Why Create a Bitcoin Circular Economy in Jericoacoara?
Bitcoin has always promised to empower the unbanked and shift control from centralized authorities to individuals. Yet, realizing this vision requires collective action, especially as governments and financial institutions hesitate to relinquish control. Now is the time for society to lead this change.
On September 7th, 2021, Bitcoin became legal tender in El Salvador. Inspired by this milestone, Praia Bitcoin, also known as Bitcoin Beach Brazil, began a mission to replicate the success of the El Salvadorian Bitcoin Beach experiment in Brazil.
This movement has reached Jericoacoara, a picturesque village within a National Park located 300 km from Fortaleza, on the captivating west coast of Ceará in northeast Brazil. Despite being a premier tourist destination, Jericoacoara lacks a single ATM, leaving many locals marginalized from the traditional financial system.
Bitcoin brings new hope, shining as a beacon of financial inclusivity for those left behind by traditional banks.
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Get Connected with Praia Bitcoin Brazil
Founded by musician Fernando Motolese, Praia Bitcoin Brazil supports real-world Bitcoin-only activities, creating a circular economy built on four key pillars: education, spirituality, recreation, and technology.
We are witnessing an incredible story, shaped by volunteers from across the globe. This project, grounded in proof-of-work, is committed to creating a legacy in Bitcoin adoption history, supporting not only our local community but also inspiring others worldwide.
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How Did Praia Bitcoin Get Started?
Praia Bitcoin's journey began with the vision of our founder, Fernando Motolese, who provided an initial donation of 0.02 BTC to support local workers, artisans, fishermen, and street artists in Jericoacoara. This helped establish both Lightning and On-Chain wallets, sparking a financial revolution in the community.
Since then, our crowdfunding campaign has received over 1,000 donations, totaling 3.86 BTC. This overwhelming support allowed us to establish Brazil’s first Lightning service provider, a crucial step toward democratizing Bitcoin access and usage.
In 2023, Praia Bitcoin held its first Carnaval Conference, with 12 speakers and 100 participants. This event set a world record in P2P payments, achieving 71 lightning transactions in just 3 minutes and 33 seconds.
Today, 40 local businesses are integrated into our Bitcoin ecosystem, equipped with training and materials to accept Bitcoin payments and foster financial inclusion.
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The Circular Economy Big Bang
During the Bitcoin Prague conference in July 2023, we launched the Bitcoinize Machine crowdfunding campaign on Geyser, quickly becoming the platform's most successful project. This initiative enabled the deployment of almost 800 Bitcoin payment machines across 41 countries, advancing our commitment to global financial inclusion.
Throughout this journey, Fernando Motolese shared the message of Circular Economies globally, attending conferences in Prague, Amsterdam, Riga, Lugano, and the UAE while promoting the innovative Bolt Card and Bitcoinize Machine technologies.
Since our inception, Praia Bitcoin initiatives have raised over 12 BTC, supported by 1,500 anonymous donors through Bitcoin-only crowdfunding. But to continue growing and realizing this vision, we need your support.
After three years of running the marathon of Bitcoin Circular Economies, Praia Bitcoin realized that to genuinely empower individuals to opt out of fiat currency, we need a new social business model. Today, opting out of the fiat system is still only a dream for 99% of people.
In 2024, we achieved key milestones by establishing the Praia Bitcoin experiment as a formal company, sharing our methodologies at our November conference.
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Objectives and Key Results for 2024
As we move forward, we are committed to supporting other communities by sharing our experiences and tools from Jericoacoara. In 2024, we aim to further strengthen our local economy and extend our impact within the global Bitcoin community.
Support us, and together, let’s build a brighter future.
1. Community and Educational Infrastructure at Pousada do Serrote [Delivered]
Converted Pousada do Serrote into a multifunctional community center, providing co-working spaces, cultural events, a content studio, volunteer accommodations, and swimming lessons for 100 children.
2. Establishment of the Jericoacoara Bitcoin Community Bank [Awaiting Approval]
Plans to open a physical location in Jericoacoara, issue 1,000 Lightning cards, install 50 Bitcoinize terminals, fully integrate Bitcoin banking services into daily life, promote self-custody, and facilitate bill payments and small withdrawals.
3. Conference in November to Set a World Record [Delivered]
Organized a conference from November 5–7 aiming to set a world record, fundraise for the following year.
