October Highlights: Volunteering, Ecotourism, and Sustainable Projects

Tuesday November 4th, 2025
Jonathan Belarmino
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Eco Turismo, Education, Tourism, Volunteering

October was a month full of energy, learning, and international connections at Eco Caminhos. From the arrival of new volunteers to visits from international institutions and the first-ever Eco Caminhos Open Day for the local community, this month revealed the heart of our mission: to build a sustainable community through volunteering, ecotourism, and hands-on learning in permaculture, agroforestry, and bioconstruction.

New International Volunteers

At the beginning of this month, we were delighted to welcome several new volunteers joining our volunteer initiation program, strengthening our international community. Isabella (UK/Colombia), George (Romania/UK), Milan (Belgium), Arthur (Brazil), and Oscar (Ireland) arrived full of enthusiasm and curiosity. Each volunteer who joins us contributes not only to the daily activities on the farm but also to the collective growth of the community. Through teamwork, cultural exchange, and hands-on learning, they engage in sustainable practices such as permaculture, agroforestry management, and bioconstruction techniques, leaving their mark on Eco Caminhos.

Social night with volunteers preparing a collective dinner at Eco Caminhos

Visit from the Royal Dutch Geographical Society

Group of Dutch teachers visiting the Ecolibrium project at Eco Caminhos

On October 14th, Eco Caminhos hosted 18 Dutch geography teachers from the Royal Dutch Geographical Society for a full day of activities at the farm. The group took part in hands-on experiences in bioconstruction, agroforestry, and sustainable living, learning directly from our founder Bart Bijen, our volunteers, and the Eco Caminhos team. This visit reinforced the importance of knowledge exchange and inspired sustainable and conscious living practices.

Testimony from Steven Roosendaal (translated from Dutch):

“During a study trip with Bart, I had a great impression of how ecotourism and agroforestry can work together and contribute to reforestation. He’s a wonderful person with well-developed ideas who is always willing to share. It’s definitely worth visiting and taking part.”

Dutch teachers taking part in hands-on natural building activity at Eco Caminhos

Volunteers Zita and Mirthe working on a natural building project at Eco Caminhos

Arrival of Future Belgian Architects for Internship

October also marked the arrival of five more volunteers from Belgium, including Mirthe and Zita, architecture students from Thomas More University, who will complete a three-month internship at Eco Caminhos. Their main mission is to design and build a bioconstructed tool room in our new Agroforestry System 6 (SAF 6). This project allows them to apply their architectural skills in a practical and sustainable way, contributing to the development of the farm. Their presence strengthens our international community and provides learning opportunities for everyone. It’s a perfect combination of professional and personal growth through a unique, enriching experience in Brazil.

The Experience of the Three Belgian Sisters

Also this month, three sisters from Belgium, Leyla, Jade, and Iris, chose Eco Caminhos as the starting point for a two-week immersion during their one-month trip across Brazil. During their stay, they took part in agroforestry activities, learned bioconstruction techniques, helped in different areas of the farm, enjoyed our social evenings, and became part of our daily routine. Their experience highlights the transformative power of volunteering and ecotourism, as well as the deep connections that emerge when people from different cultures come together to live a conscious and sustainable lifestyle.

Three Belgian sisters after a day of work on the Ecolibrium natural building project

1º Open Day Eco Caminhos – 25/10/2025

On October 25th, Eco Caminhos opened its doors to the Nova Friburgo community for its first-ever Open Day, offering hands-on bioconstruction workshops, agroforestry experiences, and a complete guided tour of the farm for all those interested in learning more about our work. The event allowed visitors to engage in practical learning, explore sustainable practices, and interact with our international community. Our first Open Day strengthened the farm’s role as a center for environmental education, ecotourism, and sustainability, connecting people with nature and with each other.

Children participating in natural building activities during the Eco Caminhos event

Lecture on permaculture, agroforestry and natural building by Bart at Eco Caminhos

Reflections on October

This month at Eco Caminhos reminded us that sustainability begins with people. Through volunteering, cultural exchange, and hands-on projects in permaculture, agroforestry, and bioconstruction, we continue to build an international community of learning and collaboration in the heart of the Atlantic Forest, in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro. Each volunteer, visitor, and participant contributes to a shared mission: to foster conscious living, create meaningful connections, and grow together in harmony with nature.