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natural building bacia evapotranspiração
Who are we?
Agroforestry planting explanation
In 2015, motivated by the global climate crisis, Eco Caminhos farm was established in the verdant Mata Atlântica mountain region of Nova Friburgo, Brazil. The farm is dedicated to permaculture principles, incorporating natural building techniques and agroforestry to create a self-sustaining environment for people that harmonizes with the surrounding ecosystem. Over the years, the farm has drawn a wide range of local and international students, volunteers, institutions, and farmers, all seeking to engage with and learn from its sustainable practices. Since its inception, our farm has also offered an apprenticeship program for adolescents from underprivileged backgrounds, a project that evolved from the work of our founder, Bart Bijen, in an orphanage near Rio De Janeiro.
Extension of agroforestry Saf’s
The educational aspect of our work has grown to such an extent that it has led to the creation of a distinct entity, the Ecolibrium Association, to further our educational mission.
Ecolibrium achivements
Ecolibrium: The Idea
The project we envision will be a community-driven area at the farm which will be open for all to come and be part of our Eco Experience. The Ecolibrium compound will consist of a central multifunctional building, agroforestry gardens, a wood workshop, bio constructed accommodations, fishponds, hydroelectric plants, and greenhouses. Ecolibrium will be constructed on a vast 18,000 square meter piece of Eco Caminhos’ land, as we want it to be the central hub for everything that happens in the Eco Farm, especially for the community of the Eco-Village and of all our Eco Tourism activities. We want this project to combine all that we are and all that we envision we can be in the future; a place to showcase our philosophy and all that we do.
At Ecolibrium, people will have the chance to build bioconstruction houses, grow plants and vegetables, pluck fruits from the trees, milk a cow on a fresh Brazilian morning, and learn how to use all of the natural ingredients we have to make delicious and healthy meals.
For those who wish to learn about permaculture, bioconstruction, agroforestry, and healthy food, we also want to offer workshops, courses and immersion programmes.
Initial layout sketch
We have split the building of the whole compound into a step by step plan, in order to reduce risks and to be able to start generating income during the initial stages of the project, by planning in a way so that each part of the project we build, will help finance and build the stage that follows. In the following text, we have detailed what we will focus on the building during the initial phase and a brief description of the intended function of each subproject.
It’s important to state that all buildings shall be built using bio construction methods, and amongst our team, we already have the skills, experience, and knowledge to erect these buildings.
Our Mission & Vision
Ecolibrium Mission
Our mission is to teach the principles of permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building to a wide audience, from local farmers to students worldwide. We will offer both theory and practice. Theory in our new Ecolibrium space, and practice on Eco Caminhos farm. Through inclusive educational programming we equip others with knowledge and hands-on skills in sustainable farming and building, providing apprenticeships for at-risk youth in our community, hands-on learning opportunities for students, resources to support local farmers in adopting more sustainable methods, and educational programming for volunteers of all walks of life. In order to ensure the longevity of these efforts we will pursue financial autonomy through eco-tourism, paid educational programming and events, the sale of shade grown coffee, and a farm to table restaurant.
Ecolibrium Vision
Our vision is to establish a worldwide benchmark for sustainable farming, aspiring towards complete self-sufficiency in producing energy, food, and timber, while revitalizing the local ecosystem and achieving financial autonomy. By utilizing natural building techniques, we craft our own dwellings from natural and recycled materials and grow coffee within our agroforestry system as a key source of sustainable revenue.
Ecolibrium Space
people working with cob
The Ecolibrium Space will serve as a crucial expansion of our farm, designed to share our comprehensive sustainability expertise with a broad audience. Unfortunately, our current facilities are not equipped to adequately accommodate the anticipated range of visitors, including children, teenagers, students, apprentices, tourists, and farmers. The proposed Ecolibrium Space, spanning 1200 m², will feature accommodations, a restaurant serving our organic produce, twelve rooms, multiple bathrooms, a multifunctional area, maker spaces, kitchens, and an administrative office. This expansion will not only enhance our educational reach but also ensure the financial viability of the project.
Ecolibrium housing ilustration
Ecolibrium housing sketch
Overview of Ecolibrium Space & Construction Progress
The Ecolibrium Project, occupying 1200 m², will encompass a variety of facilities including teaching spaces, a restaurant, twelve bedrooms, a maker space, a small kitchen, laundry facilities, an office, and sanitation areas. Overseen by Mexican architect Pedro Pizarro, the design prioritizes natural construction principles, aiming for sustainability alongside functional efficiency. The development is organized into three sequential phases, with Phase 1 focused on establishing essential living amenities such as bathrooms, a compact kitchen, laundry facilities, and the initial set of five bedrooms. This staged development strategy ensures that spaces are ready for use upon the completion of each phase.
