The Escola Bosque da Pasagem (“The Rainforest School”) is a new educational program that teaches kids about their environment using science as a powerful tool for survival in hopes of developing an appreciation to live sustainably and care for the place they call home. This is just one example of the powerful changes made possible by the Atlantic Rainforest Institution and the international support for their cause.
Manteiga – or “Butter” – boosting out of the new Creme skate bowl, a happening spot on Tiririca Beach. Photo: Surf Channel/Shannon Q
What could be better than music, surfing, and good friends all in paradise? How about a deep skate bowl right by the sand to boost out of the lip between sets. Ohhhh, ain’t life grand? Officially one of the most beautiful social projects ever completed, the Atlantic Rainforest Institution partnered up with Barcelona’s Creme Skateboards to donate enough resources, material and new skate decks for the inaugural skate sesh at Tiririca Beach.
Truly inspiring jungle vibes by Jamaram’s live performance sets the tone for the arrival of the Creme skate team to the new bowl by combining almost all of the aspects of Breathe/Respira Brazil. Palm trees, perfect waves and a perfectly shaped bowl… what more could you ask for?
Good vibrations and great waves make this the coolest town on the Atlantic, but the recent explosion of tourism could either help or seriously hurt the area depending on the responsibility of its visitors. Itacaré, bombarded by tourists during the summer season due to a new road into the tropical rainforest preservation, has altered the 6,000 acres of previously protected areas for conservation of flora and fauna.
Surfers can do their part, trip by trip, to leave each beach cleaner and more amazing than when we arrived. As a surfer, we have a responsibility to take care of our playgrounds and mobilize other surfers to do the same. By being a leader, you can help teach others sustainable practices just by setting a good example. Pick up trash even if it means carrying it with you down the beach. Make sure you know what is happening to your trash and do something to reduce it. You may even need to contact your local government to encourage them to pass stricter laws on environmental issues like plastic bag bans or recycling facilities. In the end, it will all come back to you in the form of a healthier ocean for your kids to enjoy.
Sustainability requires a delicate balance between our resources and human needs, but the easiest way to reduce your carbon imprint can be remembered by the three “R’s”: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. If you live by this motto, you are guaranteed to consume less and be more aware of the trash you produce thus leading to organic forms of living that will pay off in the long run for your physical health and the wellbeing of our environment.
Educating yourself is the first step.
Thank you to all the event sponsors, the active community, and the enthusiastic volunteers in support of these efforts.
The Atlantic Rainforest Institution, Green House Casa Verde, Associação de Surf de Itacaré, Instituto de Turismo de Itacaré, Libélula Ponto de Cultura, Punho Forte, Pousada Colalá Surf House & Bar, Pousada Tãnara, Pousada Terral, Pousada Hanalei, Protect Our Winters, VoceSurf.com, Itacare24HS, Original Surf School, Center Supermercado, Smart Supermercados, Panificadora & Lanchonete Itacaré
