ecocaminhos

JUNE 2026 HIGHLIGHTS – Learning across cultures, new achievements, and unforgettable moments

ex2 — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 17:55:34 +0000

Dear Eco Caminhos community,

June was a month of learning, cultural exchange, and exciting achievements. Throughout the month, we welcomed students, volunteers, researchers, and visitors from different parts of the world, celebrated an important recognition for our educational work, and continued strengthening the regenerative community that makes Eco Caminhos so unique.

Two Weeks of Learning Beyond the Classroom

Among the many memorable experiences were the Coffee Challenge developed in partnership with UERJ/IPRJ, a visit to Café Monthal and to Alto da Figueira Field Station Araçá, and a hike to the breathtaking Dragon’s Head viewpoint, where they experienced firsthand the beauty of the Atlantic Forest.

More than simply visiting Brazil, the students built friendships, discovered new perspectives, and experienced what regenerative living truly means.

Watch the video below to see some of the best moments from this incredible journey.

Seeing Nature Through a Different Lens

This month, our volunteers had the opportunity to participate in a Nature Photography Workshop led by Sara, a professional photographer who spent the last three months volunteering at Eco Caminhos. Instead of simply walking through the farm, participants were invited to slow down, observe carefully, and discover extraordinary beauty in ordinary moments.

The results were remarkable. Tree bark became abstract art, sunlight transformed into dramatic compositions, and even our chickens somehow looked like they were performing in a rap battle.

Photography became another way of connecting with nature, encouraging everyone to look more closely and appreciate the details that often go unnoticed. As June came to an end, we also said goodbye to Sara. During her three months with us, she documented countless stories, captured the beauty of everyday life on the farm, and created an incredible collection of photos and videos that will continue inspiring future visitors.

Thank you, Sara, for sharing your talent, creativity, and positive energy with our community. We wish you safe travels and hope our paths cross again someday.

Eco Caminhos Named One of the Top 25 Ecotourism Blogs

We are proud to share another exciting achievement.

The Eco Caminhos Blog has been recognized by Feedspot as one of the Top 25 Ecotourism Blogs on the web.

This recognition reflects the dedication of everyone who contributes to sharing stories about regenerative agriculture, sustainable tourism, environmental education, and life at Eco Caminhos.

To everyone who reads, shares, and supports our content: thank you for being part of this journey.

New Volunteering Opportunity

Our community continues to grow, and we’re looking for new people to join us:

Cooking and Cleaning Position (Starting in September)

If you enjoy cooking, working with natural ingredients, and contributing to a welcoming community surrounded by nature, this could be the perfect opportunity.

The position is a full-time CLT (Brazilian labor contract) based at our eco farm in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro. The role includes preparing weekday breakfasts and lunches for our team, helping maintain the kitchen and accommodations, managing food supplies, and contributing to the warm, collaborative atmosphere that defines life at Eco Caminhos.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, lunch provided by the farm, the possibility of accommodation during the initial period if needed, daily contact with nature, an international work environment, opportunities to practice English, and continuous learning about agroforestry, sustainability, and organic food production.

If you’re interested, contact us at: experience@ecocaminhos.com

June reminded us that learning happens everywhere: in classrooms, forests, kitchens, conversations, and shared experiences between people from different cultures.

Every visitor, volunteer, student, and partner who joins our community helps strengthen the vision of a more regenerative future that we are building together.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and we look forward to sharing many more stories with you in July.

Text written by Camila Prado

Explore More and Stay Connected

Want to keep learning and experiencing Eco Caminhos? Check out these opportunities:

Discover our programs:

Try our ecotourism experiences (1 day to 1 week): Learn more
Join our volunteering program (starting from 1 week) with meals, accommodation, training, and excursions included: Learn more

Subscribe to our newsletter: Stay updated with our latest news
Follow us on Instagram: @ecocaminhos
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Watch videos and stories

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MAY 2026 HIGHLIGHTS – New beginnings, milestones, and wonderful visitors

ex2 — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:59:02 +0000

Dear Eco Caminhos community,

May was a month filled with new beginnings and exciting milestones reached at our farm. It was also brightened by the presence of wonderful visitors.

A New Phase of Ecolibrium

On May 2, 2026, we celebrated the completion of Phase 1 of the Ecolibrium Permaculture Hub, a significant milestone in our collective vision. After years of dedication and hard work, the space became fully operational, providing the infrastructure needed to support regenerative education programs and community development initiatives.

