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VOLUNTEER IN BRAZIL AT A PERMACULTURE FARM

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  • Celebrating the Atlantic Forest and Mountain Culture in the Heart of Nova Friburgo: Agroforestry, Environmental Education, Volunteering and Adventure Sports

    Celebrating the Atlantic Forest and Mountain Culture in the Heart of Nova Friburgo: Agroforestry, Environmental Education, Volunteering and Adventure Sports

    [vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1739379399395{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1740408802641{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]Is it possible to connect Agroforestry, Environmental Education, Volunteering and Adventure Sports? Read this article and find out if so!

    The month of May invites us to take a closer look at one of Brazil’s greatest natural treasures: the Atlantic Forest. On May 27, we celebrate National Atlantic Forest Day — more than just a tribute, this date is a call for awareness and collective action for the preservation and regeneration of nature that still survives among the mountains of southeastern Brazil.

    And if there’s one place where this call is taken seriously, it’s at Eco Caminhos, our ecofarm located in the mountainous region of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro.

    🌿 A Living Forest That Needs Care

    The Atlantic Forest is home to around 72% of Brazil’s population and has already lost over 85% of its original vegetation. Even so, it remains one of the most biodiverse biomes in the world, with unique species of fauna and flora. Nova Friburgo is part of this ecosystem and therefore demands special attention.

    Preserving what’s left and restoring what’s been lost requires practical action, ecological education, and a new perspective on how we produce, consume, and live. At Eco Caminhos, we practice active environmental regeneration through agroforestry systems that mimic the natural functioning of forests, eco-friendly bioconstruction using local materials, and permaculture as both a philosophy and a lifestyle.[/swmsc_text_block][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”0″ border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”40px” image_size=”full” columns=”1″ grid_type=”masonry” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=”” image_ids=”27340,27339″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1739379399395{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”5px” border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”20px” image_size=”full” columns=”3″ grid_type=”none” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=””][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]🌱 Eco Caminhos: Environmental Regeneration and Social Transformation

    Caring for the Atlantic Forest is not a campaign — it’s our daily routine. At our farm, we don’t just admire the forest — we work daily to regenerate it.

    We are an ecofarm founded on permaculture principles, nestled in the mountains of Nova Friburgo. Here, we live and promote an integrated approach to sustainability that includes:

    Our work goes beyond the land: we positively impact the local community, promoting social inclusion, environmental education, and offering opportunities for youth and adults to reconnect with nature in a practical and transformative way.[/swmsc_text_block][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”0px” border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”20px” image_size=”full” columns=”2″ grid_type=”masonry” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=”” image_ids=”27341,27343,27344,26962″][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1739379399395{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”5px” border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”20px” image_size=”full” columns=”3″ grid_type=”none” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=””][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]🏔️ Free Mountain Festival: Sports, Culture, and Nature in Harmony

    This year, the Free Mountain Festival added even more meaning to May. Held at Espaço ARP and in the mountains of Nova Friburgo, the event celebrates outdoor life and mountain culture with activities like trekking, climbing, trail running, along with environmental talks, cultural exhibitions, and open-air cinema.

    More than a sporting event, the Free Mountain Festival proved that it’s possible to combine adventure, art, culture, and environmental responsibility — creating experiences that both inspire and raise awareness.

    Eco Caminhos strongly believes in this type of initiative. Seeing so many people connect with nature and exchange knowledge reinforces our belief that change is already underway — and can gain even more strength through unity and purpose.

    Check out the event website: https://freemountain.com.br/[/swmsc_text_block][swmsc_image_gallery border_radius=”0px” border_width=”0″ border_color=”#e6e6e6″ image_margin=”20px” image_size=”full” columns=”2″ grid_type=”masonry” image_text=”none” hover_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_icon_bg_color=”#f8b54e” title_text_size=”20px” title_text_color=”#555555″ caption_text_size=”16px” caption_text_color=”#777777″ caption_border=”off” id=”” class=”” style=”” image_ids=”27345,27346″][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1740408854358{margin-right: 30px !important;margin-left: 30px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1740579636539{margin-right: 100px !important;padding-right: 50px !important;}”][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_image link=”#” lightbox=”true” target=”_self” lightbox_type=”image” align=”left” alt=”” title=”” border_radius=”0px” id=”” class=”” style=”” src=”27342″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]🌍 Sustainability in Practice: Our Local and Global Role

    Eco Caminhos is a space for ecological and social transformation. We welcome volunteers, apprentices, and tourists from all over the world who come to learn, teach, and live a new way of connecting with the Earth. By regenerating the soil, planting trees, building homes with earth, and living in community, we are writing a new narrative for the planet — and it starts here, in the Atlantic Forest.

