Sinal do Vale

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sinal do Vale

Institute

Since FEBruary 2013

Since MaRCH 2017

A biohub, education and retreat centre in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, Sinal do Vale incubates initiatives and promotes multidisciplinary learning in regenerative bioeconomy. Prototyping practical solutions for regenerating social and natural ecosystems since 2012, it offers transformative getaways to help individuals and organisations create global change. Sinal do Vale is a certified Global Ecosphere Retreat®.

Sinal do Vale focuses on three main initiatives: restoration of the Atlantic Rainforest, food security and regenerative tourism. Hands-on programmes see guests participate in activities, workshops and community projects, gaining skills in sustainability practices, agroforestry, and ecosystem restoration. Offering transformative learning on an individual and organisational level, these experiences not only foster personal growth but inspire and equip participants to drive change in their own communities.

CONSERVATION

Through reforestation and agroforestry models, SINAL has planted more than 50,000 native trees, helping restore the endangered Atlantic Rainforest.

SINAL is home to the endangered, endemic Golden Lion Tamarin, which has an estimated wild population of 2,000 individuals.

COMMUNITY

The Guanabara Bay Trail Project, has trained 230 young people in sustainability practices to inspire community-based tourism and income diversification.

Sinal do Vale’s employees are offered an on-campus after school programme for their children, including English and environmental lessons, and a healthy meal.

CULTURE

$65,000 raised by The Guanabara Bay Trail Project has been reinvested into local infrastructure solutions and a traditional fishermens’ association.

A redesigned reforestation programme maintains clear trail paths for recreational bikers and hikers, while events celebrate our stewardship of nature.

COMMERCE

Madre Frutos, a Sinal do Vale-founded jackfruit factory, helps contain the non-native tree, provides a healthy food source, and boosts employment.

Sinal do Vale’s Highlights

Restoration work - SINAL works to reforest with native trees the endangered Atlantic Rainforest in the critical buffer zone between the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro and conservation units in the area.
Endemic and endangered species such as the Golden Lion Tamarin, believed to have only 2,000 specimens in the wild are present at SINAL’s campus
Recreation on the campus of SINAL serves as a vital conduit for fostering a deep sense of guardianship among local community members towards the abundant natural resources.
A regenerative cuisine made from the produce grown on the campus’ agroforests and gardens and PANCs -unconventional edible plants- is at the heart of Sinal do Vale’s hospitality services and day to day operations.