What is Vale da Esteva?

Vale da Esteva is a private property located 10 kilometres from Castelo Branco, next to the Tagus International Natural Park.

   

What is the size of Vale da Esteva?

105 hectares of mountains, valleys, streams, and reservoirs of enormous beauty.

   

Has Vale da Esteva always been called that?

No. In the past, Vale da Esteva was called Monte do Canafechal. The decision to change the name is due to the wonderful gum cistus, which fills the hills and valleys with colours and aromas.

   

Who owns Vale da Esteva?

Vale da Esteva is owned by Harmonious Jungle, a Portuguese company based in Castelo Branco.

   

Who represents Harmonious Jungle?

 Cristina Levine Martins Xavier de Sousa is the Investor and CEO of Harmonious Jungle.

   

Where do Harmonious Jungle's funds come from?

At the moment, the sources of the company's funds are the investor's own capital and revenue from local accommodation in Cascais, Albufeira, and Vilamoura.

   

What is the natural landscape like in Vale da Esteva?

In addition to its diverse wildlife, including forestry, floral, herbaceous, and other species that contribute priceless ecological value, the area features hills, valleys, and watercourses that support populations of various endangered and endemic species.

   

Is Vale da Esteva located in protected areas?

Yes, some areas of Vale da Esteva are part of protected areas, namely the Naturtejo Geopark of the Meseta Meridional (a UNESCO World Geopark) and the Tagus International Natural Park (PNTI).

   

What is currently being done in Vale da Esteva?

We are developing a regeneration programme to revitalise the area. This programme includes several distinct action strands. The name of the programme is REVE - REGENERATION OF THE ECOSYSTEMS OF VALE DA ESTEVA.

   

What are REVE's values?

Ecological Ethics, Valuing and Dignifying Life, Inclusion, Transparency, Co-operation, Responsibility, Integrity, and Innovation.

   

What is Ecological Ethics?

Ecological Ethics is the awareness of our responsibility to care for the beautiful home we live in—Planet Earth.

   

What does Valuing and Dignifying Life mean?

 Valuing and Dignifying Life means respecting and caring for all living beings and recognising that each one contributes to the existence and sustenance of life.

   

What does Inclusion mean?

 Inclusion is a concept based on the principles of equality, respect, and social justice, and it aims to eliminate discrimination, prejudice, and barriers that prevent people from fully participating in various aspects of society, such as education, employment, health, and social interactions.

More than just tolerance or acceptance, inclusion means actively embracing diversity and recognising the inherent value and contributions of each person.

Inclusion recognises that differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status, and other characteristics should not limit or define a person's access to resources, opportunities, or social participation.

   

What does Transparency mean?

Transparency means providing information in clear and accessible language to all those interested in our activities.

   

What does Co-operation mean?

Co-operation means helping each other, specifically in the context of regenerating and caring for nature.

   

What does Responsibility mean?

Responsibility means honouring our pledges.

   

What does Integrity mean?

Integrity means acting with pure intentions, fairness, and adherence to ethical principles in every decision and action.

   

What does Innovation mean?

Innovation in regenerative agriculture refers to the development and implementation of new ideas, approaches, technologies, and practices that enhance and advance the principles of regenerative farming.

In the field of regenerative agriculture, we are referring to Agtech and Digital Solutions. The application of agricultural technologies (Agtech) and digital solutions is transforming regenerative agriculture. These technologies include sensors, drones, and other smart farming systems, enabling real-time monitoring of crops, soil conditions, and even animal health. All this data is valuable for decision-making, enabling optimised resource allocation and reducing environmental impact.

   

What is the mission of REVE?

The mission of REVE is to regenerate the ecosystems of Vale da Esteva and transform it into an ecological sanctuary.

   

What activities are carried out as part of the REVE framework?

The main activities include organic farming, vegan and organic artisanal food production, environmental education, and nature tourism.

   

What it means for Vale da Esteva to be a “Legacy for Life”?

It means that at Vale da Esteva, through good practices, we aim to inspire and motivate people to respect, preserve, and conserve the environment, as well as to foster integrity and compassion for the protection, dignity, and well-being of all living beings.

   

What is agroecology?

Agroecology is both a science and a practice. By being ecological, agroecology contributes to preserving the environment, providing healthy food, promoting soil regeneration, respecting socio-cultural values, and thereby strengthening local communities.

   

What is organic food?

It focuses on a sustainable circular economy by promoting the consumption of local products, which result from agricultural methods and techniques that preserve and conserve the environment.

   

What is a vegan diet?

It's a 100% plant-based diet.

   

Are vegan food and veganism the same thing?

According to the UK organisation The Vegan Society, veganism is a philosophy and way of life that seeks to “exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose.”

   

Why did we choose vegan and organic food for Vale da Esteva?

We know that dietary practices have the power to change people's consciousness and the planet. So, as well as aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimise water use in food production, we want to produce delicious, nutritious food that respects all forms of life.

