EcoLogic Design Lab Network

PURA VIDA is Portuguese for Pure Life.  Life where there is clean, living water to be drunk and fresh air to breathe.  Life that is sustainable and in harmony with the Earth. 

PURAVIDA is a Brazilian Registered NGO that functions as a network of people from diverse backgrounds who are united in their passion to explore sustainable ways of living, being, creating, working, learning and traveling. The NGO functions as a platform and a meeting point for discussion and networking and the sharing of ideas. On an organizational level PURAVIDA works more like a horizontal network rather than a conventional hierarchical structure. The NGO has seven board members all coordinators of various projects. Ecological Sustainability and Social Justice is at the heart of all activities.

Fazenda PURAVIDA is a focal project of the PURAVIDA Network.

The PURAVIDA farm is located by the river "Rio de Contas" (municipality of Itacare, Bahia, Brazil) on a 150 hectares land (approximately 370 acres).  The farm is composed of 90 Ha of rainforest (The Mata Atlantica is one of the most biodiverse in the world but only 7% of the original forest remains), 10 Ha of pastures and green meadows, and 51 Ha of cocoa plantations shaded by a mix of trees from primary or secondary forest plus native fruit trees (this system is called cabruca).

The aim is to work towards the farm becoming a place of learning about sustainability, local food systems and biodiversity - a "Barefoot College" where everyone is the teacher and the student. Various community activities take place on an ad hoc basis such as arts and theatre with the local children and seed and seedling exchanges.

The farm welcomes volunteers open for an adventure and ready to dig in and get their hands dirty. Living is basic but beautiful, no electricity or running water but a wonderful river and waterfall to swim in and vast starskies at night. Volunteer accomodation is limited so get in contact first if you want a room, otherwise there are tents available and plenty of beautiful spots to camp.

PURAVIDA is a member of Wwoof Brasil.

Other projects that form part of the wider PURAVIDA network are :

The Viva La Vida Music Cafe operating at festivals around the UK promoting holistic health, scrumptiously good food and a vibrant live music scene.

ZU Studios in Lewes (Sussex, UK) - a super-creative community hub of artists. Hosting many diverse and wonderful events. Bringing teachers and inspirational beings from far and wide.

The Raw Chocolate Company - bringing vibrant life and love to the masses through divine raw chocolate treats.