“Our generation is facing historic challenges, never seen before. The social, environmental, and economic crisis we are living through has reached levels that seem impossible to solve. But the truth is that solutions exist, and they are simple to understand.”
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October was another month full of activities. We organized 5 workshops, 1 school visit, and 2 hikes. In total, we had more than 80 participants across our activities. It was 4 weeks packed with learning
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Below, we leave a record of some of the activities we organized.
WORKSHOPS AND TRAININGS
Session at EUPC2021 on water retention structures
On October 10th, Guilherme Weishar gave a session on rainwater retention structures at EUPC2021 (European Permaculture Convergence). Fresh water is the most precious resource there is, all life depends on it. As climate systems become increasingly destabilized, rainfall is growing more scarce and unpredictable. For this reason, strategies to retain rainwater in the soil are essential.
School visit from Paúl primary school
On the 27th, we had a visit from Paúl primary school at Ananda Valley. We gave a tour of the ecovillage, showcasing the different elements that support an environmentally friendly way of life. For their snack, the students enjoyed summer honey from our beehives and apple jam made from apples grown in the Agroforest. The students left inspired by this immersion in nature. We hope this will be the first of many visits from schools in the region!
Visit to the agroforest and food transformation workshop
On October 7th, we organized a visit to the Ananda Valley Agroforest. In total, we harvested over 35kg. 14kg of good-quality apples to be eaten raw, and 21kg set aside for processing and preservation. We sterilized glass jars so we’d have apple jam through the winter, small details that make all the difference!
Greywater Treatment Workshop
On October 29th, we held a workshop on greywater treatment systems (water coming from showers, washing machines, and the kitchen). Water coming from the kitchen typically contains organic residue and grease, requiring extra attention and care in the treatment system’s design. Our facilitator, Nico Reynaud, organized a hands-on session to calculate the size of the basin needed to absorb twice the peak discharge from the communal showers, based on average daily water consumption, soil type, and basin depth. This session was inspired by the book “Create an Oasis with Greywater” by Art Ludwig.
HIKES
Verdelhos
On the 10th, we organized a hike in Verdelhos, a natural treasure within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. With our guide, Ana Morgadinho, we had the opportunity to learn about the geology of these mountains, in particular the enormous granite outcrops that mark the landscape.
Fajões, Pampilhosa da Serra
On October 23rd, we took part in this hike in Fajões, Pampilhosa da Serra. It was an interpretive walk with guide LuÃs Alves, filled with knowledge: the diversity of flora and fauna found along the way, how the landscape responds to fire, the history of the region, and much more. A truly enriching hike.
NEXT EVENTS
CONFERENCE AT UBI – REGENERATING OUR SERRA
On November 11th, at UBI, we’ll be exploring a range of topics aimed at inspiring people to reconnect with nature: the relationship between technology and nature, exploring new habits and new ways of living, rethinking the water cycle, discussing the new paradigm of reforestation in Portugal, and much more! The focus region is our own Serra da Estrela, a landmark of such great environmental and social importance nationally.
It will be an event full of innovative ideas and perspectives, highly relevant to the challenges we face collectively. We have a multidisciplinary guest list from various institutions, associations, and companies, who together represent the diversity of people in our region. At the end, there will be a networking space, so that valuable synergies for the future can emerge from this event. It’s an event not to be missed!
More info and registration: link
PERMA CHILDREN
On November 13th, we’ll have a full day of activities for the little ones! Pequena Ilha Verde and EcoAtivo are joining forces at Ananda Valley for permaculture-related activities where we’ll let imaginations run wild, learn in a fun way and in contact with nature, with yoga and meditation, for children ages 3 to 10.
More info and registration: [email protected]
AGROFORESTRY COURSE
From November 18th to 22nd, EcoAtivo will be organizing a course on how to create an Agroforest, with the support of Planta Floresta and facilitators Ruben Costa and Joaquim. Registration and more information on the Facebook event page.
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Together, regenerating ecosystems!