History
Fifty years ago, the entire Caúna region was covered by Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica). This was cleared for cattle ranching. Our predecessor switched production to sugar cane. In 2012, we purchased the farm with our own money and began the transformation towards ecology and sustainability.
The development took place at “lightning speed” by Brazilian standards. Attacks on the project’s financial reserves slowed down development from 2018 onwards. Nevertheless, we have continued to develop the farm with care and brought out its scenic beauty.
An undulating area of 1,522,240 m² with agriculture, forests, and lakes overlooks a large river (the Rio Antônio Grande) and the turquoise sea. The entire region is now promoted as the Caribbean of Brazil.
The farm borders directly on the small town of Barra de Santo Antônio, which is known for its beach tourism. Praia do Carro Quebrado is touted as the fourth most beautiful beach in Brazil. The newly approved local plan for Barra stipulates that all non-beach-related tourism activities should be concentrated in Caúna.
The soil, which had been depleted by sugar cane cultivation, recovered amazingly quickly thanks to natural farming methods. After five years, it was healthy and productive again.
The reforestation with Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest) has also flourished magnificently. Today, the trees reach a height of 15-18 m. They are protected by law and provide a habitat for enormous biodiversity. Due to the burning of sugar cane on farms in the region, many animals flee to Caúna and make their home here.
The pioneering era is now over and we have grown older. We are looking for successors. It is time for new people, new energy, and new capital to shape the next phase of Caúna’s development.
The region
The coast north of Maceió is still developing as a tourist destination. Its many beaches and coral reefs are touted as the Caribbean of Brazil.
A highway from Maceió to Barra de Santo Antônio is under construction. The drive to the city will take about 30 minutes. The international airport Maceió and Maragogi airport are 50 minutes away. There is also a private airfield nearby.
The new regional development engine is the ‘Vila Galé Alagoas resort’ (2,000 guests/day, on the coast next to Caúna), combined with direct TAP flights from Lisbon to Maceió. Construction of a Rytz hotel has also begun.
The tourist infrastructure is geared towards beach life (beach clubs, restaurants, boat trips to the Piscinas Naturais, buggy excursions, etc.).
Barra de Santo Antônio’s newly adopted local plan focuses on beach tourism and sustainable development. In accordance with the prefecture’s wishes, ecotourism offerings are to be provided in Caúna in particular.
Infrastructure
Caúna has an efficient, well-maintained infrastructure. It is protected by a trained security team.
The water supply consists of two wells and two reservoirs at the highest point of the farm. From there, the water is distributed throughout the farm by gravity. It is of excellent quality.
Caúna has a road and path network of approximately 20 km. It is used for farming and allows for long walks and excursions. The routes are already geared towards future projects.
Various buildings have been constructed (carpentry workshop, metal workshop, food hangar, factory for eco-road surfacing, 4 agricultural buildings, four eco-houses with 11 apartments).
All projects have direct access to the main road. The expansion to a four-lane highway is underway.
Ownership structure, individuals and values
The formal owner of the farm is Caúna Renvest Ltda. It is 96% owned by Renvest Participações Ltda., with the remaining 2% held by the owners. Renvest Participações Ltda. brings together the ongoing projects of A. Stahel and S. Haab in Brazil.
All investments (share capital and loans) have been registered for tax purposes and processed through the Federal Bank of Brazil.
We strive to preserve Caúna as a long-term protected and sustainably managed location and are committed to the following values: environmental protection, sustainable social development, fair ecological products, and quality of life.
Adrian Stahel: Lawyer/economist, entrepreneur, former top manager in the reinsurance sector, broad experience in architecture, construction, finance, IT, and design.
Susanne Haab: Social scientist, e-learning specialist, expertise in landscape development and sustainable production.
The (partial) sale of Caúna is intended to achieve a long-term stable and financially secure basis for the further development of existing and new projects.
