Portugal: ESC: Landcare - regenerative gardening and agroforestry

About the local hosting organization

FPD was founded in 2009, thanks the Regional Governament which granted its foundation on the basis of the activities planned for the social development of the regional rural areas. It is a non-profit regional civil organization, made by young and senior people. It's mission is to promote and facilitate the development of rural areas of the Puglia Region, thanks to the implementation of projects concerning volunteering, youth, social inclusion, environment protection, sustainable development, promotion of the importance of biodiversity, organic farming, nature and sport and outdoor activities. FPD focuses its attention on European mobility, both for the personal development of its single members and for the growth of local partner organizations at International level. The main target group is youth under 35 y.o., but the organization also works with senior people. Both the categories have in common the fact they are made of disadvantaged people from rural areas. The young people are mainly NEET, which means FPD offers them several opportunities to learn, be trained and educated at local and European level in order to enrich their curricula and get more chances for their job-placement or self-employment. FPD cooperates with several Public and Private entities at all levels, such as: a) Municipality of Taurisano (IT) - FPD cooperates in the organization of local events in several fields (waste collection, Music festivals, youth participation in decision making processes, cultural activities, music events, photo exhibitions....); b) Province of Lecce (IT) – FPD had a project concerning young people's involvement in local initiatives concerning ecology and biological food, re-use of different materials and recycle of waste; c) Region of Puglia (IT) – FPD cooperates with its Region on projects concerning promotion of natural resources of rural areas; d) Several EU NGOs are partners in the implementation of Youth Exchanges, Youth and Democracy projects, Training Courses, seminars, workshops, volunteering activties in different fields. What is more, FPD is member of numerous European Networks financed by the Europe for Citizens Programme, for the valorization of the EU Cultural Heritage (tangible, intangible, digital and natural), the promotion of Youth Mobility for learning, training, working, studying and volunteering abroad, the active participation (mainly digital participation) at EU level of youth and seniors.

Presentation of the programme

This program revolves around soil regeneration via permaculture and syntropic agroforestry techniques. We are reviving 30 hectares of degraded land to serve as a model for eco living and provide ways to ensure food and water security via regenerative practices such as Sytropic agriculture. This agroforestry technique advocates cooperation in nature as opposed to competition and highlights the role of diversity in creating a healthy ecosystem. The site is being transformed into a public park filled with biodiversity and a green playground for hosting our yearly music and art festival. You will be participating in various activities such as creating and maintaining agroforestry systems, organic gardening, developing the compost area and regenerative landscaping. The program also includes your contribution to cultural and community events such as listening sessions, collective cooking, local market or other events for the local community.

About the accomodation

Accommodation: Tipis with bed and electricity at the Lakeside. Facilities: Showers with warm water and compost toilets, filtered drinking water and washing machine. Food: Three meals a day are cooked with food sourced as much as possible from our own garden and local producers. Free drinking water, coffee, plant-based milk and various teas are available 24/7. Transport: Daily bus and train to Lisbon and Porto. Car sharing is facilitated. Bicycles available for use.

About the leisure activities

You will join a team of passionates taking you on a deep dive into nature. You will learn about: - rewilding, renaturation of streams - agroforestry technics - hydration of the landscape - the design and set-up of a small scale organic farming and food-processing model to achieve self-sufficiency and food sovereignty in order to sustain the onsite community during the year - community living dynamics - community care. We provide english and portuguese language support if needed.

Requirements

The Participant profile: Interested in learning about plants and building vibrant ecosystems? Not afraid to get your hands dirty and melt your sweat with soil? Ready to join a big community of beings living, working and celebrating together? That sounds like your cup of t(r)ea! Curious mind and committed physical condition is recommended.Deadline: 11/04/2027 12:00