2024 at Eco Caminhos

Volunteers & Visitors: Recognizing This Year’s Guests

This year, Eco Caminhos has welcomed an inspiring array of volunteers and visitors, creating a vibrant and diverse community. From environmental leaders to a curious class of third graders, families, teens, and professionals, our farm has become a space where people of all walks of life can connect, learn, and contribute to sustainable living.

Through our ecotourism and volunteer programs, we have received people from all walks of life—from carpenters to teachers, to architects, and ESG professionals. Digital nomads, brought in through the Nomad Farm program, added a unique dynamic, balancing remote work with immersion in sustainable practices. Their presence has enriched the exchange of ideas and skills on the farm. A highlight of the year was hosting third graders from Casa Aurea Waldorf School, whose enthusiasm and curiosity reminded us of the importance of nurturing a connection to nature at an early age. Meanwhile, seasoned professionals, including architects and environmental leaders, engaged in meaningful discussions about sustainable design and practices, sparking new collaborations.

Through this diverse mix of visitors and volunteers, Eco Caminhos continues to thrive as a hub for transformation, education, and connection. Each person leaves their mark on the farm while taking away valuable knowledge and experiences to inspire sustainable living in their own communities.

Bioconstructing the Future: Progress on the Ecolibrium Space

This year marked significant advancements in the construction of the Ecolibrium Space, a hub for sustainability education and community engagement at Eco Caminhos.

Our team broke ground on the project and completed the foundation and cob walls for phase 1 of the Ecolibrium Space. The natural building techniques, such as cob, ensure the structure blends harmoniously with its surroundings, keeps guests comfortable and dry in the cool, humid climate, and stands the test of time. The green roof, currently under construction, will further integrate the building into the ecosystem while contributing to passive climate control.

Once completed, the Ecolibrium Space will serve as a multi-functional venue for social programs, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences in permaculture, bioconstruction, and agroforestry. It will also act as a gathering place for visitors, volunteers, and local residents to connect and exchange ideas, fostering collaboration and innovation within our community. We are excited to welcome our first guests to the Ecolibrium Space in May 2025. Stay tuned to our social media or website to follow updates of the construction and for your chance to book your stay in the Ecolibrium Space as soon as it opens!

We are also incredibly grateful to the sponsors of the Ecolibrium project, whose generous support has been instrumental in helping us bring this vision to life. Together with Wilde Ganzen, Aid 2 Many, and other generous donors we are creating a lasting impact on the community and the environment.

Coffee Cultivation & Reforestation: Agroforestry Update

This year marks a major milestone in our agroforestry coffee production, as we celebrate the first flowers and fruits emerging on our coffee plants. Cultivated within thriving agroforestry systems featuring native trees our coffee reflects the benefits of sustainable farming practices. These systems enrich the soil, increase precipitation, and support biodiversity, creating a resilient and balanced environment.

In addition to nurturing our agroforestry systems through techniques like mulching, pruning, and intercropping, we’ve expanded our impact through the Ecolibrium Association. This year, we began collaborating with other agroforestry professionals to launch a program aimed at helping local farmers transition to agroforestry systems. By sharing knowledge and practical tools, we aim to empower farmers to adopt sustainable methods that benefit both their crops and the environment.

Our agroforestry coffee initiative also serves as a living classroom for visitors, volunteers, and farmers, demonstrating how sustainable agriculture can yield high-quality produce while protecting the planet. As our agroforestry systems mature, we look forward to not only sharing their future harvests but also fostering a stronger network of agroforestry practitioners in our region.

Celebrating Our Team!

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the members of our dedicated team, whose hard work and passion keep Eco Caminhos thriving. From the agroforestry and bioconstruction teams to the essential functions of communication, logistics, and kitchen staff, each person plays a vital role in the farm’s success.

A special thank you goes to our apprentices, who have shown tremendous growth this year. They’ve embraced new challenges, taken on additional responsibilities, and demonstrated a true commitment to our mission. Their development is a testament to the transformative power of hands-on learning, and we’re excited to see them continue to grow and contribute to the farm’s future.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this year’s achievements—we couldn’t do it without you!