Discover our UN Flagship Biohub that catalyses Bioregional Regeneration
ABOUT US
Sinal do Vale is a UN Flagship biohub, founded by Thais Corral in 2011, that fosters a regenerative bioeconomy to respond to the challenges of our time.
Located in the Serra da Estrela bioregion, at the bottom of Guanabara Bay, 50 km from downtown Rio de Janeiro, SINAL prototypes, develops and catalyses practical solutions to regenerate ecosystems and communities.
By implementing a local example, SINAL activates global change by offering immersions for individuals and organizations on their path to transformation.
OUR INITIATIVES
Nature-based solutions for integral regeneration, developed and scaled at Sinal do Vale.
REGENERATIVE TOURISM
Caminho do Recôncavo da Guanabara
A 110 km long distance trail which seeks to incentivize agroecological and ecotourism initiatives around the Guanabara Bay belt
LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS
Madre Frutos
A social impact business processing and commercializing green jackfruit extracted from the Atlantic Forest for vegan and vegetarian cuisines
RESTORATION
Florestas do Amanhã
Restoration and enrichment of the Atlantic Forest through native species reforestation, agroecologic techniques, and strengthening of restoration production chains
OUR IMPACT
Activating agency with 4000 volunteer experiences
Over the years we have been a place of immersive place-based learning and agency for over 4000 volunteers from all the world.
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Coordinating Regeneration of 200.000 ha in Recôncavo da Guanabara Bioregion
We have articulated and facilitated the vision for regenerating our Bioregion together with many of our partners and stakeholders.
Articulating a Theory Of Change for Bioregional Development at Rio G20
We have articulated a theory of change of Biohubs catalyzing the Bioregion to create a Bioeconomy.
OUR EXPERIENCES
REGENERATIVE JOURNEYS
We offer immersive experiences to spark innovation and transformation, nurture well-being and showcase regeneration, nestled in the Mata Atlantica forest, just 45 mins from Rio.
These experiences serve as regenerative journeys, perfect for leaders and organisations. Since 2011 we have served as an important hub for organisations, hosting 200+ retreats with high-profile organisations, such as the BMW Foundation, the Biomimicry Institute and L'Oreal.
Below are the types of journeys we can offer.
Regeneration & Transformation
Exploring regenerative practices, businesses and solutions, drawn from SINAL’s lived experience. From presentations about our work at Sinal, to reforestation workshops, and a Bioregional Field trip in Vale de Estrela.
Leadership Development
Bespoke leadership workshops led by our founder Thais Corral. These workshops will help you to lead through complexity, activate inner wisdom and foster resilience.
Nature & Wellbeing
Relaxing in nature, sauna, meditation, guided hikes, Foodlab experiences... We have a large choice of group activities for restoring, revitalising and reconnecting - with each other, nature and yourself.
EVENTS AND ACCOMODATION
The place where you are influences the way you feel, think and connect. We have designed our spaces to facilitate immersion and connection in every aspect of your experience - staying, meeting and relaxing.. This is what we like to call the Power of Place.
The 200 hectare campus of Sinal is situated in the buffer zone between one of the last remaining protected areas of the Atlantic Forest, and the urban sprawl of Rio de Janeiro. Over time, we have regenerated a beautiful area with facilities, accomodations and catering perfect for gatherings, presentations and restorative activities.
Event Spaces and Facilities
Indoor and outdoor event spaces designed for group dialogue and dynamics, presentations, workshops, office work, and natural immersion. We can offer group facilitation services too. Some of our facilities include saunas, natural swimming pools, the Bamboo Forest, the Vitality Tent and Sunset Point.
Accomodation
We have eight houses, for up to 50 people, embedded in the protected Atlantic Forest. Each has its own unique character, and all are fully equipped. We offer a catering service where you'll experience our local and regenerative cuisine.
EDUCATION
We are a campus for those who want to make a difference in the world, providing a space where they can experiment and innovate from the ground up. We create learning experiences for those of all ages to expand their capacity to be change-agents in their own communities.
Learning Journeys
We co-create experiential learning curricula based on our integral regeneration model applied to our projects. We adapt the content for classes of all ages. Topics include regenerative business models, restoration techniques and leadership.
Volunteering and Internships
We create individual immersion opportunities supporting the institutional operation of SINAL and/or specific projects, with a minimum duration of 1 month. Experiences can be validated as internship credits, theses and other student work.
Sinal for Children
We host one day learning journeys especially tailored for children to be in contact with nature, understand basic ecology principles and have some hands on experiences contributing to restoration, such as planting trees, and experimenting with local clay .