
From Colorado to the Atlantic Forest
Discovering Iracambi: A Journey into Agroforestry, Geography, and Global Exchange
In July-August 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Iracambi Research Center in Brazil, thanks to the generous sponsorship by Partners of the Americas, a U.S. Exchange program. This visit was the culmination of years of collaboration with Binka and Robin Le Breton, the inspiring couple behind Iracambi. As a geographer and someone deeply invested in environmental sustainability, this visit was not only professionally enriching but also personally rewarding, made possible with support from Colorado’s POA chapter.
The Journey Begins
After years of working closely with Binka and Robin from afar, the moment had finally arrived. I packed my bags with a mix of excitement and anticipation, eager to experience firsthand the work being done at Iracambi. The research center, nestled in the lush Atlantic Rainforest of Minas Gerais, has long been a beacon for conservation and community-based environmental education. The idea of finally seeing it in person was thrilling.
This visit held even more significance for me because I had previously sent students from the University of Northern Colorado to Iracambi. I had heard their stories and seen the impact the experience had on them, but this was the first time I was there with my own family. Sharing this journey with them added a new layer of connection to the place and the people.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the soundscape of the rainforest and the warm hospitality of the Iracambi team. The center is a unique blend of a research facility, community hub, and living laboratory, all working towards the shared goal of preserving and restoring the Atlantic Rainforest. Staying in one of the cabins on-site allowed me to fully immerse myself in the natural beauty of the surroundings, waking up each morning to the dawn chorus of birds. As we settled into the rhythms of life at Iracambi, I realized that this experience would be far more than just a professional visit. It was an opportunity to connect with the land, the people, and the broader mission of environmental stewardship in a deeply personal way. The days were filled with meaningful work, engaging conversations, and moments of quiet reflection as we absorbed the essence of this magical place.
The Agroforestry Project: Planting Seeds of Change
One of the highlights of my visit was participating in the agroforestry project and working with Binka and Robin to brainstorm ideas for our grant projects, allowing for an enduring connection between Iracambi and UNC. Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, is a powerful tool for restoring ecosystems, sequestering carbon, and supporting local livelihoods. At Iracambi, this project is not just about planting trees; it’s about creating a sustainable future for the region and its people.
During our time there, we moved 1,500 seedlings, built bamboo frames, fixed electrical issues, and tackled whatever tasks came our way. It was rigorous work, but it was also incredibly rewarding. There’s something profoundly satisfying about getting your hands dirty in the service of something so important. Every seedling we moved felt like a small victory for the region and the planet, especially in light of the wildfires that were happening back home in Colorado while we were in Brazil. The Iracambi facility is literally rebuilding the world, seed by seed, the face of global environmental changes.
The act of planting these seedlings became a metaphor for the larger mission at Iracambi. It was a visceral reminder that real, tangible progress often starts with small, deliberate actions. Whether it was the physical exertion of planting or the careful planning that preceded it, the entire process underscored the importance of combining knowledge with action.
Working alongside the Iracambi team, I saw firsthand how much care and thought goes into every aspect of the agroforestry project. From selecting the right species to understanding the local soil and climate conditions, it’s a process rooted in both science and deep respect for the land. And the impact is tangible—not just in the growing trees, but in the lives of the local farmers and community members who are seeing the benefits of these efforts. Community residents like Carla and Julianna are citizen scientists in their own right and have become experts on the medicinal properties of many rainforest plants. A distillation center at Iracambi provides these employees and volunteers with the tools to make essential oils, soaps, and other herbs to sell at local and regional markets.
Want to hear more about Karen’s adventures? Please check the next installment – coming soon!
Comments are closed for this article!