Young EcoLeaders of the Brazilian Rainforest

Dear donors and friends of the Young EcoLeaders Program,

What do the schoolkids in your country usually do on a Saturday?

You can be sure it usually involves screentime, right? 

Well, this Saturday was a bit different.  As part of our educational program, we really enjoy hosting groups of students for a day long immersion into the rainforest.  So our team was up bright and early to welcom a group from Omega College, one of the private schools from our nearest town Muriaé.  The students piled into a bus for their first trip to Iracambi. It's a trip of forty-five kilometers - up the mountain, through the small town of Limeira, along the dirt road and over the wooden bridge to the research center. 

Their visit started with a few words from Robin, Iracambi's founder and policy guru, who gave them a quick overview of what an ecosystem is and how we are all part of it. The students checked out the Center, admiring the flags painted on the wall, and marveling at the different countries represented. They then visited the Forest House with its photos, maps, animal masks and different forest exhibits. (The snakes in formaldehyde are always an attraction!)

Then it was time to head into the forest where project coordinator Dayanna took them along the Medicinal Plants trail and introduced them to some amazing medicinal species such as Dragon's Blood - the bright red resin from the Croton ururucana tree. Dragon's Blood is obtained by slashing the bark and harvesting the sticky resin which has extraordinary properties in healing wounds, creating a virtual second skin with antibiotic properties. 

After emerging from the trail, the students visited our forest nursery and learned about the process of reforestation, from collecting the seeds in the forest, to making and caring for the young seedlings, as well as planting and maintaining them for two or three years until they can fend for themselves.

At the end of the visit they had a quiz based on what they had learned over the course of the day. The students were divided into teams, and competed fiercely with one another. The leader of the losing team had been promised a pie in the face, but she took it in good part, and we really hope it tasted good! 

As an extra bonus, some of the children who knew a little English were able to interact with Iracambi volunteers and test their communication skills. So a good time was had by all, and the students thoroughly enjoyed their day in the forest. And the Iracambi team? We love having the chance to share our beautiful forest trails with the younger generation who will be the future forest guardians. 

So thank you, dear donors, for your support, and with your help we are reaching more and more students in the region,

with love from Dayanna and the Iracambi team   

Dear Donor,

It is with immense gratitude that we come to share a unique experience that became possible due your generous support.

Prepare to embark on an enchanting journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Minas Gerais, where the hidden gem of the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park awaits your discovery! This remarkable oasis of nature is a treasure bestowed upon the countryside, an exquisite tapestry woven with captivating wonders.

Brace yourself for an awe-inspiring tale, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Lucas, a remarkable 12-year-old adventurer, whose voyage to the State Park will leave you breathless with admiration. Today, we invite you to immerse yourself in the extraordinary narrative that awaits, a tale that fills our hearts with immeasurable pride.

"Oh, hello there!

My name is Lucas, and I was part of the group of young eco-leaders of 2022, that had the honor of being granted a visit to the Serra do Brigadeiro State Park, a park that evolves eight cities nearby ours - Rosário da Limeira!

The Park is truly a natural treasure hidden into the countryside of the state of Minas Gerais. We've only heard about it a few times before, but, as a matter of fact, you can say that we didn't expect much from it.

Still, as we were entering the Park, we were amazed by the mountains covered by trees, countless of them. As we entered the park, it was like an oasis we were enveloped by the grandeur of the mountains and enchanted by the lush forests that covered them. Nature welcomed us with open arms, providing a spectacle of beauty and biodiversity.

Walking along the trails (accompanied by the tour guide), we got to know that there were a lot of different animals on that area, including the of rare and endangered species - liike the Woolly Spider Monkey, which is large primate and can be seen from a great distance, moving through the trees.

Unfortunately, we didn't see them, but each step brought us closer to a new wonder of nature! We saw a lot of biodiversity and even saw the footprint of a large animal, which got us all excited! Our teacher Dayana, who was with us, said that it was probably from a feline, such as an ocelot, present in that region.

It was a transformative experience that awakened a deep connection with the environment within us.

The mountains of Serra do Brigadeiro have become icons representing our responsibility to protect and preserve nature. We were able to understand more about the importance of taking action for biodiversity, addressing the environmental challenges that the world faces. The visit to the park instilled an ecological consciousness in us, young eco-leaders, and we are committed to being agents of change in our communities.

Your support made this journey possible. It is thanks to your generosity that we could experience this unforgettable adventure.

Your donation allowed us to connect with nature, understand its significance, and commit to safeguarding it. Your investment in us, young eco-leaders, is a testament to your confidence in the potential of the new generations to make a difference.

On behalf of the entire group of young eco-leaders of 2022, we express deep gratitude for your contribution. Know that your donation not only provided us with a unique moment but also inspired us to continue raising awareness and taking action for the environment. We are determined to carry forward this legacy and contribute to a sustainable future.

Once again, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and generosity. Your donation has made a difference in the lives of young eco-leaders and in the preservation of nature. May we, together, continue to protect and cherish our planet for future generations.

With gratitude,

The group of young eco-leaders of 2022

Dear Donor,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation to the Young Ecoleaders program, which has made it possible for young individuals to visit and learn more about the Mata Atlantica in the interior of Minas Gerais. Your support has provided a transformative experience for these young minds.

I would like to share with you a heartwarming story about one particular child who has been profoundly impacted by this program. This child has eagerly absorbed every bit of knowledge about nature, and their passion is beautifully expressed through their drawings. Their artwork depicts the lessons they have learned so far, emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with animals, trees, and plants, and recognizing nature as our true home.

The visit to the Mata Atlantica has been a life-changing experience for these young participants. It has allowed them to witness the beauty and wonder of the natural world firsthand, fostering a deep connection and understanding of the delicate balance that exists within it. They have come to realize that we are all interconnected, and that our actions have a profound impact on the environment and the creatures that call it home.

Your contribution to the Young Ecoleaders program has not only provided these children with an opportunity to explore the Mata Atlantica, but it has also instilled in them a sense of responsibility towards nature and a desire to protect it. They have learned valuable lessons about conservation, sustainability, and the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.

Once again, thank you for your invaluable contribution. Your generosity has helped shape the minds and hearts of these young ecoleaders, and their commitment to protecting our precious natural resources is a testament to the impact your support has made.

With deepest appreciation,

The Iracambi team

Dear environmetalist friends!

We wanted to share with you some exciting news about our recent meeting with the teachers of a school in Cataguases.

We had the opportunity to visit their horto and learn about their new environmental education project in partnership with the IEF.

We were thrilled to be invited to the meeting and grateful for the chance to share our own experiences in the field of environmental education.

It was inspiring to see the dedication of the teachers and the progress they have already made in their work.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we are looking forward to continuing to collaborate with the teachers and the school on future projects. And we hope to have the same opportunity in many more schools.

But for now, we are arising, one step at time.

So, take care and keep up with us!

Greetings from the rainforest.

The Iracambi Team