Phase 2 is already underway, bringing new improvements that will further expand the project’s impact. Ecolibrium represents our long-term commitment to regeneration, hands-on learning, and community empowerment. We also published our 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the key achievements, lessons learned, and impacts generated throughout the year.

We are deeply grateful to all the partners, sponsors, and supporters who make this work possible. Together, we continue building a more sustainable future.

Read the report here.

From Bangkok to Eco Caminhos

The cool winds of May didn’t just bring the dry leaves of autumn. They also brought a very special family to Eco Caminhos.

We had the pleasure of welcoming a family from Bangkok. Sakhi is Indian, while Peter, her husband, was born in France. Both passionate travelers, they met in Spain and, after a year of friendship, got married and eventually welcomed two wonderful children, Ayaan and Uma, in Thailand.

They arrived eager to explore nature, learn about permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building techniques, and they made the most of every moment of their experience here. Meanwhile, the children had an amazing time with everyone on the farm. They played on the swings, enjoyed chess matches, created art with clay, and absolutely loved the treasure hunt. Uma and Ayaan left Eco Caminhos with more than just chocolate coins. They took home new knowledge, beautiful memories, and a little piece of each one of us.

This family participated in our Family Experience Program, a unique immersion designed to strengthen family bonds through connection with nature, farm life, and shared experiences. Through hands-on activities, meaningful learning opportunities, and exposure to a more sustainable way of living, parents and children have the chance to slow down, create lasting memories, and experience a truly transformative journey together.

Watch the video below and get to know what the family has to say about their experience.

Eliza’s Return

Some people visit Eco Caminhos. Others become part of our story.

That is certainly the case with Eliza, a German volunteer who returned to Brazil for her third experience at our eco farm over the past seven years.

During her two-week stay, she reconnected with familiar landscapes, friends, and special memories, spent time with our volunteers, explored local trails, and captured the beauty of Eco Caminhos and the Nova Friburgo region through her incredible photography.

Welcoming back visitors who choose to return is one of the greatest signs of the impact our community can have. It was a true pleasure to have you with us once again, Eliza. Our doors will always be open for your next visit!

Welcome, Caterina!

Ciao, Caterina!

That’s how we welcomed the newest member of the Eco Caminhos family. Named after a very special Italian volunteer who stayed with us in April, little Caterina the calf has just entered the world. Her birth is another joyful moment in the life of the farm and a reminder of the meaningful connections we build with people from all around the world. Now, in addition to being part of our volunteer Caterina’s memories, her name has also become part of the Eco Caminhos story. If you visit the farm in the coming months, you’ll likely spot our little calf exploring the pastures, discovering the world around her, and receiving plenty of love and attention from the community.

Welcome to the world, Caterina!

Administrative Volunteering Oportunity

We are looking for an organized and proactive volunteer to support tasks such as email management, administrative organization, spreadsheets, documentation, purchasing, and internal processes.

In exchange, we offer shared accommodation, healthy meals, hands-on learning in permaculture, workshops, language classes, a multicultural community experience, and access to nature through hikes and outdoor activities. Depending on your interests, you may also participate in agroforestry and natural building projects.

We prefer volunteers who are available for a longer-term stay. This is an unpaid volunteer position; transportation and personal expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

Interested? Get in touch with us at: experience@ecocaminhos.com

We wrapped up May extremely happy and satisfied with the results. With new visitors bringing collaboration, dedication, positive energy, and reaching great results after a lot of work, we definitely had a great time at Eco Caminhos!

Text written by Camila Prado.

Discover our programs:

Try our ecotourism experiences (1 day to 1 week): Learn more
Join our volunteering program (starting from 1 week) with meals, accommodation, training, and excursions included: Learn more

Subscribe to our newsletter: Stay updated with our latest news
Follow us on Instagram: @ecocaminhos
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Watch videos and stories

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April 2026 Highlights – Youth and visitors from the Mediterranean on the farm

ex2 — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:43:57 +0000

Dear Eco Caminhos community,

April at Eco Caminhos was a month of meaningful encounters, cultural exchange, and hands-on experiences. Each day was unique, filled with enriching experiences, and brought new perspectives on what it means to live permaculture at its best.

The visit of the local school kids and the mayor

In this month, our work at Eco Caminhos could be seen from different perspectives.

We received, on the same day, both kids from a school from Nova Friburgo and the mayor of our city. The children took part in activities around the farm, such as collecting eggs, learning about composting while experimenting with the heat of the soil, playing with the worms, and also had a culinary experience, participated in baking a cake, and washing lettuce to prepare salad for our lunch at the farm.

