Socio-environmental action

WHAT WE DO

The Terra Luminous Socio-environmental Institute has been working since 2016 on the preservation and regeneration of the Atlantic Rainforest through research, educational programs, ecological management of resources and waste, strategic coordination, and the promotion of regenerative culture. Our main goal is the sustainable development of the region, located in an area of high environmental sensitivity, so that its residents can live in harmony with the forest and become agents of its biodiversity expansion.

Our mission is to “Regenerate the relationship between humans, themselves, others, and nature, while protecting the Atlantic Rainforest.”

ITL and the Conservation of Atlantic Rainforest Biodiversity

Where We Are

ITL is located in the watershed with the highest water availability in the state of São Paulo, in Juquitiba, adjacent to the Serra do Mar State Park (PESM Itariru Nucleus). The region is home to endangered species such as the jaguar, tapir, and juçara palm, and it boasts one of the highest levels of plant biodiversity in Brazil, with 163 cataloged forest species.

Strategic Location

in the Provision of Ecosystem Services*:

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Territory preservation

We protect an area of 339 hectares of Atlantic Forest, including 44 hectares of Permanent Protection Areas (PPAs), 15 springs, and 13 streams. Our goal is to establish an ecological corridor of over 1,200 hectares by 2025 through the Green Belt Itariru Program.

Wildlife monitoring

Since 2021, we have implemented forest monitoring cameras and conducted seasonal campaigns for active search of wildlife traces. We have already identified nine species under threat of extinction or vulnerable and confirmed the high incidence of felines such as jaguars, ocelots, and margay cats. In total, we have identified 222 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals in our territory.

Environmental education

In 2023, the EcoLab Atlantic Forest will serve 1,230 students and 250 educators from seven public schools in Juquitiba. The program provides support and guidance to enhance the connection to environmental issues in the territory through experiences and educational materials.

Research in strategic areas

Our Center for Research and Environmental Monitoring of the Atlantic Forest (CPMAMA) conducts studies on fauna, flora, fungi, water, health, and social dynamics. More than 40 researchers from various universities and institutes, such as EESC/USP, ESALQ/USP, and IPA, are involved.

Collaboration

We work with a sustainable development agenda in the Juquitiba region to promote a forest-based economy. This includes monitoring and influencing public entities, mobilizing civil society, engaging private organizations, and providing training for the local community.

Our
Objectives

Socioeconomic

Develop economic solutions for a standing forest

Socioeducational

Promote regenerative culture

Socioenvironmental

Protect the watershed and enhance biodiversity within the territory

Explore our main ongoing socio-environmental programs:

Education

EcoLab Atlantic Forest

A program that connects students and educators from public schools with the natural environment, focusing on environmental preservation. It offers immersive nature experiences, training, and didactic support using art education, educommunication, and forest therapy strategies.

Regeneration

Itariru Green Belt

A program dedicated to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable occupancy within protected areas and buffer zones in Brazil's largest continuous Atlantic Forest area, located just 70 km from the state capital.

Water and Waste

Clean Forest

Through the Ecopoints of the Clean Forest Project, we have been promoting proper waste disposal and environmental awareness among local residents since 2018, contributing to the prevention of river and soil contamination within the forest.

Research Center

CPMAMA-ITL

Our Center for Environmental Research and Monitoring (CPMAMA) conducts research in various areas in partnership with important scientific institutions to enhance our understanding of the environment we care for.

Education

LabPermacult

Our permaculture course and practice development laboratory offers courses and collaborative efforts in areas such as bioconstruction, agroforestry, native seedling nurseries, and ecological water treatment.

Regeneration

Terra2

An implementation strategy for the Itariru Green Belt through supporting the creation of new ecovillages - regenerative organizations that harmonize sustainable human habitation with nature.

Canal direto com a comunidade

Se você mora em Juquitiba (SP), é provável que tenha ouvido falar de nosso Instituto ou já tenha passado para fazer uma visita. Um de nossos princípios é atuar junto à comunidade em projetos para desenvolver a região sem precisar derrubar nenhuma árvore.

Esses canais de comunicação são pra você!