Construction started in February 2024, drawing on Eco Caminhos’ nine year expertise in natural building, which has been instrumental in executing the construction work efficiently and cost-effectively.
The initial phase has successfully completed its foundational work, including excavation, laying natural stone foundations, and beginning cob wall construction. Cob, a mixture of clay, sand, and straw, has been chosen for its sustainability and structural robustness, aligning with the project’s environmental objectives. As the project advances through its phases, each newly constructed area is designed to be immediately operational, facilitating a smooth transition towards the full realization of the Ecolibrium space.
Ecolibrium phases illustration
People working on agroforestry
Ecolibrium Educational Programs
A) Local and regional farmers
Organic vegetables produced in the farm
Eco Caminhos is situated in the Região Serrana (Sierra Region) of Rio de Janeiro, a key agricultural area that produces 80% of the state’s vegetables. Most of these vegetables are sold locally, supplying the 16.5 million residents of the state. According to the Food Baron’s 2022 survey, Brazil is home to approximately 4.4 million family farms. These farms constitute 85% of all agricultural establishments in the country and are responsible for producing 70% of the food consumed nationally.
Our method offers substantial support to local farmers for converting their lands into environmentally sustainable ecosystems, incorporating agroforestry and profitable cash crop production. This strategy aims to improve both the productivity and sustainability of local agriculture. We are dedicated to transforming ten local farms into sustainable agroforestry models over the next five years, with plans to exponentially expand this initiative thereafter around Brazil.
Kids workshop about planting
Ecolibrium Educational Programs
B) The young generation
Our goal is to impart sustainable living principles primarily to the youngest generations within our community and globally. The Ecolibrium Space will function as an educational hub, partnering with schools and other educational institutions to provide diverse sustainability-focused programs. Each year, we will engage 1700 youth aged 6 to 25, prioritizing those keen to apply these practices. Our program will offer tuition for those students who show the highest level of potential. Selectees receive comprehensive two to three year training aimed at catalyzing regional advancements. Beyond our local initiatives, we are committed to expanding our impact globally by replicating our sustainable farming model. Our goal is to establish or positively influence at least five strategically chosen sustainable farms around the world, demonstrating our commitment to environmental transformation across scales.
Enhancing this global reach, we have established three partnerships with international universities, facilitating traineeships for their students at our farm, thereby intertwining local initiatives with global educational collaborations. We will receive the different groups every day of the week at the Ecolibrium Space. We are designing an educational curriculum that blends theoretical learning with practical applications, enriched by recreational activities to enhance community building. This program aims to train young pioneers in sustainable practices, revolutionizing regional agricultural and construction methods. By doing so, we aspire to cultivate a brighter future for both our local community and the global environment.
People building with cob
Ecolibrium Educational Programs
C) Apprenticeship program for underprivileged adolescents
Since 2015, our farm has hosted an apprenticeship program for adolescents, mainly from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, for a period of three months up to two years. We offer intensive training in permaculture, agroforestry, natural building, and English. With the expansion to the new Ecolibrium Space, we aim to increase our capacity to support up to sixteen apprentices annually, quadrupling our current reach. The program offers individual training and guidance in all aspects. Apprentices can specialize in agroforestry, natural building and in the future also in culinary and hospitality. Our apprentices are guided from start until a guaranteed quality job opportunity once graduated. Graduating 16 students annually will significantly enhance the region’s pool of skilled farmers and natural builders.
D) Revenue Generation at Ecolibrium
Our development project experience has shown that self-sufficiency is crucial for sustainability. The Ecolibrium initiative aims for financial independence to ensure ongoing quality education, employing several strategies:
Educational Partnerships: Charging fees to local and international private schools and universities for our curricular activities. Eco Caminhos has already established several partnerships.
Farm-to-Table Restaurant: Operating on weekends, offering meals made with ingredients from our farm, providing a unique dining experience.
Courses and Events: Organizing monthly paid courses and events in our specialty areas to generate additional income.
Tourism and Apprenticeships: Utilizing Ecolibrium’s open spaces for tourism and paid apprenticeships, in collaboration with Eco Caminhos.
Product Sales: Selling farm products to support our financial goals.
These strategies are designed to create a robust financial model for Ecolibrium, securing the program’s future and its educational mission.