    We believe that preservation doesn’t happen alone. It takes partnerships, events, education, and the active presence of the community. That’s why we celebrate every movement that values our mountains, our forest, and our mountain culture.[/swmsc_text_block][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1731520578623{margin-right: 20px !important;margin-left: 20px !important;}”][vc_column][gap size=”30px” id=”” class=”” style=””][swmsc_text_block id=”” class=”” style=””]🤝 The Future Depends on Our Choices

    The Atlantic Forest needs more than protection — it needs engaged, connected people willing to change the way they live. That’s what we seek at Eco Caminhos. And that’s why every visit, every festival, every volunteer, and every tree planted matters.

    If you believe in this path, come visit us. Join us as a volunteer, apprentice, or guest. Help regenerate the forest and build a fairer, more sustainable, and nature-connected future.
    🌐 www.zieplay.com[/swmsc_text_block][vc_single_image image=”27074″ img_size=”large” css=””][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Taioba: The Green Treasure of Agroforestry

    Taioba: The Green Treasure of Agroforestry

    Taioba, a leafy green native to South America, is a key player here at Eco Caminhos farm due to its health benefits and usefulness within agroforestry. This plant can be found in kitchens across Brazil, Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago. In this article, we will explore the wonders of taioba, from its ecological role to its culinary applications.

     

    taioba leaves in a crate with natural cob walls in the backgroung

     

    Taioba and the Agroforestry System

    Taioba (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) serves various functions within agroforestry systems. Amidst the diversity of plants, taioba not only thrives, but also helps maintain soil moisture and protect against erosion, thanks to its large leaves. Taioba leaves act as a living mulch, helping to keep the soil fluffy and moist. This characteristic is essential for protecting tree roots and providing shade for small coffee seedlings, creating a more favorable environment for their initial development.  Its presence contributes significantly to the health of the ecosystem, promoting biological diversity and agricultural sustainability.

    In the pictures to the right you can see our agroforestry systems (SAF) at different stages. In the newly planted SAF (left), it is easy to see how taioba creates shade for the coffee seedling below. The more mature SAF (right) shows inhame which serves a similar role as the taioba amongst a larger diversity of more mature plants. Be warned that the inhame leaf, while similar in appearance and function within agroforestry to the taioba, is not safe for consumption; however, inhame root is edible and delicious. 

    agroforestry system with inga, banana, taioba, and coffee
    See how taioba interacts with other plants in a five month old agroforestry system
    a mature agroforestry system with eucalyptus, banana, inhame, lemongrass, and coffee. Developed using permaculture systems
    The inhame plays a similar role to taioba here in this mature agroforestry system

     

     

    Health Benefits & Preparation

    In addition to its functions within an agroforestry system, taioba is a rich source of essential nutrients. Rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, taioba offers significant health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, promoting eye health and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Furthermore, its low calories make it an excellent food to include in balanced diets.

    However, taioba requires proper preparation because it contains oxalic acid. Oxalic acid is also found in foods like spinach and other leafy green vegetables. When consumed in large quantities, oxalic acid can cause irritation to the mucous membranes. Proper preparation of taioba, mainly through cooking, nullifies these adverse effects, making it safe for consumption. Traditionally taioba leaves are consumed cooked in stews, soups, or pies. When cooked, this leafy green has a mild and pleasant flavor.

     

    Taioba Refogada (Stir-fry) Recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 1 bunch of taioba (1o leaves)
    • 2 cloves of garlic
    • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
    • Salt to taste

    Steps:

    1. Wash the leaves well under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
    2. Remove the stalk and cut into strips or pieces.

    3. Saute garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant.
    4. Add in the taioba and salt to taste.
    5. Stir occasionally, until the taioba has reduced to about half of its original volume.
    6. After the taioba has reduced to 50% of its original volume, turn the heat to low.
    7.  When the taioba has cooked down to a texture reminiscent of cooked spinach, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

     

  • Evapotranspiration Basin – What is it?