They played, danced, and sang with volunteers from the farm and also with the Greeks and Cypriots from Wheeling2help.

In addition, our eco farm was visited by our city mayor and his team of secretaries, including the education, social development and human rights secretariat. They were taken on a tour around the farm and they got to know more about Eco Caminhos and Ecolibrium Association, our mission, and future plans.

Hands Willing to Volunteer

To help or not to help? That was never the question.

For the second time at Eco Caminhos, the Greek NGO Wheeling2help brought people who were enthusiastic to make the difference and participate in our projects by diving into permaculture, agroforestry, bioconstruction, and much more.

They also visited the local school Cardinot and carried out a social action together with Eco Caminhos volunteers. There, these volunteers helped us rebuild the fence around the school.

Also, they painted a world map mural with the children, taught them some Greek words, and shared special moments playing traditional Greek games.

Directly from the birthplace of philosophy – Greece, Cyprus, and Crete – they came to have another great experience at our permaculture farm diving into agroforestry and natural building. In the end, they had a blast at our farm, made friends, marvelled at the nature and waterfalls nearby, leaving behind the uplifting effect of their presence, culture, and generosity.

Dragon’s Head Hike

The State Park Three Peaks is the largest state park of Rio de Janeiro, with about 65 thousand hectares, created to protect the Atlantic Forest and host the highest mountains of Serra do Mar. The highest peak, reaches more than 2.300 m, being a reference to climbing and ecotourism.

Our volunteers Vanessa, Judith, Caterina, and our tour guide Dutra, went for a hike on Dragon’s Head (Cabeça do Dragão), on Three Peaks State Park, and it turned into a really fun day out in nature! The trail took the volunteers through lush forest paths, fresh mountain air, and plenty of beautiful views along the way.

There was a great mix of energy in the group: lots of laughter, good conversations, and contemplation.

At the top, they were rewarded with an amazing panoramic view of the mountains. There were snacks, photos, and the feeling of “we made it” was the icing on the cake.

Camila’s Birthday Full of Surprises

April was the month in which we celebrated Camila’s birthday. There was not only a delicious big chocolate cake and a celebration at the end of that Thursday, but also a city tour in the morning and afternoon.

Noemi, Jack, Ana, Jan, Caterina, and Judith made her day brighter. They had some coffee with pastries, Judith tried everybody’s glasses, and Caterina gave a personal color analysis consultation to all of them.

Also, all of them had the opportunity to participate in a RPG game about sustainability in the creativity event. In the evening, the celebration took place at Ecolibirum’s kitchen and afterwards, around the campfire.

It was definitely a happy birthday!

Volunteers Wanted

We are currently looking for motivated volunteers to fill three different positions: agroforestry, bioconstruction, and administration. Each role contributes directly to the daily life and ongoing development of our eco farm.

This is a hands-on opportunity to learn by doing, connect with nature, and take part in real projects focused on sustainability, regeneration, and community living.

If you are craving a more nature-connected lifestyle, looking for new experiences, interested in practicing different languages in a multicultural community, and eager to contribute to a larger regenerative mission, this could be the right place for you.

The experiences of April made us feel inspired and deeply connected.

With the visit of Greek volunteers, joyful moments with local children, hikes through nature, and many shared experiences, it was a month of cultural exchange, community, and meaningful connections.

Text written by Camila Prado.

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MARCH 2026 HIGHLIGHTS – VISIBILITY, NEW PATHS, AND GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS

ex2 — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:36:21 +0000

Dear Eco Caminhos community,

March was a month of meaningful connections, new partnerships, and hands-on learning at Eco Caminhos. From international collaborations to community celebrations and new paths on the farm, it was a time of growth, joy, and shared experiences.

Visit of FUNIMA to Our Ecological Farm and Interview with Bart

Last month, we had a special visit from FUNIMA INTERNATIONAL , an Italian NGO that works to combat poverty and environmental challenges, with a strong focus on youth and vulnerable communities, while also promoting sustainability and inclusion.

Over the course of two days, they took part in our activities and experienced firsthand our permaculture farm in Brazil, including our agroforestry systems and sustainable practices. By the end of their visit, they were truly impressed by the farm and the way permaculture is applied at Eco Caminhos.

In addition, they invited our founder, Bart, for an interview (which will be published soon), and we are currently exploring opportunities for future partnerships.

International Sustainable Initiative at Our Eco Farm

In March, we also had the pleasure of taking part in an international reforestation initiative. In partnership with Planting on Demand, a non-governmental organization from the Netherlands, and 1 Click Impact, we planted 100 fruit trees, contributing both to environmental restoration and local sustainability.

