How it all began at the Rainforest Club

Hello fellow followers,

Between Sumidouro & Nova Friburgo

During my sabbatical in 2023, I visited my friends Florian and Andreia in Murineli, a small village not far from Rio de Janeiro. Murineli is in the state of Rio de Janeiro between Sumidouro and Nova Friburgo, the area is shaped by Swiss immigration into Brazil since the early 1800s.

I found myself immersed in the rich history and beauty of the region. This area was once dominated by coffee plantations from the late 1700s, but today it's a patchwork of vast pastures and remainders of the Mata Atlântica rainforest.

Cattle farming has become the mainstay here, besides some fruit plantation, while coffee farms have largely vanished. Cattle farming is economically beneficial but it also poses significant environmental challenges, particularly in terms of deforestation and the balance of the ecosystem. Many local farmers also rely on fruit and vegetable farming, which often involves the use of harmful fertilizers.

The Rainforest Club is working towards a sustainable solution by implementing Permaculture principles on their farm. They seek to balance the needs of farming with environmental preservation, taking into account critical elements like weather, soil, water, and the local wildlife.

Partial vie of the Rainforest Club

The aim is to find a practical and sustainable balance—maintaining forest areas where possible, reducing reliance on cattle farming, and eliminating toxic fertilizers. It’s about aligning economic necessities with environmental stewardship, ensuring that both the people and the rainforest can thrive together.

It's a complex challenge, but with careful management, patience and community engagement, progress is being made. This approach offers a more sustainable future for the Mata Atlântica region.

We will update you with project developments, moments in the rainforest, learnings and opportunities. Thank you for being connected with us.

Thomas 🌳