While ‘Local Growers’ usually showcases UK-based gardeners, last year, I had the pleasure to visit a unique project in the beautiful mountains of the Viseu region in northern Portugal and witness how other growers are working with the land.
Projeto Origens began as a socio-environmental project to reflect the current state of the world and respond in an organic, collaborative and multidimensional manner. The focus is equally on land stewardship and building long-term relations with the existing community in the Viseu region. For Humberto and Susana, the topic of climate emergency and deepening societal problems is tangible, with hot Portuguese summers and the risk of wildfires that decimate not only crops but also whole communities. The couple aims to reflect on life forms, the interaction between human beings and their environment, the interconnectedness of species, and to put into practice more sustainable ways of living, focusing on respectful coexistence.
On a local scale, Projecto Origens focuses on agroecology and land regeneration to preserve and support the delicate ecosystems of this mountainous region. Change takes time, as it’s led first by observation of the territory. During one of those observations, Humberto discovered a rare stag horn beetle’s remains, which, while not useful at the time, gave a glimpse of the possibility of the beetles being common in this habitat. And indeed, months later, live beetles were observed and for the first time put on the map in this area.
In addition to cooperating with local groups and Viseu Polytechnic Institute, Projeto Origens is a host to many international events. This cooperation among various communities worldwide focuses on regeneration and degrowth, refusing business and overconsumption and instead embracing slow living. During events, participants get to ponder, nurture, act and celebrate the co-creation and plans for the projects ahead. They are currently exploring community initiatives, nature conservation, biodiversity, self-sufficiency, education and training, integral health, and a circular economy. Nearby, the old and disused railway line has been turned into a scenic bicycle route, and the vision is that the villages and the local farms are populated with old and new farmers, all working together. The group moves calmly and sustainably in their collective path, creating a road to the new adventures for a better today and tomorrow. The best way to start is to grab what’s within reach and do it with gratitude.
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In Viseu, Portugal, Projeto Origens responds to the climate emergency with nature-based and community initiatives.
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