4. Ongoing Nutritional and Educational Support for Children [Delivered]
Providing fresh fruit to 100 children at the municipal school, offering two rooms for educational activities through the community council, and developing an incentive program for volunteers committed to community support.
5. Replicate the Bitcoin Smiles Initiative [New Concept Under Development]
We aim to replicate the 'Bitcoin Smiles' Initiative in Jericoacoara by renting a local clinic, inviting Dr. Enrique to provide dental care, ensuring treatment for vulnerable community members, and promoting well-being and positivity through improved dental health.
6. Decentralize Fundraising in BTC
Creating campaigns with various proponents who hold custody and responsibility for project execution, supported by Praia Bitcoin.
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Why Donate to Praia Bitcoin?
Donating to Praia Bitcoin means directly supporting a transformative project aimed at financial inclusion and empowerment. Your contribution helps bridge the gap between traditional banking and individuals who have been left behind, creating a robust Bitcoin circular economy in Jericoacoara that can serve as a model for communities worldwide.
With your donation, we can continue to offer educational programs, technological infrastructure, and sustainable initiatives that enable locals to transact, save, and thrive using Bitcoin. Every SAT donated goes toward developing resources and tools for individuals and businesses to achieve greater financial independence. Together, we’re making a difference, one transaction at a time, and fostering a future where economic opportunities are accessible to all.
Support Praia Bitcoin and be part of a movement that champions financial autonomy, community development, and innovation in the heart of Brazil.
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Milestones
Q1-2024
- [OK] Keep the Fruits for Sats Program
- [OK] Build the new Bulk Bolt Card Script
- [OK] Help to Build the Tap to Receive Feature in Bolt Card
- [OK] Give 21k Sats to 100 kids and test the tap-to-receive feature and attempt the world record
- [OK] Sign the Contract with Pousada do Serrote
- [OK] Create the Bitcoin Industry Registration Form
- [OK] Start to Model the Bitcoin Community Bank
- [OK] Attend the Madeira Conference
- [OK] Assist Bitcoin Kampala in creating a crowdfunding campaign to save the Starlight School in Uganda
- [OK] Submit the requirements to register the Bitcoin Community Bank
Q2-2024
- [OK] Keep the Fruits for Sats Program
- [FAIL] Deliver 10 videos to teach children about Bitcoin and Money
- [OK] Obtain the keys to Pousada do Serrote and organize a launch party
- [FAIL] Offer free swimming classes for 100 kids
- [OK] Bitcoin Pizza Day
- [FAIL] Open the Jericoacoara Bitcoin Community Bank agency
- [PARTIALLY OK] Deliver 1,000 Lightning cards
- [PARTIALLY OK] Implement 50 Bitcoinize machines
Q3-2024
- [OK] Keep the Fruits for Sats Program
- [OK] Sponsor the first musical crowdfunded in Bitcoin - Asas de um Migrante
- [FAIL] Continue offering free swimming classes for 100 kids
- [FAIL] Implement an additional 50 Bitcoinize machines (Only 20 installed)
- [OK] Purchase equipment and furniture for the Cultural Center
Q4-2024
- [OK] Keep the Fruits for Sats Program
- [OK] Host the November Conference [5 and 6th Nov 2024]
- [OK] Present the first musical crowdfunded in Bitcoin "Asas de Um Migrante"
- [FAIL] World Record for Bitcoin Payments (We didn't break our previous record due to internet problems)
- [RUNNING] Raising funds for the next year’s operations
- [WAITING APPROVAL] Open the Bitcoin Community Bank
- [SCHEDULED] Three additional presentations of the Musical "Asas de um Migrante"
[30/11/2024] Centro Cultural Praia Bitcoin Jericoacoara
[03/12/2024] Festival Choro e Jazz
[21/12/2024] Centro Cultural Praia Bitcoin Jericoacoara
- [SCHEDULED] Launch five crowdfunding campaigns for Educational Community Projects, where each proponent is responsible for execution
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Praia Bitcoin in the Press
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Praia Bitcoin Brasil Receives Support to Build Machines
Livecoins - 13/09/2023
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Support Us
If you own a Bitcoin company and wish to donate 5 million SATS or more to be featured in our Supporters Section, please contact us at bitcoinbeachbr@gmail.com with proof of transaction and a logo (.png format, 500x500 px).
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Special Thanks
