Ibiti: 43 years of inspiring dreams and possibilities
In 1982, Ibiti Projeto was born. That year, degraded land around the Ibitipoca State Park began to be bought up. Little by little, nature regained its place and the project transformed lives. Now, 43 years later, that dream has come true and is winning over people from all over the world. To celebrate Ibiti Day and Muriqui Day, both celebrated on August 27, we've put together excerpts from testimonies that capture the feelings of those who know this regenerating territory. We travel to belong, not to consume "I've just returned from a week-long immersion in Ibiti Projeto, in the heart of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Ibiti reminded me why we travel: to belong, not to consume. Mountains and springs. Farm-to-table. Laughter at long tables where locals and travelers exchange stories about life, nature and the meaning of things. A school that teaches purpose by living it day by day. Rewilding of 6,000 hectares. Endangered species reintroduced. An immersion in nature that heals and transforms. Art that empowers nature; and nature that empowers art. A model that shares ownership, so that the value remains with the people and the place. My reflections in three words: Flow. Abundance. Purpose. This is not hospitality as usual. It's regeneration in essence - and it works. I'm proud to support the Ibiti Project with Regenopolis: bringing the world to Ibiti, and Ibiti to the world." Ibiti is too good! To put it this way, the way we're used to in the region, Ibiti today has become a special corner of Minas Gerais, close to the Ibitipoca Park. There are 6,000 hectares! That's enough for four Ibitipoca Parks or more than 8,000 soccer pitches! And there are lots of animals here again: muriqui, jacutinga. We really look after nature and also grow over 100 types of food, all organic! It also gives local people the chance to work, learn and sell their products. It's the land of Seu Nilo, who saw the village resurface; of Janice and Gabriel, who chose to raise their family in the community; and of foreign visitors who take this little piece of Brazil into their hearts. There's specialty coffee, sweet strawberries, sunflowers, lavender, philosophy and spirituality. There are trails, waterfalls, a lake, good food, art and lots of nice places to stay: houses on the top of the hill, in the village and on the farm. Anyone who arrives can immediately feel the atmosphere: it's about taking a deep breath and renewing yourself, leaving lighter and happier. This is my life "This project has been a glory. Not just for me, but for other families who arrived, who needed it. Rafael, others... Because before, there was very little work here. Sometimes there was work, sometimes not. We'd walk 8 kilometers, 10 kilometers, in the rain, in the sun, to plant crops. There were no jobs, nothing. You have to be grateful. How many families are being supported by this project? Today I feel like I'm a different person. I talk to a lot of different people. This is therapy for me. This village, this project has practically become a family to me, because, come morning, I'm already inside. I have the privilege of not spending money on transportation to work, I can have coffee and lunch at home. There's nothing that can repay that."