    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.
    Eco Caminhos website logo

     

    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

    primeira camada de materiais: pneus e pedra rachão.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.

    eco caminhos website logo 2

     

     

    ecolibrium project logogrupo de pessoas trabalhando na construção de uma bacia

    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.

    precipitação, evaporação e transpiração

    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.

    modelo de uma bacia de evapotranspiração

     

    What are the types of evapotranspiration?

     

     

    preenchendo bacia com camada de terra.

    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?

     

    ilustração do papel da evapotranspiração na permacultura.

    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.

    imagem aerea pessoas espalhando brita na bacia de evapotranspiração.

    vista ensolarada bacia de evapotranspiração.

    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.

    pessoas sentadas em torno de uma bacia de evapotranspiração

    Research Source: https://www.saude.pr.gov.br/sites/default/arquivos_restritos/files/documento/2020-04/baciadeevotranspiracaobet.pdf

  • Apprentice Program

    Apprentice Program

    Eco Caminhos permaculture farm since its foundation has received people from Brazil and across the globe to share experiences and teach people about agroforestry, bioconstruction and Eco Tourism.

     

     

    Since the beginning we also gave room to receive those we lack opportunities and resources to invest in learning opportunities. In fact our main mission is to make the world just a tiny bit more sustainable and just for everyone. We like to give you an inside of how our apprenticeship program works and give you an update about the development of our apprentices this year.

    How do we attract and select apprentices?

    We promote the apprenticeship program on our media channels and in our personal network. People can candidate themselves online. After a first screening where we check mindset, willingness to put their hands in the dirt,mental and physical health we invite them for 2 interviews. In the interview we verify first the expectations of the candidate. We want to check if the candidate understands the real conditions at the farm. A simple environment, hard work, healthy food and being outside most of the time. Also we emphasize the fact that we are in the mountains requires good physical preparation and mental preparation. We also explain the simple conditions of the farm to not set false expectation.  For us motivation and simplicity is more important than a beautiful CV.  With all the information thales (responsible for communication), Bart (managing director) and Dutra (general coordinator) decide which apprentice should come.

    Older apprentices and more woman in our apprenticeship program

    Until 2023 we called the program our young apprenticeship program and had a maximum age of 26. But we realized in 2022 that people above 26 were excluded from this opportunity. Sometimes a more mature person who has tried the job market and did not succeed to find happiness or financial stability is eagerly searching for opportunities like these. Another aspect we have worked on intensively this year is to bring more female candidates to the farm. In Brazil there is still a resistance for woman to work in the agriculture or construction sector. We believe this a shame as woman often fulfill crucial roles at our farm. And this year we succeeded to receive 3 female apprentices. 2 are currently active at the farm and 1 is on the way.

    Length of the apprenticeship program and test period

    The minimum commitment for an apprenticeship program is 3 months. We have a test period of a month. After 1 week we do a first evaluation. We check basic things such as working hours punctuality, work motivation, colleagues respect, cleaning and integration with the team. Also we have a zero drug and alcohol policy at the farm. Providing orientation at first week with several workshops, trainings and meetings we make sure the apprentice can integrate well in the program. After one month there is a crucial evaluation.  25% of candidates step out before the first month. For the 75% that stay there is a possibility to extend for another 9 months. For apprentices who conclude a 1 year program successfully we help them to get a job. And in case of Rodrigo and Wallace we contract them ourselves. Rodrigo already works with us for 3 years and has become a respected employee at the farm. We foresee the same path for Wallace who is contracted this week.

    What can apprentices learn?

    Our apprenticeship programs offer people the opportunity to learn about permaculture, agroforestry, bioconstruction and ecotourism. This is not just working in this areas but we offer theoretical training, we frequent give instruction session during the work periods. We do reflections on the things will build and grow to stimulate people to observe and react which is a crucial aspect of permaculture. Now possibly the biggest learning opportunity is that the people grow as human beings. In our individual world people can hide their flaws easily hidden in an apartment in big cities. We can run away from all our problems. At the farm not. We have no other choice than to face our flaws. Our community members, roommates or fellow residents will show us a mirror.