As part of this collaboration, we hosted a live session in which Bart introduced the work of Eco Caminhos and demonstrated the planting process in our agroforestry system. This included soil preparation techniques, the use of banana tree trunks to enrich the soil, and other sustainable practices.

Research Program Volunteer Opens a New Trail at Our Permaculture Farm

March wrapped up the summer and opened new paths.

A volunteer from the Netherlands, Rens Zijderveld, who joined our Research Program, needed access to an area next to Ecolibrium for his research. So, with the help of an English volunteer couple (Bryn and Eleanor), he decided to open a trail to make access easier.

The trail connects SAF 5 to Ecolibrium, passing through an area of primary Atlantic Forest. And the opening was a success! He definitely left his mark here at Eco Caminhos.

Volunteers Celebrate Their Birthdays at Our Eco Farm

This was a month full of celebrations at our eco farm!

We celebrated the birthdays of Hellen, Rodrigo, and Vanessa with lots of karaoke, delicious food, games, and great vibes. It was a special moment of connection, joy, and sharing among everyone.

Eco Caminhos wishes them lots of success, happiness, and fulfillment. May their paths be brighter every day!

From Farm to Table Sustainability:

Pamonha Cake Workshop

We had a delicious pamonha cake workshop, where Hellen taught us every step of the process from preparing fresh corn to the final recipe.

The experience was light and fun, full of exchanges, laughter, and of course, amazing flavors. We even had a mini dance class during the food preparation! In the end, everyone got to enjoy the results and take a bit of this traditional knowledge with them.

We wrapped up March feeling grateful and fulfilled.

With new experiences, more visibility and meaningful achievements, it was a month of widening horizons, connection, and new paths.

Discover our programs:

Try our ecotourism experiences (1 day to 1 week): Learn more
Join our volunteering program (starting from 1 week) with meals, accommodation, training, and excursions included: Learn more

Subscribe to our newsletter: Stay updated with our latest news
Follow us on Instagram: @ecocaminhos
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Watch videos and stories

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February 2026 Highlights – New beginnings, knowledge, and goodbyes

ex2 — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:04:15 +0000

Dear Eco Caminhos community,

February was a month full of activity, learning, and meaningful exchanges on the farm. Between activities with volunteers, new learnings, farewells, and new arrivals, we continued strengthening our work and community life. In this newsletter, we share some of the moments and updates that marked this period here.

Special Opportunity:

Open Positions for Free Volunteering

We have new open positions for free volunteer work opportunities in two main sectors of the farm: Bioconstruction and Agroforestry. This is a unique chance for those who want hands-on learning, take real responsibilities, and become part of our environmental regeneration work.

These positions are ideal for people who look for purpose,daily practice and professional and personal development. If you want to live a period of transformation and help strengthen regeneration initiatives, this is your chance!

Bioconstruction Coordination

We are looking for a person with experience in architecture and bioconstruction, to support our current projects, participate in sustainable buildings, and maintenance tasks in the farm.

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Agroforestry Volunteer

The position requires handling agroforestry systems, supporting planting and harvesting and guiding groups who visit the farm.

Workshop on Medicinal Plants and Unconventional Food Plants (UFPs)

In February, the volunteers took part in a workshop on Unconventional Food Plants (UFPs) and medicinal plants. It was a day of direct exchange and hands-on learning.

Ana, Hellen, and Leo introduced the main UFPs in Brazil, organized a playful activity where participants matched medicinal plants to the symptoms they treat, and also guided the volunteers, who came from eight different countries, to identify and taste medicinal plants and UFPs in the farm’s garden.

The participants learned how to prepare teas and natural products using these plants and received an e-book on medicinal plants written by the volunteer Hellen herself.

It was an interactive and fruitful workshop for everyone!

Amadeus’s Farewell

In February, Amadeus said “Goodbye” to our farm.

After participating and collaborating with our Eco Caminhos team for three years, he completed his cycle of learning and development with us. He arrived with little experience and quite shy, but gradually gained confidence and maturity here on the farm. He made many friends and grew through his experience at Eco Caminhos.

Junior’s Arrival

Later this month, we welcomed Junior, who will join our long-term volunteer team, working in the agroforestry area.

With great enthusiasm and motivation, he is a young man from the state of Goiás seeking a deeper connection with nature and the development of skills in agroforestry.

Welcome, Júnior!

