil, enriching it and promoting fertility.
In summary…

Evapotranspiration plays a transformative role in permaculture, for the water cycle, regulating temperature, increasing air humidity and facilitating nutrient cycling. Understanding and harnessing this process is fundamental to the success of a sustainable permaculture system.

Research Source: https://www.saude.pr.gov.br/sites/default/arquivos_restritos/files/documento/2020-04/baciadeevotranspiracaobet.pdf
Wednesday December 13th, 2023
Canadian students build a park in Nova Friburgo school.

Coming from Canada direct to the neighborhood of Cordoeira – participate in an action in local school, build park and participate in bioconstruction and agroforestry project in partnership with ‘Eco Caminhos’.

In partnership with the social program OFFGRID we are pleased to welcome a group of students from sainteanne school in Canada to help us build a playground in a school in Nova Friburgo – Padre Rafael Municipal School, in the Cordoeira neighborhood.

They came to help us with a lot of love, passion, enthusiasm and happiness spreading throughout our community and also giving us a hand in the mass in our permaculture project at Eco Caminhos.

They are from many parts of the globe we have Hungarians, Russians, Spanish, Indians, Chinese, Italians, English and French all together on a mission that began on Monday, 6, where they will remain until March 22.

This is a great opportunity for them to learn a new language like Portuguese and also about different cultures and customs.

Bart points out that the experience is rich for both students coming from other countries and young Brazilians:

“Here they have the opportunity to know a foreign language and understand that young people on the other side of the world are equal, are only from another culture, with different race and language, but have many similar things and make us believe that the world is much smaller than we imagine”.

The financial resources for the construction of the School Park were part of a donation from the students and they are acting as volunteers. It’s a wonderful gesture!

The OFFGRID project is a bilingual project that follows the vision of development of children and young people through humanized sustainable habits and skills.

João Guilherme Wermelinger, dentist who participates in the ‘Off Grid’ project at Padre Rafael school said he is full of expectations:

“I’m sure it will be days of discovery, hope, diversity and inclusions, served by altruism and also empathy”.

The seven young students from different corners of the world are accompanied by a teacher and will also produce a documentary on sustainable tourism, which is part of the completion of their school program.

In addition to the interventions and benefits of the school in Cordoeira, students will have agroforestry experiences, will learn about Bioconstruction, as well as leisure activities such as trails, and walks in waterfalls of the city.

Opportunities like this are extremely important both for young foreigners who come to make an exchange in Brazilian lands and for the young people here, who start to see more possibilities for a better future, the importance of taking care of our environment using sustainable practices for the greater good of the community and the planet in which we live. It is a fact that this immersion will provide a new worldview to these young people and we believe that we are following the right path in search of a better future.

Tuesday March 14th, 2023