July 15 marked the start of the Florescence course, a life changing journey that highlights the essential role of women in restoring forest ecosystems. Over the course of five meetings, participants will explore how ecosystems function, learn about seedling production and discover practical and theoretical methods of forest restoration.
In this edition, during a practical class, participants were able to learn how to make soap using medicinal plants found in the region.
This initiative is promoted by the Institute of Technology and Resource Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT) of the University of Cologne, Germany, in partnership with the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve (REGUA) and the Forestry Institute of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ).
Based on local knowledge and REGUA's vast experience in ecological restoration, the training aims to empower local women in rural areas, providing them a glimpse of the importance of preserving nature and how it is possible to produce healthy food and crafts in a sustainable way using local forest and natural products. "We are having a wonderful exchange of experiences. I am learning and loving it," said Maria da Penha, a course participant.