We wrapped up February feeling really grateful and energized.

It was a month full of changes and movement, with people coming and going, bringing new visitors and volunteers who helped renew the energy and strengthen the spirit of the farm.

May March bring more progress and new achievements, and may we continue, together, turning our actions into positive impacts for the world and for people, strengthening more sustainable and conscious paths

Explore More and Stay Connected

Want to keep learning and experiencing Eco Caminhos? Check out these opportunities:

Discover our programs:

Try our ecotourism experiences (1 day to 1 week): Learn more
Join our volunteering program (starting from 1 week) with meals, accommodation, training, and excursions included: Learn more

Subscribe to our newsletter: Stay updated with our latest news
Follow us on Instagram: @ecocaminhos
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Watch videos and stories

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ECOLIBRIUM, LATEST NEWS FROM THE FARM

ex2 — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:20:39 +0000

New Ecolibrium Video: A Clear Vision of What We’re Building

We’ve launched the new Ecolibrium video. It presents how the idea for the Association was born and shows the structuring of our regenerative learning center. The content explains our proposal to create a sustainability hub with permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building practices.

The video also shows how Ecolibrium aims to support communities and ecosystems by offering training, research, and practical experiences that strengthen the transition to lifestyles aligned with nature.

The editing was done by Giordano Rush and Camilla Baumann. The footage was captured by Miki Mikucki and complemented by recordings from volunteers who passed through Eco Caminhos over the years. The video also features a special appearance by Ilona Szabó de Carvalho, advisor to Ecolibrium Association.

Visit to Projeto Araçá

We took the farm’s current group for an experience at Araçá Project, located within the RPPN Alto da Figueira in Macaé de Cima, Nova Friburgo, RJ, a site focused on research, species mapping, and Atlantic Rainforest conservation.

Volunteers and visitors explored trails, observed fauna and flora species, and learned about the research and mapping work done on-site. This was an excellent opportunity to connect theory and practice in the forest. We thank Yan Ramos, General Manager of Araçá, for the incredible hospitality and partnership.

Workshops Led by Volunteers

January brought a series of activities guided by the volunteers themselves here at Eco Caminhos. Each workshop helped the group learn new skills, better understand the territory, and apply practices in daily life that strengthen life on the farm. Everything was done in a simple, collaborative way, connected to Eco Caminhos’ routine.

Flute Workshop (Giordano, Switzerland): Bamboo flute construction: techniques, tool use, and first steps to playing.

Treasure Hunt & Mapping (Rens Zijderveld, Netherlands): Rens presented species that compose our agroforestry systems and led a photo hunt; clue by clue, participants identified plants and learned their functions in the ecosystem.

Theory of Change (Florian & Lorena): Workshop to clarify social impact: problems to address, planned actions, and expected results by Ecolibrium Association. A very important tool for aligning strategy and practice.

Preparing Bokashi: Living Soil for Productive Areas

With guidance from Niko Smith, we produced a new batch of Bokashi, a Japanese fermented fertilizer rich in effective microorganisms.

The process strengthens the soil, improves plant nutrition, and increases biological activity, fortifies roots, and reduces pests. The working party was practical and educational: everyone got their hands dirty.

Sports, Community, and Well-being: New Volleyball Net

We received a new net for Ecolibrium’s sports area; now volleyball games are even better. Sports practice is an important moment of leisure and unity for all volunteers and visitors at Eco Caminhos.

Constant Movement: Arrivals and Departures

January brought important transitions. New people arrived with energy and talent. Others completed their cycle after contributing to life on the farm. Each movement left learning, memories, and direct impact on Eco Caminhos’ work.

We thank and bid farewell (with affection) to: Giordano (Switzerland), Jasper (Netherlands), Tina (Germany), Niko (Brazil), Mirthe & Zita (Belgium), Bárbara (Switzerland), Jamilla & Mathilda (United Kingdom), Florian (Italy) and Lorena (Brazil), Eleanor & Bryn (United Kingdom).

Thank you for all the teachings and contributions!

Explore More and Stay Connected

Want to keep learning and experiencing Eco Caminhos? Check out these opportunities:

Discover our programs:

Try our ecotourism experiences (1 day to 1 week): Learn more

Join our volunteering program (starting from 1 week) with meals, accommodation, training, and excursions included: Learn more

Subscribe to our newsletter: Stay updated with our latest news

Follow us on Instagram: @ecocaminhos

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Watch videos and stories

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Highlights from November and December 2025

ex2 — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:59:47 +0000

We close 2025 with purpose, connection and renewed hope

Dear Eco Caminhos community,
We have reached the end of another cycle. It was a year of hard work, deep transformations and unforgettable moments on the farm. The months of November and December brought a special energy: we welcomed volunteers from several countries, strengthened strategic partnerships, participated in important events and completed initiatives that reflect our commitment to environmental regeneration and human development.

