We are delighted to announce that Sinal do Vale, an innovative sustainability space located 50 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro, has been named as a world-leading centre of excellence in environmental responsibility and awarded Global Ecosphere Retreat® (GER®) status.

Set in 120 acre of farmland, Sinal do Vale is a reforestation and community resilience project, offering educational programmes for all. It welcomes volunteers from around the world and acts as a hub for diverse sectors of society to collaborate and confront one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century: how to evolve towards a sustainable future.

Social innovator Thais Corral founded Sinal do Vale in 2012. With more than three decades of experience working with environmental and gender-related issues, Thais wanted to create a space where inspired change-makers could design, experiment, and implement concrete initiatives for the transition to sustainability.

Sinal do Vale joins nine other nature-based tourism businesses in becoming a GER®member. Each GER®member has undergone a rigorous assessment process, which demands that an holistic balance of The Long Run’s ‘4Cs’(Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce) are met.

Through her passion and spirit, Thais has created an exceptional venue fusing sustainability and leadership to help protect one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Sinal do Vale has the power to transform visitors into actors for a more sustainable future. From a vision and experimental phase to Sinal do Vale fulfilling its promise in the 4Cs has required huge dedication and commitment from the whole team.

The Long Run has been very privileged to be part of this journey and we are delighted to welcome Sinal do Vale as a GER® member and recognised leader in the highest standards in sustainable tourism. We are looking forward to continuing this journey together.

In achieving GER® status Sinal do Vale has demonstrated its commitment as a leader in sustainable tourism and the extensive positive impacts their business has on both biodiversity and the wellbeing of people.