Rio: Circularity, Carioca style

 

Praia Circular = Circular Beach.  In terms of UN SDGs and climate change, Rio de Janeiro State is all in on three main areas:  circularity, reforestation and gender equity.  What I love about Rio's approach:

1.  The stories are simple, relatable and consistent:  less focus on terminology, more focus on what the average citizen or tourist comprehends
2.  The state is partnering with NGOs and corporations to de-politicize the work:  reduce the risk of setbacks during political mood swings
3.  The barriers to participation are low:  sustainable choices are competitively priced, simple to execute and readily available

This American has been to dozens of major US beaches on both coasts and I've never seen an effort like Praia Circular.  Millions of people flock to these beaches every year.  Talk about marketing impressions.  My Brasileiro friends may say it's far from perfect, but in my view it's big, impressive, and my American and European colleagues should take note.  Parabéns, Rio.

On circularity:  fresh tap water is scarce and questionably potable.  As such, most residents and tourists rely on bottled water.  Sparkling water is as popular as still, so restaurants and botecos offer both in individual sizes.  Imagine more plastic bottled water than aluminum canned soda.  

In addition to promoting recycling and plastic waste prevention, Praia Circular offers visitors the option, for a small fee, to refill a reusable container with still water.  The cost is slightly lower than one would spend at most beachside restaurants; it's an attractive offer.  The full Praia Circular program details are available around each life guard station.  The message is multi-lingual, simple and consistent over the long beachfront.

Praia Circular directly correlates to Rio's, and the country's, overall focus on reforestation.  (quick note:  pics to follow; keep reading!)

I had a two day stay in the city of Rio de Janeiro after leaving Buzios before my next flight to France.  I booked a last minute hiking tour in Tijuca National Park.  Our guide, Lauro, returned to Rio after 20 years in Boston working as a guide for Portuguese-speaking tourists.  Now in his 60s, he prefers the mountains, hiking trails and cooler temperatures to the hot, humid, bustling beaches.  Lauro was also a history teacher, so this was definitely not a Jeep tour with periodic photo opps; we were on the trails, in the forest, learning as we went.  Quintessential Denise experience.

The story here is similar to what I learned at Iracambi in Minas Gerais:  the land was ravished over centuries, in waves as its various gems were uncovered and ravaged, left barren and ill-equipped to serve the purpose its inhabitants have always needed:  fresh, filtered water; nutrient-rich soil; abundant animal life.

Dom Pedro II, and last, Emperor of Brazil took control of the ravaged Atlantic forest region in RdJ city and began reforestation in the 1860s.  Let's pause for a minute.  The US was in a civil war.  Brazil recognized it had a water and land problem and began turning the tides;  impressive!

In just under 30 years, the city planted over 100,000 indigenous trees.  In 1961, the park was declared a national park and in 2012 a UNESCO Heritage site.  Sprinkled throughout the park are reminders, back stories and tips.  If you're lucky, a capuchin monkey appears as a bonus reminder why it all matters. (yes, pic below 😀)  The partnership between state and national parks, corporations and NGOs is the trifecta that provides needed protection from shifting political tides.  

Lastly, Brazilian businesses are promoting gender equality and inclusivity.  Business big and small, local and national, are proud to share their positions and progress against their priorities.  Gender equality, opportunities and protection for women, are of particular focus here.   During my Buzios visit, the local Methodist church had a weeknight full house for a presentation on promoting women in business.  Many local merchants proudly display their D&I policies and being female-founded.

I can't speak to the efficacy or accuracy of these programs.  What I can say is that the simple, welcoming, prominent way they are displayed sends a message everyone needs to hear:  it matters, we're all in, and we invite you to join.  

Begs the question:  what's better, perfect or progress?  Well, given Brazil's motto is "Ordem e Progresso", I'd say they're right on track.

Leaving Brazil is difficult.  It's hard to explain the tug my heart feels, but I'll be back.  For now, it's time to head across the Atlantic to Europe.  

Tchau, tchau Brazil e os meus amigos Brasileiros.  Eu te amo.  Até em breve, novamente. 

Praia Circular campaign

Reforestation reminders and education sprinkled in every forest and nature preserve

In Buzios, replanting native tree species in the peninsula's south side:

In Tijuca, Lauro takes us to one of the mineral water spigots where pedestrians and cyclists can refill with naturally-filtered water, tested weekly, straight from the mountain.  Signs like below are posted at every stop, sharing the park's history and showcasing its reforestation priorities.

Retail businesses like The Farm prominently display their D&I policies and commitments

The view from Pedra Bonita, 6800 ft above sea level (and a bit unnerving for acrophobics like me LOL).  Much of the forest you see in the lower elevation is the result of reforestation from the late 1800s!  Check out my brief, and out of breath, video as we hit the summit after a strenuous 1500 ft ascent.

View from the hang gliding / para-gliding platform.  No gliders today, a red flag wind day.  Rats, missed my opportunity (wink, wink)

View from Pedra Bonita summit.  Impressed it's not blurrier given my shaky knees LOL

The park was designed to resemble Western European parks, assuming it would better attract tourists and impress visiting politicians.  Rio, you're way cooler than that! 

This cachoeria is the tallest in the region....

...and this one is tucked away on a small trail and yes, I stripped down to my bikini and enjoyed the falls.  Muito frio, even for this cool weather gal!  

Friends and environmental professionals have shared that Rio, and Brazil on the whole, are known for launching programs with little staying power.  I'm encouraged by what I see enduring over the decades and newly-launching on such a broad scale.  Rio, you're definitely giving the "go big, go green or go home" vibe and I loved it. 💚