Instituto de Permacultura EcoVIDA São Miguel

Permacultura no Vale do Jequitinhonha: Agroecologia e Educação para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável de Base Comunitária

Using Low-Cost, High-Impact, Ecologically-Sustainable Technology for Permaculture

Before the current water crisis in Brazil, permaculture farmers around the world were leading a sort of “silent revolution”, actively transforming desert areas into fertile land. The sustainable methods they utilized which included renewable energy, water collection systems, soil restoration, and organic matter applications, can be adapted and applied in communities as development models.

Instituto de Permacultura da EcoVIDA São Miguel was created in 2010 to help restore and conserve ecosystems, encourage sustainable use of natural resources, and foster the creation of solidarity networks. Its permaculture project will promote sustainable, productive, eco-friendly agricultural practices in the São Gonçalo do Rio das Pedras and surrounding communities, a region where most of those in extreme poverty in the state reside.

With support from BrazilFoundation, the Instituto aims to:

• Install home systems for electric power generation, hydraulic pumping and dry toilets;
• Implement eco-friendly sanitation systems and construction methods;
• Conduct workshops on agroecology and sustainable food production, providing opportunities for farmer exchanges;
• Offer permaculture workshops for 10 children.

Impact

Food security in the Jequitinhonha valley
10 children taught permaculture
Sustainable technologies spread

“We’ve learned that the best way is to first listen then speak. Our approach strategy focuses on integration within the local context.” – EcoVida Team