Beatriz Martins Arruda

I am a Brazilian architect and urbanist, currently pursuing a PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil, and conducting part of my research as a visiting researcher at the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL), Portugal. I also hold a Master of Science degree in Architecture and Urbanism, in which I investigated the phenomenon of ecovillages in Brazil before the pandemic.
As an active member of the Education and Research Circle of CASA Latina, the Latin American network within the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN), I focus on the intersection of community-led initiatives and sustainable resource management. My doctoral research explores waste management practices in ecovillages and their gatherings, using Zero Waste principles and a decolonial perspective to understand community-based solutions that move beyond recycling and disposal.
I am also a certified Zero Waste consultant and have participated in ecovillage gatherings across Latin America and Europe. I am passionate about collaborative approaches and intercultural dialogue, and through my work, I aim to bridge academic research with the wisdom emerging from grassroots regenerative initiatives, contributing to systemic change and circular living.