What we do
Jardim do Mira promotes and develops activities and actions to improve biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
It acts through a non-profit association for creating harmonious ecosystems.
Why we do it
We are the caretakers of an area of 175.000 m², of which almost two-thirds have been used for the cultivation of eucalyptus monoculture.
We are passionate about revitalising the land and, in collaboration with locals, exploring best practices.
Where we are
Located in Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a natural park in south-west Portugal.
The Mira region as a whole is an important protected area of the Portuguese coast and offers a unique opportunity for integrated protection.
Tree nursery
By following the guidelines of syntropic agriculture we planted a tree nursery from more than 500 seeds and cuttings in 2020. We continue collecting local native seeds. This is an ongoing activity on land.
Integrating animals
We integrated horses, chicken and bees to help stabilise the future food forest. Introducing animals amounts to a lot of care. We plan to invite the local shepherd and his herd in the future instead of introducing more domestic animals.
Research
The current state of the 17 h site with regards to its forest ecology, soil and climate was investigated using field methods and theoretical research. Dominik Petzold is currently finalising his master thesis with focus on Jardim do Mira.
3000 tree saplings
In 2019 Quercus the portuguese association for nature conservation donated 3000 native tree saplings to Jardim Do Mira which were planted to bring in more diversity.
Local action
With our neighbouring community, we cleared the communal drinking water source and planted trees at the locally run escola primaria of the village.
Management and governance
Our organisation is operating with the sociocracy 3.0 principles for effective collaboration. We have been learning these principles since the first meeting July 2019.
Your donation enables the non-profit association Jardim do Mira to work towards its sustainability goals. Please get in touch via mail with us. Thank you so much.