Parque Ecolológico Itacaré: An ecological park in the midst of precious remaining Atlantic Rainforests and unique coastal vegetation in Itacaré, Bahia.

Regenera’s goal is to protect multiple areas of the critically endangered Atlantic Rainforest in Southern Bahia (of which 93% has already been lost) purchasing and guarding properties with remaining rare vegetation, marine life and coastal geology.  

1. The Ecological Park helps finance the preservation of a rare piece a biodiversity hotspot on the planet, listed at UIHC, by bringing visitors, scientists and small sustainable events to this amazing site.

2. In partnership with the renowned Floresta Viva Institute, the land will be bought and transformed into RPPN (Private Natural Heritage Reserve) a legal instrument, which permanently protects ecosystems, regardless of change of ownership of the property.

3. 100 acres of virgin Atlantic Rain Forest with the typical mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, a unique Licuri palm tree vegetation, caves natural wells and amazing whale watching spots will be made accessible to a broad public. 

4. The project will attend an urgent necessity in a rapidly developing tourism region, with fast urbanization, privatization and destruction of the rare seaside landscapes by hotels, resorts and condominiums.

5. The park’s woods, beaches, caves and botanical garden will be protected by rangers, guiding visitors during the opening hours. A canopy walk, lodging areas, as well as a whale watching pavilion shall be USPs to generate income for the long term maintenance of the park.

Ecological parks re-connect people of all classes and ages to the natural environment and incentive holistic awareness in a playful and adventurous manner. Canopy walks boost the experience of extraordinary views of the top level of forests. Visitors can see, touch and smell the opulent green. Literally walking on the crown of the trees, flowers, fruits, birds, monkeys and the symbiosis of all plants become tangible.

The Parque Ecológico Itacaré will include a 200m long canopy walk, 800m of forest paths, a rainforest swing, a small museum and a zero waste, vegan beach bar. Adults and children will be invited to walk, play and bath respectfully and joyfully in the park, leaving behind nothing but their footsteps. Lodging areas for small groups, a whale watching pavilion and a small event area will be built 100% from sustainable, renewable and recyclable materials, such as bamboo, adobe, piaçava and coper pipes. No plastic and zero waste.

Supporting Regenera means contributing to the preservation of one of the world's most valuable ecosystems. It is a way to make an impact through environmental education and social inclusion. The Regenera parks not only lead people into the rainforest but also to secret beaches and coastal landscapes they would never have access to.

Real Estate Speculation, unsustainable farming and illegal logging are the main causes for the fast extinction process of the endangered Atlantic Rainforest. The Northeast Coastal Rainforest Corridor, recognized as a UNESCO Natural Biosphere hotspot, needs urgent protection. The public institutions for environmental conservation IBAMA, INEMA and ICMBio are not effective, when it comes to enforce the environmental laws in Brazil, especially Bahia. Private initiatives such as Regenera help put the land in the hands of NGOs with the ability, the funds and the knowledge to preserve. Investors will be interested in commercializing the legal reserve of the property, even if it is against the law, re-selling smaller bits of land, which will be deforested for buildings, landscaping and other tourism purposes. Drone pictures show, that this is in fact happening all over the region.

If you are passionate about protecting tropical rainforests and are looking for a way to support conservation efforts in Bahia, Brazil, consider supporting Regenera. Together, we can make a difference and help protect these precious landscapes for future generations.