Join our community's social, environmental and tourism project in Minas Gerais, Brazil

Details

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  Description

  The Project is an experimental socio-environmental initiative based in the Serra da Mantiqueira region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Nestled in the mountains, it covers a vast area of more than 6,000 hectares, bordering a significant part of the Ibitipoca State Park — one of the most visited National Parks in Brazil. We are approximately 260 km away from Rio de Janeiro and 440 km from São Paulo. The closest cities are Juiz de Fora and Lima Duarte.
  
  The Project aims to foster happiness through organic production, wildlife reintroduction, and reconnection with nature. It embraces sustainability, local traditions, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
  
  We have a number of different social, environmental, and tourism projects. The opportunities to volunteer are as wide-ranging as the projects themselves. We are very open to bright minds and new ideas, so please do not hesitate to contact us and have a conversation to explore possibilities and fields of work that you are interested in. We are an open laboratory for anyone who has a vision that fits in with our philosophies and wants to explore and learn something new.
  
  The project aligns with global movements like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Global Compact, and ESG strategies. It strives for minimal environmental impact and maximum social value.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Hospitality/Tourism

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The Project has been receiving volunteers from various countries for years. The program is designed to provide cultural exchange with the teams, interact with visitors and workers from a variety of backgrounds, bring new ideas to the community, and also educate volunteers about the practices that are implemented and to expand awareness beyond the Project. Located in Minas Gerais — a state known for its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty — The Project provides an immersive cultural experience that allows volunteers to deeply engage and learn.

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  Help

  Volunteers can choose from various activities based on their interests and can suggest other areas where they can add value based on their specific skills. Your field of work is best determined through conversation, we would love to know about your experiences and expectations to figure out where you would best fit within Ibiti. Here are the main areas Ibiti Project is working on to give you an idea of where you can start from:
  
  Hospitality
  The Project offers personalized eco-friendly accommodations with a focus on sustainability and nature immersion.
  
  Gastronomy
  There are a variety of restaurants, mostly vegan, that offer a unique dining experience.
  
  Food Production
  The Project produces a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, cereals, rice, beans, and so on. There are greenhouses, vegetable, and herb gardens.
  
  Wellness and Sport
  We offer SPA, Gym and Fitness facilities, Yoga classes, E-bike tours and Electric vehicle rentals, Horseback riding, Canyoning, Astrotourism, Guided tours, and hikes for our clients.
  
  Architecture
  There is a dynamic team of dedicated architects, engineers, and constructors who are actively involved in creating an environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and respectful of the local culture and environment. We mostly work with bio-construction.
  
  Culture and Events
  We host Outdoor Cinema, Workshops, Festivals, Music concerts, and many more. There is always a reason to celebrate life and share experiences!
  
  Conservation
  98% of the Project territory is dedicated to rewilding efforts and we have various initiatives that promote eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism, protect endangered northern muriqui monkeys and trafficked animals, create ecological corridors - pathways for wildlife movement and habitat connectivity.
  
  Social Mission
  We underscore the transformative power of education for everyone. We’ve got a Project that raises awareness and involves the community in environmental conservation and a Bilingual Life School for children. Educators and teachers are very welcomed!
  
  Sustainability
  ECO PRINT Project, Water Project, 5R Practice: encourages Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to minimize waste; Zero waste policy.
  
  In addition to the various roles mentioned, volunteers can also contribute significantly to the departments of Communications, Human Resources, Management, Administration, Engineering, etc.
  
  We welcome teachers, educators, artists, builders, designers, photographers and many more — just let us know what your skills are and how you can be useful for The Project!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  Private room (container) with basic amenities and private bathroom. Volunteers are expected to maintain cleanliness. We also offer two meals a day.
  
  There is a common area where volunteers can spend time and socialize — a living room with a TV, equipped kitchen, terrace, laundry with washing and drying machines, that volunteers are free to use anytime.

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  What else ...

  The Project is approximately 260 km away from Rio de Janeiro and 440 km from São Paulo.
  
  The closest cities are Juiz de Fora and Lima Duarte. We suggest arriving at Juiz de Fora. There is an airport and it is easily accessible by direct bus from Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. We will assist and coordinate your arrival depending on where you start your journey from. We will organize your transfer from Juiz de Fora to your destination at Ibiti Project on the day of arrival.
  
  There is no public transport to get to and from Ibiti Project, but we offer corporate transport on work days and it can always be scheduled if you need to go to the supermarket, pharmacy, etc.
  
  During free time, volunteers can explore many trails and routes around The Project — there are a lot of waterfalls around, lakes, hills, and so on. The state park of Ibitipoca is a must-visit since it is one of the most visited National Parks in Brazil. It‘s unique due to the presence of quartzite, which makes the beautiful white sands and vegetations that we usually see only in Cerrado, another Brazilian biome. We can arrange a bicycle so volunteers are more mobile. There are gym, fitness, and yoga facilities that are free to use, a volleyball field, piano, cinema.
  
  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, we look forward to hearing from you!

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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