    Conditions for apprentices

    All apprentices are offered accommodation, food (mainly organic from own production),  and a stipend. This all with the help of a number of generous sponsors. We want to make sure that everyone is able to have all the basic needs. Health care in Brazil is free. Still often the healthcare system offers very limited services. Eco Caminhos makes sure that we use all means, network to offer the best health care services for all our workers. In the future we hope to be able to offer health care insurance. But that is still a bit too expensive for us. Apprentices also get 2 months per year holidays to recover from the hard work and to be able to  visit family and friends.

     

    Lets present our apprentices to you.

     

    Sarah, 37 years, Fortaleza, Ceara

    Sarah has been an incredible input to our farm. With an incredible mindset and work ethic. Always giving it her best. Sarah wanted to come to the farm as she learned a lot about agroforestry but wanted more practical experience. At the farm she works in agroforestry, taking care of the caddle and milking the cows, composting and general maintance. Sarah committed for 3 months as she has to go back to Ceara for commitments that has made. We already offered her a job opportunity for 2024.

    Natalia, 38 years, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Argentina is a big economic crisis, many Argentinians are coming to Brazil to seach for opportunities. Natalia has been travelling for 4 years and thinks it was time to settle somewhere. Natalia has little experience with farming or bioconstruction. She has adapted really well. Natalia main jobs on the farm are cooking the lunch 3 days per week for the entire crew, she takes care of the caddle and milks the cows and she also likes to work in bioconstruction. As Sarah Natalia also has committed for 3 months.

    Wallace, 33 years, Xerem, Rio de Janeiro Brazil

    As mentioned before Wallace is being contracted this week thanks to his great contribution to the farm. We know Wallace from the time that Bart (founding director) was running an orphanage in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro. Wallace announced his interest in the apprenticeship opportunity. He’s at Eco Caminho since December of 2022. Working in bioconstruction, maintance, Taking care of the cadle and milking the cows, gardening, driving and irrigation. We are very happy with Wallace at the farm. He is always ready to help wherever we need him and for this reason has become an important member of the crew. Wallace will be after Rodrigo the 2nd apprentice that we will contracting. He is very happy with his promotion and motivated to stay.

    Amadeus, 18 years, Germany/Brazil

    Amadeus is a Brazilian German who worked with us as a volunteer for 1 year. We have been very impressed by the progress he has made during one year. Amadeus worked mainly in agroforestry and his skills and motivation have developed impressively. He matured a lot, created work ethics and also socially developed incredibly. Became friends with the entire crew.  Asked us before his year was over if he could come back in the apprenticeship program and stay for a few years at the farm. We were very happy. Although he does not have the  profile of being in need we believe his presence is very important also for other apprentices. For this reason the Eco Farm will pay for his stipend. We expect him to become an agroforestry specialist in time. He is coming back in the beginning of 2024.

    Leandro 19 & João 17 years, Xerem, Rio de Janeiro

    João & Leandro stayed with us for a month. Both also lived as small children in the orphanage Casa do Caminho where Bart was the manager. Both are special and have a learning disorder. They contacted us and asked for help as both where homeless. We were very motivated to help them and the entire crew gave it their best to make them feel at home and to train them. It required a lot of patience of the team. After 6 weeks we had to end the apprenticeships of the boys. This because basic rules as the boys did not respect the basic rules of the farm and lacked motivation to learn all the techniques on the farm. It fell us very hard to let them go but we simply lack the human infrastructure to help these boys further. We like to share not only the success stories but also the difficulties we face.

    Julio, 45 years, Esperanza, Argentina

    Julio arrived yestersay from Argentina. He has experience in gardening and used to have his own vegetable garden. He also came to Brazil to find a better future and to learn more about permaculture, agroforestry and bioconstruction. We wish him an incredible apprenticeship experience with us.

    Apprentices to come…

    We have Jessika coming form Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro in the next month. She will be working in the kitchen, bioconstruction, agroforestry, maintenance and animal care.

    Want to support our apprenticeship program?

    We are already generating sufficient income to cover its operational costs. However the expenses for our apprenticeship program are not covered by our income. Over the passed years several individual donors have helped us to finance this program and transform the life of individuals who just need an opportunity in life. Would you like to support someone?

    Would you like to support an Apprentice?

    Please contact us if you want more information what it cost to sponsor an apprentice and where you can make your donation.

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