Below we share the main events of these last two months of 2025. This is an invitation to close the year with gratitude and to begin 2026 with new dreams and partnerships.

Volunteers Who Inspired the Month

Next we welcomed Camilla and Giordano from Lugano, Switzerland. Camilla, who has Brazilian roots on her father’s side, and Giordano brought not only audiovisual experience but also a rich multicultural perspective. They will stay for a longer period—three months and two months, respectively—and have already started developing institutional materials that will help expand our international visibility and strengthen our communication with volunteers worldwide.

The presence of these volunteers demonstrated how art and communication are essential tools to expand the reach of regenerative projects.

The first highlight of November was the arrival of Alicja and Miki, a videomaker couple from Poland. During the two weeks they stayed with us, they fully integrated into farm activities. They took part in agroforestry work, learned the principles of natural building up close, and followed the sustainable routine that is part of our daily life. At the same time, they captured everything with sensitivity and skill, producing videos that convey Eco Caminhos’ human and regenerative spirit.

Partnership with the ARAÇÁ Project: Aligning Paths to Regenerate the Atlantic Forest

November was also marked by a very important visit. We received representatives from the ARAÇÁ Project (Atlantic Research and Conservation Alliance) and the HUB Foundation: Luisa Book, Johan Berg, Hannes Dempewolf and Fernando Antonelli. Their presence represented a strategic moment to define the next joint steps.

During the visit, we explored the potential for new actions focused on the restoration of the Atlantic Forest. We discussed opportunities to deepen scientific research on the farm, evaluated ways to expand biodiversity monitoring, and exchanged ideas on regenerative solutions capable of creating real transformation throughout the region.

They also had the chance to experience the daily life at Eco Caminhos. They visited our developing agroforestry systems, followed the activities of our volunteers, and observed how we integrate environmental regeneration, hands-on education, and sustainable ecotourism.

Special Week with the Greek Group Wheeling2Help

Undoubtedly, one of the most vibrant moments of November was the arrival of thirty volunteers from the organization Wheeling2Help, founded in Greece in 2016. The NGO works to inspire young people to take part in social and environmental impact projects around the world, promoting cultural exchange and transformative experiences.

Over an intense week, the group experienced everything that makes Eco Caminhos a unique place. They participated in daily farm activities, including agroforestry tasks, reforestation actions and natural building initiatives. The group’s energy was contagious—full of joy, cooperation and a genuine desire to contribute.

We have great news: another Wheeling2Help group is already confirmed to come to Eco Caminhos in April 2026. This return reinforces the strength of this international partnership and further expands opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual learning.

CASA Project: A Week of Colors, Smiles and Connection

During the Special Week, the CASA Project warmly welcomed the Greek volunteers from Wheeling2Help, who brought color, joy and lots of positive energy to the children served in the Cordoeira and Alto Floresta neighborhoods in Nova Friburgo.

Throughout the week, the group dedicated themselves to painting and revitalizing some of the project’s spaces, transforming the rooms into even more welcoming, vibrant and inspiring environments for daily activities. While working, the volunteers took the opportunity to interact with the children, creating moments of connection, play, cultural exchange and lots of fun.

The presence of the Greek volunteers turned the week into a special and meaningful period for everyone. The children had new experiences, had fun, learned and felt the affection of people who came from far away motivated by the desire to contribute. The result was moving: a visible—but above all human—transformation.

General Assembly of the Ecolibrium Association

At the beginning of December we held the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Ecolibrium Association, a meeting that symbolized alignment, renewal and institutional strengthening. During the gathering we approved updates to the statute and formalized the new board that will lead our actions in the coming years.

The composition is as follows:

Executive Board

President: Bart Bijen

Vice-President: Izabel Sousa

Financial Director: Hilaine Fernandez

Communications Director: Robson Lessa

Advisory Board: Ilona Szabó de Carvalho, Fausto Amadigi, Yanaê Melo, Guto Azevedo and Letícia Costa Feres.

During the assembly we also reaffirmed our vision of building a region that harmonizes agriculture and life in tune with nature and our mission to teach permaculture, agroforestry and natural building to local and international communities.

