Association Information
Pachatopia: Together, let's relearn the art of living in harmony.
Founding Text of PACHATOPIA
We, members and founders of the association 'Pachatopia,' are conscious of the imperative need to preserve our precious environment and reconnect to a virtuous cycle like the living world. To this end, we want to promote an agricultural model respectful of nature, strengthen links between local producers and committed consumers, while supporting the development of creativity and well-being, which remain an essential part of a balanced life. We solemnly commit to pursuing a common vision for a sustainable future.
Pachatopia, a name that embodies our deep commitment to the Earth, a name inspired by the Indigenous peoples who called it Pachamama, Mother Earth, our mother. Pachatopia finds its origin in a personal drive to relearn how to live in harmony with nature. I spearheaded the creation of this association with the aim of evolving with more coherence and protecting what is most important to me: life. How can we meet the needs of human beings while respecting the very essence of life?
I had to act.
I invested all my power of action into this project that places Pachamama at the center of my concerns, this generous Earth that lets us breathe, gives us drink, feeds us, gives life...
Thus, I gathered my own funds and those of my loved ones to pursue this quest, a quest to reconnect with ancient teachings, a return to the essentials of our existence, to infuse family energy around a common project with a purpose that transcends our existence: to serve and protect life for the well-being of all. Today the time has come for this personal and family project to grow. The lands of Pachatopia are open spaces, sanctuaries of knowledge, places to learn, share, and grow together.
Geographic Focus
Our association's actions will be concentrated in the hamlets of Agua Bonita and la Mirandita in the municipality of San Carlos Antioquia, Colombia: a magical land rich in natural resources that was devastated by an ideological war in the late 1990s. The village has been rebuilding since peace was established, with the traumas of a war still present in everyone's hearts and social and environmental challenges even more important for this type of developing village.
The growing demand for raw materials from industrial countries destabilizes the country and its ecosystem. This country, once deeply connected to its Earth and all its magic, also sees its balance weakened by drug consumption reflecting a global malaise in our Western societies. Together, with our actions, we can transform this energy and participate in building lasting peace. Through deep knowledge of the ecosystem in which we live, we dream of a harmonious world in which 'nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed.'
In this spirit, our aspiration is to build a place of learning and sharing dedicated to the art of living in harmony with nature, where everyone can discover the essential lessons of sustainability, environmental protection, and sharing. This place will be a beacon of light for humanity, a place where future generations will learn the essential values of preserving our planet and living together.
Our Association draws its inspiration from unconditional love for planet Earth, our one and only home, as well as from the conviction that harmony between humanity and nature is essential for our collective well-being.
With this in mind, we set forth the following founding principles:
Core Principles
Environmental protection. We commit to working tirelessly for the preservation of fragile ecosystems, the conservation of biodiversity, and the creation of natural reserves that will serve as sanctuaries for wildlife and flora.
Organic agriculture. We actively promote sustainable and organic agricultural practices, thus promoting the health of our soils, the quality of our harvests, and the health of our fellow citizens. We encourage the transition to environmentally friendly agriculture and the reduction of harmful chemical use.
Local economy and job creation. We believe in the power of the local economy. By supporting local producers and facilitating market access for their products, we contribute to the economic growth of our communities while creating sustainable jobs.
Producer-consumer rapprochement. We facilitate the connection between local producers and consumers concerned about their food. By shortening the supply chain, we encourage responsible consumption and direct support for our producers.
Educational tourism. We welcome people sensitive to our goals, we exchange about our production methods, we allow them to access more knowledge through active participation in activities inherent to the project.
Together, we commit to implementing these principles, raising society's awareness of the importance of sustainability, and working tirelessly for a future where harmony between humanity and nature is the norm. We invite all who share our vision to join us in this noble cause.
This preamble reflects our commitment to creating a better, more balanced, and more sustainable world for present and future generations.
Benoit Nocart Founding member of the Pachatopia association
Key Documents
Founding Assembly
Association Bylaws
Coffee Sponsorship Account
Volunteer Testimonials
Wow, Wow, Wow! I had the pleasure to stay at this place for just over 3 weeks during the Christmas and new year period. I have never felt more welcomed in a place whilst travelling - not just by the lovely family taking care of the farm whilst Benito was away - but also from all the locals in the little village with whom I made good friends. My Spanish improved significantly due to a full spanish immersion and I enjoyed teaching some English to Feli and Yula. The work is super varied and not one day the same. I planted trees, built a micro tunnel, sorted coffee beans, watered and deweeded the micro tunnels, picking the veg when it was ready to take to market, I learned how to fish (and prepare a fish to eat), I moved stones about to do some landscaping. Thank you so much for the best workaway experience I've had!
Eleanor
Jakarta
I've been working in the farm for only one week, too short! I really would like to come back as soon as possible. To enjoy this place, I advice you to stay at minimum one month. There is a lot of work. Thanks a lot for your welcoming benito! It was a really good experience for me and my 9 years old daughter. I worked in the forest with local people, I took care cocoa tree, I worked on the coffee: I selected the good and bad coffee beans. I felt free to chose the work which was the best for me. The exchanges was really interesting. And the place is nice, peaceful, zen... the cascades are so nice... It's definitely a place to visit.
Fabienne
Workaway
Where to start?! We spent the most amazing week with Gula and Benoit. We instantly felt at home on the farm, and loved chatting, playing card games and having communal meals together. The food was so delicious and cooked with a lot of love (and yuca!). Daily work activities ranged from sorting coffee beans when it was raining, weeding and mulching vegetable beds with grass, painting furniture, and moving things around the property such as rocks for landscaping. In the afternoons we went for swims at the waterfall or up the river and relaxed in the hammock. Benoit's energy is infectious and he always has a wide range of things that need help with on the farm. Would highly recommend visiting these guys to get a first hand experience of coffee and cacao farming in a beautiful area of Colombia. We miss this place every day!
Claire & Orlando
Workaway
I have stayed for a week at Benoit and Gula finca. Was a great experience and I totally recommend. My tasks were to take care of the animals in the morning & evening, to help around the house until the lunch, I helped at drying the coffee, make the foundation for micro tunnels, do ditches to evacuate the water, help at the coffee washing, cut with a machete the grass around the trees. Quite diverse. The work can be demanding, but you can take as many breaks as you want. And bonus, the vision regarding the project is quite nice, it is also about educate the locals and to be more sustainable.
Lucian
Workaway
Pasé una semana en esta granja, ¿qué puedo decir? Una experiencia fantástica, Benito y Gula me han hecho sentir como en casa desde el primer momento, hay muchos animales para todos los gustos, conejos, perros, gatos, gallinas y caballos. La finca es muy bonita y el trabajo es muy variado, sin duda no hay tiempo para aburrirse. Gula nos preparaba cada día unas comidas vegetarianas súper ricas y abundantes... He aprendido muchas cosas de la vida en la granja y he disfrutado de la tranquilidad de vivir en la naturaleza. Totalmente recomendable.
Manuel
Workaway
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