Manipulating banana trees in pieces for planting
Ecolibrium Educational Programs
E) Global Expansion Objectives
Ecolibrium presentation
Following the successful establishment of the Ecolibrium Space, our goal is to replicate this model on regional, national, and international scales. We aim to help farms worldwide meet community needs, contribute to environmental restoration, and promote financial resilience. The success of this strategy has already sparked the launch of similar initiatives in different parts of the world, demonstrating the wide-reaching potential and applicability of our sustainable farming methodologies.
Organization
People working on natural building structure
The Ecolibrium Association is structured as a non-profit association. Its board comprises members from various parts of the world, with a significant local presence. The association utilizes the adjacent Eco Caminhos farm for practical education, aligning closely with the Ecolibrium Space for an integrated learning experience.
Budget & Funding Resources
Ecolibrium budget and funding resources
The estimated total investment needed to bring the Ecolibrium project to fruition is around €420,000, which translates to approximately R$2,220,000. The budget for Phase 1 is projected at €134,085 (R$706,000).
The Raised funds to date are given in the table.
As of now, we have successfully secured 85% of the funding required for Phase 1. This leaves a shortfall of €21,006 to complete this initial phase. Our efforts are now focused on raising this amount, as well as gathering the necessary funds to support the subsequent development of Phases 2 and 3.
Call for funding
We invite you to support Associação Ecolibrium to build a more sustainable future. Your contributions are critical not only to the success of our project, but also to advancing a broader vision of sustainability for all.
Project Goals
We set ourselves the following goals:
Follow permaculture principles: We set ourselves the goal to follow the permaculture principles at all times, to limit the negative impact on the environment and the community.
To attract children, adults and the elderly to experience the magic and simplicity of a self-sustainable farm. We want to share a place where people will be able to put their hands in the dirt in the garden, in bioconstruction, and also pick up fruits and vegetables to prepare their own meals, and we want this experience to be available for everyone.
Center of knowledge exchange; We want to be a center from which to share, not to keep this knowledge for ourselves. Any type of knowledge that falls under the permaculture philosophy can be shared. We want to organize and host workshops, courses, conferences, events, and meetings etc. Not only to share what we know but for others to bring their own knowledge here and share it with the world as well.
Invite the underprivileged for support, vocational training and learning practical, sustainable skills. First of all, we want to make farming and bioconstruction exciting and available to those who would benefit the most from it. To show the beauty of planting, harvesting and eating your own food. For everyone to feel the satisfaction of building your own house with natural non-pollutant materials and with your own hands and we want people to have a chance to experience the freedom of being self-sustainable since it allows people to be less dependant on poorly paid and low-skill jobs and hence break the cycle of poverty.
Create a community center for our Eco Farm. So far at the farm there is no real central location, for meetings, discussions and more projects to come: We want to build a stable and vibrant community here. An Eco Village with a large group of passionate people that will discover and construct here an alternative way of living, a project to dream and work with, and a community to be a part of. We envision a future where permanent long term members, short term volunteers and underprivileged teens from our apprenticeship programme, live together in a single shared central location, supporting each others experience and growth day to day. This central compound will be teeming with comfort, beauty, and integrated with nature in a balanced way with its surrounding ecosystem, it will be a place all can call home and will inspire them to keep growing within Eco Caminhos and to push themselves and the project forward.
To generate income for the Eco Farm and the people that make a difference: We realize that being truly self-sustainable is not only a matter of food, energy, and water but that we also need to be self-sustainable financially. Not for capitalistic ideals, but instead so that we can keep educating, helping the community and teenagers in need, building bioconstruction projects for the locals, and offering a stable future for people that want to live differently and in balance with nature, and specially to be able to keep offering all of this for people in need as a possible pathway out of poverty.
Why Ecolibrium? The backstory
Many people in the world today live stacked up on top of each other in concrete boxes, eating food from plastic packaging – oblivious to the source of the food they’re choosing to consume — and during their day to day lives, they choose to stay seated and staring into screens for work. A lot of children in Brazil grow up under this conditions, polluted cities, surrounded by screens, consuming mass-produced synthetic foods heavy with pesticides, dealing with overweight and with poor education and as the years have gone on, children have lost their contact with nature as well. While wealthier children grow up to work in office jobs, poor children grow up only to depend on poorly paid low skilled jobs barely to survive. If we keep following this path, it could very well be a route to befalling a range of physical disorders, many of which some of us at Eco Caminhos where having to deal with prior to coming to the Eco Farm.