It was a strategic and powerful meeting that marks a new moment of maturity for the Association, in pursuit of actions and advances we want to promote in the coming years in our region.

Eco Caminhos at Orange Dialogues, International Dialogue for Regeneration

Also in December, Bart participated in the Rio de Janeiro edition of Orange Dialogues, an event promoted by the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Rio de Janeiro in partnership with Dutcham. During the meeting he presented Eco Caminhos’ work in agroforestry, sustainable tourism and land regeneration, alongside specialists committed to turning sustainability into concrete action.

It was a valuable opportunity to bring international institutions closer to our projects, share real experiences of social impact and broaden the global dialogue on environmental regeneration.

Construction of the New Tool Shed in SAF 6

Another important highlight was the progress in building the new tool shed in Agroforestry System 6. The project is being carried out by our volunteer team, led by James, Mirthe and Zita, who started the construction from scratch. The shed is being built using sustainable techniques and natural materials and will be essential to support the expansion of agroforestry systems next year.

The construction symbolizes what we believe in: when practical education, regeneration and collective work meet, ideas turn into structures that remain and inspire.

Thanks for 7,000 Followers

We closed the year celebrating reaching seven thousand followers on Instagram. This milestone represents much more than a number. It proves that the message of regeneration, volunteering and deep connection with nature is reaching more people and gaining momentum in Brazil and around the world.

We are grateful to everyone who follows, shares and is inspired by our work.

Closing 2025 with a full heart and making space for a new cycle

The events of these last months reinforced something essential: sustainability is born from human relationships. Every volunteer, partner, visitor and friend who passed through Eco Caminhos this year left a contribution that will never be forgotten.

The year 2026 is approaching and will bring new projects, new partnerships, new challenges and endless possibilities for positive impact. We are ready to keep building, learning and regenerating, always with you by our side.

Explore More and Stay Connected

Want to keep learning and experiencing Eco Caminhos? Check out these opportunities:

Discover our programs:

Try our ecotourism experiences (1 day to 1 week): Learn more

Join our volunteering program (starting from 1 week) with meals, accommodation, training, and excursions included: Learn more

Subscribe to our newsletter: Stay updated with our latest news

Follow us on Instagram: @ecocaminhos

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Watch videos and stories

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October Highlights: Volunteering, Ecotourism, and Sustainable Projects

ex2 — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:38:31 +0000

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.

Visit from the Royal Dutch Geographical Society

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Explore More and Stay Connected

Want to keep learning and experiencing Eco Caminhos? Check out these opportunities:

Discover our programs:

Try our ecotourism experiences (1 day to 1 week): Learn more

Join our volunteering program (starting from 1 week) with meals, accommodation, training, and excursions included: Learn more

Subscribe to our newsletter: Stay updated with our latest news

Follow us on Instagram: @ecocaminhos

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Watch videos and stories

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Eco Caminhos: Human Connections that Transform Lives – reflections after 5 months

ex2 — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:52:04 +0000

The Essence of Eco Caminhos: Everything Begins with People

After five months living at Eco Caminhos, I can say with complete certainty: our organization is 100% about people. Every volunteer who passes through here leaves their mark, whether on the development of the project or on a wall inside the Ecolibrium, a space that symbolizes the collective growth of our community. Each story, each experience, and each act of collaboration help build not only the farm itself but also a vibrant international community, connected by the desire to live more sustainably.

Living a Complete Sustainable Experience

Living at Eco Caminhos is more than just working on a far, it’s a complete sustainable experience, where every action has purpose and every day offers a new opportunity to learn. People from different cultures and nationalities come together here, united by the wish to live in harmony with nature. We practice permaculture principles daily, learn about agroforestry, natural building, and regenerative farming techniques that respect the environment. It’s a continuous, intense, and deeply transformative learning process.

Human Connections Beyond Cultural Barriers

What truly makes Eco Caminhos special is the human connection that happens every single day. Even when we don’t share the same language, teamwork naturally takes place. We support each other, collaborate, and overcome challenges together. Cultural exchange flows effortlessly, during meals, while walking around the farm, in group projects, or during moments of rest. Here, weeks feel like months, and friendships built in just a few days can last a lifetime.

Personal and Professional Growth in Harmony with Nature

Beyond the community life, Eco Caminhos is a space for personal and professional development. Those who arrive motivated find the perfect environment to grow, learn new skills, and strengthen essential values such as cooperation, empathy, and leadership. Working with permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building offers valuable technical learning, but the real transformation happens in daily coexistence, through the exchange with people from different backgrounds, values, and life stories. It’s a unique opportunity to evolve while contributing to a meaningful collective project.

