Fifth reFloresta journey
Between January 18 and 25, 2025, the 5th Journey of the reFloresta Movement brought together more than ten of us from different corners of Brazil for a transformative immersion in the Amazon. The meeting took place in Aldeia Atodi, on the banks of the Arapiuns River, which welcomed us warmly and openly shared its ancestral knowledge and ways of life.
For seven days, we immersed ourselves in a routine of connection — with the forest, with the community, and with each other. There, we experienced community-based tourism not as visitors, but as learners of a reality that, though it may seem distant, points toward a future where nature and humanity walk side by side.
One of the most meaningful moments was the puxirum carried out with the community to continue the renovation of the territory’s barracão — a central space for gatherings and celebrations in the village. Hand in hand, with shared laughter and collective work, we put into practice the spirit of togetherness that sustains life in Atodi.
At the end of the journey, each of us took with us not only memories, new friendships, and photographs, but above all, seed-ideas ready to grow in our own territories — nurturing the hope that a different and possible future can only be built collectively.
Learnings
Entering Atodi is like stepping through a portal that preserves the reality of a large part of Brazil’s territory, illustrating the many “Brazils” that coexist within the nation. We find ourselves immersed in a new kind of time — one that goes far beyond clocks, revealing the depth of learning to live a thousand days in just one: the “Kairos Time.”
In each of those days, we discovered that the Amazon is much more than forests. It is made up of vast kilometers of majestic rivers and people who love their land and rely on it to sustain their lives. We witnessed firsthand how families sustain themselves through cultivating cassava and corn fields and their derivatives. We also learned about community-based tourism and the entire process of making the community an adaptable space to welcome diverse visitors.
We came face to face with the rich fauna — dolphins, agoutis, monkeys — and Brazilian flora, through medicinal plants and a variety of trees that enrich visitors’ memories with an array of fruits and seeds, from the tiny tento to the delicious cacauí.
Despite the abundance of beauty, we also experienced the struggle to keep the forest standing. We heard stories of activists like Samuel and Eliza and learned about what it means to work on the front lines against the deforestation that tears apart the Legal Amazon and threatens their home. This fight goes beyond the environmental realm; it is educational, social, and economic. These are processes that require improvement, and in a space of struggle, progress comes only through persistence.
We also persisted — learning to see the world in a new way, to see with the soul. We had to focus, listen to what the sounds of the forest have to say, and open the window of our minds to receive them. Everything is connection — individual and collective. It is about learning to see what has always been right in front of us.
Puxirum: the continuity of the shed
Atodi is a land of people with big dreams. Everyone believes in the possibility of making them a reality and collectively dedicates themselves to making them happen. During the 5th Journey, each participant had the chance to dream alongside the community and reflect that desire in a physical form: the continued construction of the Barracão.
The Barracão is the heart of Atodi. It's located right in the center of the community and is a space that marks the bond between each resident as a group. It's where special dates are celebrated, as well as other events that foster unity, such as bingo and other festivities. Previously, this space was severely damaged due to lack of maintenance. Thus, during the 1st Journey, the idea for what would become the new Barracão was conceived, a project that continues to be embraced by the ReFloresta Movement, as it was during the 2nd and 5th Journeys.
To begin the work, the young people were mobilized to discuss the importance of dedicating themselves fully to the collective effort, while respecting their own physical limits. After all, collective well-being remains a priority. Under the guidance of Mr. Nilson and Edno, some of the community members present, and the ReFloresta Movement coordinators, Rodrigo and Laura, the volunteers were divided into two distinct groups.
The first was responsible for painting the space. Several walls awaited their first coats of paint, which, throughout the day, took on shades of blue and white, making the space expressive and cozy, giving the Barracão a new "face." While the first walls dried, traditional graphics and phrases were created by Samuel, one of Atodi's young men, allowing the space to become synonymous with identity and culture. It's important to note that each graphic pattern represents a people, illustrating the diversity of the ancestral culture.
To build a solid structure, a solid foundation is necessary, and our puxirum is no exception. In the second group, the young people were encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and put more effort into the activity. Their task consisted of collecting buckets of sand from the beach and gathering them near the Barracão. While seemingly simple, it's immensely important for the continuity of future stages of the project, even during floods when beaches become scarce.
The groups worked simultaneously using a defined rotation system. The idea was for all participants to contribute to both roles, leaving their mark on each part of "Heart of Atodi." Every effort was made with great care and fun from start to finish. It was common to hear soundtracks sung by the volunteers themselves, demonstrating the close bond during the multirão and the dedication to helping with such a crucial task.
At the end of the day, the feeling of mission accomplished remained etched in every weary gaze; it was proof that the 5th Journey had completed another stage of its mission in Atodi. Gratitude and pride vibrated in the air, new friendships had been forged, and now the word "Puxirum" took on a new meaning, becoming synonymous with "strength for Atodi." Thus, to celebrate, the river awaited with its waters of affection.
