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Methodology

Our Methodology

     Based on Integral Development Theory and the Tibetan Mandala tradition, the SINAL Mandala is the foundation of all our activites, both in our internal operations as well as our projects: 

WHY:  At the center is the core principle of SINAL.

HOW: Our methodology is represented in the inner petals.

WHAT: Through our fields of action, displayed in the outer petals.

WHERE:  The concentric circles are the levels of intervention.

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1

GROUNDING

in place and context

Observing the socioeconomic and cultural conditions in the periurban communities between Rio and the Atlantic Rainforest.

2

Experimenting With Prototypes

Identifying opportunities inspired from global solutions, and piloting small scale prototypes adapted to local values and assets.

3

Creating
knowledge

Documenting and systematizing lessons learned for replication in similar environments.

4

Catalizing

Networks

Disseminating our knowledge and creating value networks to scale up impact externally.

Impact

OUR IMPACT

Our projects are categorized into four action fields. Here are some of our accomplishments since we SINAL was born in 2012: 

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HOSPITALITY

77

Events
hosted

Strategic meetings, global forums and retreats, with groups between 10 to 70 participants

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Certified as a
Global Ecosphere Retreat

3

5

National
events

4

2

International
events

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Change agents

2K

Students, interns & volunteers

60 Learning Journeys of agroecology and entrepreneurship ranging from 1 day

 to 10 weeks

3

Undergraduate

Theses

2

Postgraduate
Case Studies

1

Academic
Paper

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40

Resilient infrastructure

Community
mobilization

interventions

4 modules of community resilience training, applied in 3 districts of Peripheral Rio de Janeiro

1

Community Waste

System

1

Public School
 

1

Public
Square

​

39K

SOIL
FOOD And FOREST

Trees
planted

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10 Agroforestry models
30 Hectares of land reforested through 4 different techniques

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Advanced Post of the 
Biosphere Reserve

1

Organic garden
 

13

Natural springs
protected

Founder

Our founder: Thais Corral

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Thais is a social innovator with more than three decades of experience working in environment and gender. She is the founder of REDEH (Human Development Network), CEMINA (Communication, Education and Information) and WEDO (Women’s Environment and Development Network). Sinal do Vale represents a synthesis of her experience and learning in her career. She believes the quality of consciousness of a leader is as important as his or her technical capacities. This led her to create a space where change agents could get hands-on experience in an environment where diversity and authenticity are cultivated. 

Thais holds a master in Public Administration by the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and in International Development by the United Nations University. She is a councillor of the World Future Council since 2012.

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