A Call for a Conscious and Sustainable Lifestyle

Our mission goes far beyond environmental education. We aim to inspire those seeking a conscious and sustainable lifestyle, showing that it’s possible to combine ecotourism, hands-on learning, and human development. If you’re passionate about nature, eager to learn about agroforestry, permaculture, and natural building, or simply want to join an international community that values deep human connections, Eco Caminhos is the ideal place for you.

Create your story at Eco Caminhos

Come live this unique experience, where every day brings new opportunities for learning, friendship, and transformation. Here, every person who arrives leaves a mark and takes with them memories, knowledge, and connections that last a lifetime. At Eco Caminhos, we believe that sustainability begins with people and with the way we connect with one another and with nature. If you want to discover what it means to live more consciously, to learn by doing through permaculture, agroforestry, and natural building, and to be part of an international community passionate about ecotourism and sustainability, Eco Caminhos is waiting for you.

Join our international community, and leave your mark on our story!

Explore More and Stay Connected

Want to keep learning and experiencing Eco Caminhos? Check out these opportunities:

Discover our programs:

Try our ecotourism experiences (1 day to 1 week): Learn more

Join our volunteering program (starting from 1 week) with meals, accommodation, training, and excursions included: Learn more

Subscribe to our newsletter: Stay updated with our latest news

Follow us on Instagram: @ecocaminhos

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Watch videos and stories

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Just Another Day at Eco Caminhos

ex2 — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:13:52 +0000

Life at Eco Caminhos is made up of small, meaningful moments.

Some muddy, some magical, all real and moments that make you stop and smile.

This article shares glimpses of what it’s like to live and grow in a sustainable community.

A Monday

After an ice-cold night and a chilly morning, the sun’s rays push out the early morning mist, warming the Ecolibrium construction site. As the clouds scatter, dropping gentle rain, a magnificent rainbow is painted across the sky. Even Scooby, our loyal dog, sits as if meditating, captivated by the spectacle. For a moment, the world is still, and the connection with nature intense. Then, it’s back to work, mixing natural materials into building blocks of Ecolibrium and a sustainable future.

A Tuesday

A Swedish TV crew from SVT arrives, filming our agroforestry methods and coffee cultivation, just as I happen to interview a student from Sweden, applying for an internship here. Their curiosity about what we do here and why sparks a positive energy, helping us share our story. In the afternoon, we gather in the kitchen with international volunteers for a workshop on chocolate crepiocas, their sweet aroma uniting us.

A Wednesday

In our fifth Agroforestry System, the biggest and most recent, we have opened up new lines and planted salads, carrots, and broccoli. To the left, grasslands give a glimpse of the past; to the right, our four-year-old agroforestry system thrives. Ahead lies a pocket of native forest, teeming with biodiversity and a look into the future of what we are creating. I am part of a bridge, between a today and tomorrow so beautiful and inviting, I hope others will cross it with us.

A Thursday

Some of us haul heavy Eucalyptus trees to repair the log retaining walls in our second agroforestry system. Others scoop up fresh cow dung from the fields and road. Not the most glamorous task at first glance, but actually essential. It’s ‘black gold’ as ingredient for the wall finishings at Ecolibrium, as well as enriching our much needed compost. Under a blazing sun, the work is tough but rewarding. The evening is filled with laughter during ping pong rounds, card games and the karaoke mic passing from hand to hand. As soon as “My Way” plays, passionately we all sing and shout as one.

A Friday

In a live online session, Brazilian apprentices and international volunteers put their hands in the rich soil of one of our agroforestry systems, together planting fruit trees donated by Planting on Demand from The Netherlands. Each tree roots us deeper into this land. Later, we reflect with British civil engineering students on their two-week stay—building, exploring Brazil’s “Switzerland,” and embracing sustainability. Together we are building partnerships and a shared vision.

A Saturday

Nearby Nova Friburgo is buzzing with the Winter Festival’s live music and reflections on land and territory— themes that echo our mission. Back at the farm, we want to cook together in the volunteer house, but reality calls — empty water tanks mean a climb up the hill to identify the issue. After a quick fix we go back to the kitchen, blending flavours from around the globe.

A Sunday

Rolling out of bed, I sink into the hammock and get lost in a book while enjoying frozen grapes. The sun warms my skin, and a breeze invites a siesta. Today is for rest, for soaking in the beauty of this place we call home.

And tomorrow? Something equally ordinary. Equally extraordinary.

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