Regenerative Connections: Eco Caminhos’ Visit to the Araçá Project — Conservation, Permaculture, and Reforestation in Brazil

On the morning of June 19, 2025, a diverse and enthusiastic group departed from Eco Caminhos, a sustainability farm known for its permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building practices, heading to RPPN Alto da Figueira, in Nova Friburgo (RJ). Excitement was high: farm workers, international volunteers, members of the Ecolibrium Association, and 12 students from Saint Mary’s University and Texas A&M were on their way to experience the conservation work of the Araçá Project—an initiative focused on scientific research and Atlantic Forest reforestation in Brazil.

Understanding the Araçá Project and Its Role in Atlantic Forest Reforestation

The Araçá Project is a visionary initiative by Alexandre and Anna Antonelli, co-founders of the Antonelli Foundations for Biodiversity Research and Conservation. Based in the RPPN Alto da Figueira, a 120-hectare Private Natural Heritage Reserve, the project is located in one of Brazil’s most biodiverse regions.

Thomas Berg and Karine Bresolin introduced the project’s mission, emphasizing a broader objective: building a network of science, education, reforestation, and community engagement to regenerate the Atlantic Forest and balance the relationship between humans and nature. Plans include expanding protected areas and supporting local communities through sustainable land use.

Trail, Science, and Wonder in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest

The walk through the forest trail was transformative. Surrounded by lush vegetation and birdsong, we arrived at a majestic centuries-old fig tree, a key site for ecological studies.

“Even from the ground, you can tell how many species it hosts,” said Thomas. The tree stood as a symbol of interconnected biodiversity, with epiphytes, insects, lichens, and birds coexisting in harmony.

Next, we visited a camera trap used to monitor wildlife. Thomas shared stories of local fauna and the importance of such tools in biodiversity research. He also addressed the negative impacts of domestic animals on conservation areas, highlighting real challenges faced with neighboring lands.

Later, we saw a forest area where LIDAR technology had been used for 3D mapping. This site enables long-term studies of natural regeneration, offering a vivid view of how the forest heals itself.

Science and Sustainability in Progress: A Hub for Permaculture and Conservation Research

Our final stop was the future Araçá Research Center, a modern facility under construction. Once completed, it will host global scientists studying biodiversity, conservation, permaculture, and climate change, especially in the Atlantic Forest context.

More than a laboratory, this center will be a convergence point for diverse perspectives—scientific and traditional—committed to ecological restoration.

A Threatened But Living Heritage — and an Opportunity for Volunteers in South America

The Atlantic Forest is one of the world’s richest biomes in biodiversity. Yet, more than 92% of its original area has been lost over two centuries due to agriculture, urbanization, and logging. Despite this, what remains is home to many endemic and endangered species.

Projects like Araçá provide hope. Protecting and restoring the forest benefits climate stability, biodiversity, and local communities. It’s also a compelling opportunity for those seeking meaningful volunteering experiences in South America.

A Day That Inspires Permaculture Practitioners and Eco Volunteers

For us at Eco Caminhos, the visit was more than an educational outing. It was a call to action. We returned inspired and more aware of our role in collective conservation.

Our daily work at Eco Caminhos integrates agroforestry, permaculture, bioconstruction, and volunteer engagement in Brazil. Visiting a like-minded project grounded in scientific integrity reaffirmed our mission.

Want to learn more about agroforestry? Visit our page on the website: https://ecocaminhos.com/agroforestry-syntropic-agriculture/

United Paths for Reforestation and Agroforestry

We sincerely thank Thomas Berg, Karine Bresolin, the Araçá Project team, and the Antonelli Foundations. Special thanks to the students from the USA—your presence enriched this journey.

We at Eco Caminhos are committed to contributing however possible so that together we can protect, restore, and celebrate the Atlantic Forest.

Be a part of it too! Come and become a volunteer at Eco Caminhos.
https://ecocaminhos.com/volunteer-in-brazil/

Learn more about the Araçá Project at https://www.projeto-araca.org/

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