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Exploring the Preservation and Regeneration of the Atlantic Forest While Empowering Communities

Agroforestry, Environment, Global Issues, Leadership, Tourism
The Atlantic Forest is as beautiful as it is biodiverse, and for nature lovers it’s quite the setting for a weekend getaway, complete with hiking trails, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. However after hundreds of years of deforestation less than 10% of the original forest remains. After a group of environmental professionals spent a weekend exploring the forest and environmental projects seeking to protect it, the consensus was unanimous, efforts to restore the Atlantic Forest to its former glory could make a remarkable difference for the environment and local economy.
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Ilona Szabó de Carvalho, co-founder and executive director of Instituto Igarapé and a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Board on Effective Multilateralism, invited leaders from globally recognized institutions to explore environmental projects in the Atlantic Forest. Participants represented diverse institutions including Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, University of Gothenburg, Terradot and host organizations Eco Caminhos, Associação Ecolibrium, and Projeto Araçá. The visit highlighted the extraordinary biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest, explored ongoing conservation projects, and demonstrated the immense potential to expand these sustainable practices across the region, serving as a model for broader environmental restoration initiatives.
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Day 1: Projeto Araçá – A Hub for Biodiversity Research and Restoration

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The first day of the trip took participants to Projeto Araçá, where they explored the ongoing work at the Biodiversity Research Center in the Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN) Alto da Figueira. This project focuses on restoring biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest by combining scientific research with hands-on conservation efforts. Alexandre Antonelli, founding director of Araça, explained that in the short period they have done research in Alto da Figueira they have identified 100 new types of insects not registered anywhere else.

Participants discussed the critical need for ecological corridors and expanded buffer zones to help regenerate the forest and connect fragmented ecosystems. The discussions also touched on the potential of ecotourism as a tool for both conservation and sustainable development. Ecotourism offers a way to provide economic benefits to local communities while raising awareness and funding for environmental preservation efforts. By attracting visitors to experience the rich biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest, ecotourism can support ongoing conservation efforts and create jobs in rural areas.

Day 2: Eco Caminhos – Agroforestry and Sustainable Agriculture

On the second day, participants visited Eco Caminhos, where they learned about the farm’s successful integration of agroforestry and permaculture to restore degraded land and produce high-quality specialty coffee. This project serves as an example of how sustainable agricultural practices can support both environmental restoration and local economies.

In collaboration with Associação Ecolibrium, Eco Caminhos is constructing a 1200 m² naturally built training center to teach local farmers sustainable agroforestry practices. The goal is to support 10 farms over the coming 10 years, restoring 300 hectares of native forest. With success, this project could be replicated in other regions of Brazil and around the world, amplifying its positive impact on biodiversity and sustainable land use.

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Future Discussions: Scaling Sustainable Solutions

This field trip emphasized the potential of nature restoration to address multiple global challenges, from improving local livelihoods to enhancing biodiversity, combating climate change, and promoting ecotourism. Participants discussed the importance of scaling successful models like those seen at Projeto Araçá and Eco Caminhos to other regions, with a goal of restoring more ecosystems and boosting local economies through sustainable tourism initiatives.

The next step involves further discussions among the participants to develop projects aimed at addressing these environmental challenges and expanding the reach of these sustainable solutions globally.

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Acknowledgements

The field trip was organized in collaboration with Instituto Igarapé, Projeto Araçá, Eco Caminhos, Associação Ecolibrium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, University of Gothenburg, and Terradot. The participants stayed at Vale das Seriemas, where they enjoyed its incredible views, comfortable accommodation, and delicious food at their restaurant.

Participants included Ilona Szabó de Carvalho, Johannes van de Ven, Karine Bresolin, Bart Bijen, Fausto Amadigi, Julia Marisa Sekula, Carolina Graça, Carlota Szabó de Carvalho, Alexandre Antonelli, Thomas Berg, PhD, and Hannes Dempewolf.

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