What we do
Jardim do Mira promotes and develops activities and actions to improve biodiversity and environmental regeneration since 2019. Land adjustments include placing eucalyptus logs along contour lines and adding mulch to slow water runoff and reduce erosion. Our goal is to restore the degraded Eucalyptus plantage, as well as protecting wetlands and forests.
It acts through a non-profit association for creating harmonious ecosystems.
Why we do it
We care for a 175,000 m² area, with nearly two-thirds previously used for. Eucalyptus monoculture
Our passion is revitalising this land, working closely with locals to explore and implement best practices. In recent years, not only has greenhouse agriculture greatly expanded in the area of the nature park but also the risk of fire.
Where we are
Located along the river Mira in Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a nature park in southwest Portugal.
The Mira region as a whole is an important protected area of the Portuguese coast and offers a unique opportunity for integrated protection.
Give back Forest
Integrating animals
Research and Data
Forest Documentation, part of Dominik Petzold’s European Master program, conducted at JDM and the Faculty of Forest and Environment, University for Sustainable Development, investigates the current state, focusing on forest ecology, soil, and climate through field methods and theoretical research. The faculty’s motto, “To learn from the forest – To teach, research, and act for the benefit of the forest,” highlights its dedication to sustainable forestry practices.
Biodiversity Restoration
Local Actions
Governance and Learning
Sociocracy 3.0 principles guide our decision-making and governance processes under the direction of Maria Rute, emphasising inclusivity, transparency, and continuous improvement to ensure all voices are heard and valued, which are now integral to our organisational development. We actively invite and listen to the Voice of Mother Nature during our processes, fostering unexpected and deep understanding.
Local Actions
Local Actions
Governance and Learning
Sociocracy 3.0 principles guide our decision-making and governance processes under the direction of Maria Rute, emphasising inclusivity, transparency, and continuous improvement to ensure all voices are heard and valued, which are now integral to our organisational development. We actively invite and listen to the Voice of Mother Nature during our processes, fostering unexpected and deep understanding.
Time for Water – European Residency Program
Prototype 2023
The ResidenZ Water project explores the theme of water over 2 to 4 months through dialogue and exchange with Portugal. This initiative stems from ResidenZukunft and the Erasmus+ project “Time for Future.”
Residencies
Sophia Regner
Sophia Regner, an artist and sustainable designer, spent two months in Rothenklempenow creatively addressing water scarcity. Through community participation and engagement with the local landscape, her photographic productions aim to evoke emotional and mental responses to this pressing issue.
Lisa Wendelborn and Thomas Bendt
Long-time residents of Rothenklempenow, Lisa Wendelborn and Thomas Bendt, will explore water and drought through sound. Their artistic focus will examine the sounds of dryness and the impact of water on our landscapes, weaving stories through auditory experiences.
David Rezende
David Rezende, a trained permaculture practitioner, is developing a practical water system with a greywater filter for the Jardim do Mira project. His work considers the unique environment of the Alentejo Natural Park, aiming to establish sustainable water management in a eucalyptus forest.
Exchange for Time for Future 2022
Taking time for the future is essential to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Decade 2030 Ecosystem Restoration.
With Time for Future, Jardim do Mira has partnered with RCE Szczecin Lagoon, engaging in a European exchange with the hosts region and network.
In the rural North East region of Germany, various development and education formats have been implemented, including nature trails, landscape walks, Field rallies, and the ResidenZukunft – Time for Future fellowship program.
The pilot, launched in 2021 in the village Rothenklempenow (NE Germany) and was awarded the International RCE Award by the United Nations University.
The Odemira region in Portugal faces challenges such as youth migration and limited access to sustainable agricultural products. A significant issue is the growth of industrial greenhouses for European fruit exports, threatening the region’s biodiversity and polluting drinking water sources with chemical pesticides.
To address these challenges, we seek to exchange knowledge with RCE Szczecin Lagoon partners and association Jardim do Mira and regional collaborators. This exchange aims to learn from each other, further develop future initiatives, and enhance the fellowship program to benefit both regions and their ecosystems in the future.
Partners involved in the exchange.
Portugal:
Jardim do Mira, regenerative project
Cultural association in Algoceira /AM Algoceira e Vale do Bispo, Cultural center
Skanking Farmers, regenerative project
Clara- Center for Rural Future, regenerative project
Mercado Aldeias a Vista, monthly Cultural event
Guardioes do Mira, Youth education program
Terra Sintropica, regenerative project
Rota Vincentina, Eco tourist trails
Tamera-Peace research and education center, regenerative project
Juntos pelo Sudoeste, Citizen movement
EU Climate Pact Ambassador program
Mira Food hub & Mercado Mira, weekly and monthly market and cultural event
Germany:
RCE Stettiner Haff, Regional centre for expertise
Fint, Collective of system thinking professionals and transformation coaching
Zukunftorte, Network of places of impact
Hodlwood, Initiative for developing and preserving orchard meadows
European Climatepact Ambassador
PDF_Invitation_ Intercâmbio_ Einladung Zeit für Zukunft 24-26.Sep, Region Stettiner Haff
PodCast ‘Voices from the region
Video Documentation below
Produced with actors from our German-Portuguese network:
- Part 1: “Time for Future Exchange” covers the first visit of the German delegation from April 20-24, 2022, in Algoceira, Odemira, Portugal.
- Part 2: September 20-25, 2022, during European Sustainability Week in Rothenklempenow, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.
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