1) Foster Regenerative Culture
Since 2015, our Ecovillage has been an integral part of a community of individuals who share values and learnings in connection with nature. We are passionate about social technologies that create new relational and cultural codes. Visitors from around the world come to learn about the sociocratic self-management system implemented since the beginning and practices of relationship care and conflict transformation based on Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and Zegg Forum.
2) Preserve the Atlantic Forest
Situated in the watershed with the highest water availability in the state of São Paulo, within the Buffer Zone of the Serra do Mar State Park, we care for over 3 million square meters of forests. Eighty percent of this area has vegetation in medium and advanced stages of preservation. Additionally, we simultaneously integrate two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: the Green Belt of São Paulo and the Greater Atlantic Forest Reserve.
3) Promote Biodiversity
Our region is the habitat of threatened species such as the jaguar, tapir, and juçara palm. It is also one of the areas with the highest plant biodiversity in Brazil, with 163 cataloged forest species, 19 of which are threatened with extinction.
4) Cutting-Edge Research
Since 2021, our Center for Research and Environmental Monitoring of the Atlantic Forest (CPMAMA) has been conducting research in partnership with over 40 researchers from various universities and institutes, such as EESC/USP, ESALQ/USP, and IPA, covering six strategic areas: flora, fauna, fungi, water, nature, and social dynamics.
5) Expand the Itariru Green Belt
Our program focused on sustainable occupation and biodiversity preservation in protected areas and buffer zones in the largest continuous Atlantic Forest in Brazil is helping to create extensive ecological corridors just 70 km from the capital.
6) Monitor Wildlife
Since 2021, we have had 9 monitoring cameras and conduct seasonal campaigns for the active search of wildlife species. During this period, we identified nine threatened species, such as the puma, tapir, and ocelot.
7) Environmental Education
The EcoLab Atlantic Forest is our ongoing environmental education program for schools in Juquitiba. By July 2024, we will have connected 1,230 students and 250 educators from the municipal public network to the natural territory, offering immersive nature experiences, training, and educational support through art education, educommunication, and forest therapy strategies.
8) Clean Forest Program
With the installation of eco-points for proper waste disposal, since 2018, we have been promoting environmental awareness among local residents, preventing contamination of rivers and forest soil. In 2024, 6 new units will be built with community assistance.
9) Mobilization of the Local Community
We work for the economy of standing forests in Juquitiba, an area of high environmental sensitivity. This includes monitoring and influencing public instances, mobilizing civil society, engaging private organizations, and providing training for the local community. Our work led our executive director, Glenn Suba, to be invited to represent the Atlantic Forest biome at COP 28, the world’s primary forum for discussing climate change, taking place in December in Dubai.
10) Intimate Regeneration
Our center for courses, experiences, and events focuses on event and nature tourism, the result of decades of research. The experiences are led by a group of experienced therapists and educators who live in the community and have chosen sustainability and self-awareness as pillars of their lives.