Over the past years we discovered that many volunteers and visitors who have come to experience life at the farm they have found that society of today does not recognise the wholesome benefits of places in which people can connect with nature on a daily basis, live and work together as a community, while experiencing the magic of eating your own cultivated food, or building your own eco home. We believe that we can and that we should, bring this simple yet seemingly forgotten way of life to light, and allow those who will benefit the most from it to experience it fully, we believe it to be the cure of some of the main problems of society today and for it to also be a path to a more sustainable, healthy and enjoyable life, roadway out of poverty for many.
We envision a future in which we can share this way of life and its benefits with teenagers and youngsters in need, so that they may have a fair opportunity to flourish, be happy and grow so that they can hopefully one day contribute back to society as well.
How we approach to project development
Over the past year, we have had many brainstorm sessions, design sessions and discussions to realize and give shape to our dreams to contribute to the world from our farm. Also, Eco Caminhos has acquired knowledge and formed the basis of our team, all of this was the first stage, and now it is time to take the next step by opening up to the community, and sharing what we have envisioned with the world.
We are realistic about the situation in Brazil, a country which has big issues with economic and political instability, problems we have learned to deal with. Also thanks to Bart’s experience running an NGO orphanage for 6 years we are aware that depending on public donations is unsustainable, we need to provide a stable income for the permanent members of the community and cover operational costs ourselves if we want to have an impact in the community long-term and realize this dream successfully.
Finally, we trust that anything is possible as long as you wholeheartedly believe in it and are willing to put in the necessary effort into it, you need to have the patience and be prepared to overcome the obstacles ahead on the path to achieving our ambitious plans, since we see all these obstacles as challenges to overcome and learn from. We are inspired by our deep drive to contribute back to society and the environment, we want to help people in need and create an ideal place from which to share all that Eco Caminhos is and has to offer.
Multifunctional Space (Test Restaurant, Education Hub and Community Building
We want to build a multifunctional space using bioconstruction methods, at the center of the Ecolibrium volunteer compound. The communal building will be located on a space of 944 square meters, at the highest point of the Ecolibrium terrain. The communal space itself will be a 100 square meter building with a large kitchen area, bathrooms, dining area, and a living area, with large windows to allow a clear view of the surrounding mountainous landscape.
This space will be the central hub of the volunteer’s village around it, a comfortable place in which to socialize and gather. Initially, it will act as the ideal space to host courses and talks, it will also work as a pilot restaurant to test the viability of the final restaurant further down the Ecolibrium road. This space will have a large central fireplace and chimney, with a cob oven and a heated cob sofa encompassing it.
The volunteers are currently living in two houses rented by our neighbors. This accommodation is rather basic, and a weight on the Eco Caminhos funds that could be better spent elsewhere throughout the project, so along with the building of the multifunctional communal building we shall build four bedrooms which each will house two people each, providing the volunteers with comfortable housing.
The building will have the following functions:
Restaurant: To serve food for clients, volunteers, tourists, students, and trainees. In which we can also teach how to cook food produced on the farm.
Course center: We plan to offer courses and workshops in agroforestry., permaculture and bioconstruction. The theoretical side can be offered inside of the central community space, the practical part outside. We plan to invite qualified teachers from across the globe.
Meeting Centre: For all meetings and indoor activities the multifunctional community building, it will be used for when we organize Music, Cinema and Game nights as well.
Yoga, Martial arts, Meditation: Ideal location for a range of arts and activities such as meditation and yoga classes.
Accommodation: It will be surrounded by accommodations primarily for members of the community, volunteers, teens in the apprenticeship and also for visitors.
The building will follow the appropriate legalization laws in Brazil and will be built using sustainable bio-construction methods.
Initial Designs
As you can see from the initial designs; our idea is to have the communal area at the front of the building, and link it to a central garden, having the volunteer rooms around it.
Initial sketches of the multifunctional communal building and the accommodations
The proposed structure for the bedrooms for the trainee (teenagers) and volunteers (not to scale)
Central cob oven, fireplace and chimney, with the heated cob seating area surrounding it
Once we have completed the initial stages and have gained some income, we shall be able to continue with the construction of the remainder of the compound.
We will turn most of the area into agroforestry that will produce herbs, vegetables, fruits, and wood for construction projects. There will be a three-level stepped lake with small turbines to generate electrical power. At the center, there will be a final organic restaurant, and multi-functional big space, it will serve as a location for workshops, courses, and events. From within the compound, you should see the vegetable and herbs gardens in front and the agroforestry and lakes at the back and laterals. The food you eat will come directly from the land around the restaurant. We want to provide all visitors with our eco-experience and show that living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle can be a rewarding, enjoyable, and hopefully eye-opening experience for everyone.
