Networking for the Amazon in Sao Paulo

It's been an amazing week of making connections for the Amazon rainforest. Yesterday I had a meeting with a Brazilian furniture designer, Fabiola Bergamo, who has been making trips into remote reserves to work alongside of native craftsmen to build gorgeous furniture and home decor items from scraps of exotic woods that were otherwise being wasted, grasses that would otherwise be burned, and creating economic sustainability for families.

We're very excited by the potential for collaboration, and she opened two new reserve partner possibilities to me.

I'm on my way to get my Yellow Fever shot as this trip to meet the organizations committed to the preservation process draws closer.

Um ambraco (a hug),
Alana

I'm on my way...

The adventure begins... got an email from yet another rainforest reserve this morning. I'm in awe and deep gratitude...

Invitation to Hileia Reserve

Dear Alana,

It was a pleasure to speak with you this afternoon and to hear about your plans to establish a business with an admirable vision. I am also very pleased to hear that you are considering a visit to Brazil, and know that your journey will be at once rewarding and informative.

Your goal to support organizations which are dedicated to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest is an area where we share a common interest. As I mentioned to you in our conversation, I have spent most of the last 4 years in the region of Manaus as we work to establish a fruit processing business which will redefine the business dynamic of the region in favor of a more ethical and equitable outcome for smallholders in the Mid Solimoes region. Our initiative involves an integrated approach to many of the challenges which currently exist in the region, and employs a long term strategy informed by both local and international stakeholders. You might be interested to have a look at our site, www.turiyaamazonia.com.

Our primary partner in Manaus is Associacao Hileia (www.hileia.org.br). Their grassroots, principled approach and profound understanding of the local conditions were fundamental in our choice to work with them. They have a reserve near Manaus which boasts an impressive level of biodiversity due to its location at the confluence of the Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes. They work with local communities, the State government and the scientific community in their efforts to spread knowledge and protect the rainforest.

I feel that a meeting with the Director of Hileia, Dr. Erich Pabst and his team might be very useful for you as you undertake your due diligence. I would be pleased to connect you with Hileia should your travel plans be confirmed, and I have every confidence that your journey to Manaus will be pivotal to your understanding of how best to accomplish your specific goals.
Please keep me informed of your plans, and I can make all of the necessary arrangements to make your visit productive and worthwhile.

I am also hopeful that we might have the opportunity to meet either in Manaus or in LA before too long.

With best regards,

Ian Scanlan
Turiya Amazonia

One Week To Go...To Brazil!

Well, I'm in the midst of making arrangements with people involved in Brazilian rainforest preservation work now, hoping to find our ideal partners as recipients of funds the company will generate.

Just got off the phone with Ian Scanlan who was referred to me by Palo Hawken of Bossa Nova Juices, who was referred to me by Paul Hawken, author of Blessed Unrest. (I love the way relationships can grow out of simple connections...)

Ian's making arrangements for me to visit a reserve called Hileia Center, approximately 50 miles north of Manaus - which is just south of the Equator. It will be nearing 100 degrees in the cool of January and I need to get Yellow Fever shots next week...OMG.



This trip is starting to become very tangible all of a sudden, and I'm at a loss for words to describe the feelings of passion, providence, serendipity, patience and determination that it's taken to arrive at this moment.

The Lower Rio Branco-Jauaperi Extractive Reserve is another place I've been invited to visit - another 36 hrs toward the equator. Right smack on it, I reckon.

I'm amazed at what this process is teaching me, already!

Rainforest Eco is Born

Welcome to the humble beginning, of Rainforest Eco, the 100% conscious textile company dedicated to Brazilian rainforest preservation. In the days ahead you'll hear from some of our partners who are engaged in the rainforest preservation work, as well as watch our development from an inspired Vision into a massive Action plan!

My name is Alana Lea, and I am a Brazilian American botanical artist.



As I prepare for my first trip home since leaving as a baby, I also plant my intention to use my talents for the good of our children's earth, by creating sustainable products to generate revenues for the important rainforest preservation work being done by my partners in Brazil.