   

What is the main reason for adopting a vegan diet?

The biggest reason is compassion for all beings, recognizing that we are all important, albeit in different ways, for the existence of a healthy and balanced life on our planet. It's the awareness and responsibility to transform the planet into a place free from the exploitation and cruelty imposed on animals.

   

What is the reason for choosing organic food?

Organic food promotes local and family farming, as well as seasonality and short agri-food circuits. Ecological food is healthy, minimises processing and industrialization, favours product quality, reduces the need for packaging and/or uses ecological packaging, and, very importantly, is based on fair trade practices for farmers and consumers.

   

Is it possible to visit Vale da Esteva?

Yes, it is possible to visit Vale da Esteva at this stage by appointment.

   

Does Vale da Esteva welcome tourists?

We are refurbishing the existing facilities so that we can welcome visitors, tourists, travellers, and anyone who wants to enjoy this wonderful place in comfort and quality. As soon as everything is ready, it will be properly announced.

   

What kind of tourism does Vale da Esteva offer?

In order to fulfil the objectives envisaged for Vale da Esteva in the short, medium, and long term, the focus is agrotourism.

   

How important is tourism at Vale da Esteva?

Tourism at Vale da Esteva is an important tool for raising awareness about respect for our planet, the environment, and all forms of life through experiences and good practices at Vale da Esteva.

   

What is Agrotourism?

Agrotourism is a type of tourism that involves visits and activities on farms or in rural areas and offers authentic and educational experiences, such as proximity to and connection with nature, learning about sustainable agricultural practices, and insights into the rural way of life. Agrotourism benefits both visitors and local communities. For tourists and travellers, agrotourism allows them to escape urban life, learn about food production, and enjoy a more immersive and interactive travel experience. For rural communities, agrotourism can provide additional income, diversify the local economy, help preserve traditional farming practices, and promote rural development and sustainability.

   

Who can take part in the experiences at Vale da Esteva?

Vale da Esteva is for all those who love life! At Vale da Esteva everyone is welcome, no matter how old they are, what they believe in, who they are, where they come from... At Vale da Esteva there are activities for everyone!

   

What activities are there at Vale da Esteva?

We carry out various immersive experiences in nature. We demonstrate and organise activities such as agroforestry courses, hikes, tasting 100% plant-based food, sharing knowledge, arts and crafts, and many more.

   

What are the features of ecologically-based farming systems?

The main feature of ecologically-based farming systems is that they are grounded in the processes of nature. This approach requires time and careful observation. Vale da Esteva serves as an excellent open-air laboratory for applying these principles.

   

How important are ecologically-based agricultural systems?

Ecologically-based systems restore people's connection with natural processes and regenerate the soil and watercourses. This translates into biodiverse, agrochemical-free food production, contributing to much-needed sustainability.

   

Why are ecologically-based agricultural systems on the rise?

Because there is evidence that they offer a sustainable alternative for agriculture and help combat climate change. They also contribute to the health of soil, plants, people, and animals.

   

What is the difference between agroecology and ecologically-based farming systems?

Agroecology is a science. Ecologically-based agriculture embodies the principles and concepts of this science, based on a holistic vision that considers the complexity and interrelationships of the various processes occurring in agroecosystems.

   

What is organic farming?

Organic farming is a form of agricultural production that employs sustainable techniques, favours the use of local resources, preserves biodiversity, soil, and the environment, and does not use synthetic chemicals or easily soluble fertilizers.

   

Are organic and biological farming similar?

Organic farming is known by different names in various countries. For example, in Brazil and English-speaking countries, it is called organic farming. In Japan, it is referred to as natural farming, while in Spain and Denmark, it is known as ecological farming. In Portugal, it's called biological farming.

   

Are ecologically-based farming systems (agroforestry, biodynamic, natural, holistic, syntropic, etc.) the same thing?

These approaches share common principles and concepts, particularly in their respect for the environment, soil, and biodiversity. In this respect, they all use sustainable practices. However, the dimensions covered by agroecology, such as the socio-cultural aspects and its established status as a science, position it as an 'umbrella' under which all the other modalities mentioned above can be included.

   

What practices does agroecology reject?

The use of synthetic molecules, soluble chemical fertilizers, and genetically modified seeds are the three major ‘don’ts’ of agroecology, along with the prohibition of animal exploitation and cruelty.

   

What is regenerative agriculture?

It is agriculture focused on soil health and mitigating the effects of climate change. Regenerative agriculture has a positive impact on the landscape, promoting soil health and biodiversity. It enhances the economic resilience of the land, ensures the conservation and efficient use of water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

   

What techniques and/or practices does regenerative agriculture use?

There is a wide variety of techniques, but we'd like to highlight a few:

• Soil cover: This prevents erosion and subsequent degradation.
• Diverse plant species: Using different plant species to enrich the soil with a variety of nutrients created by microorganisms. (Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms present in soil, water, and various ecosystems play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter and releasing essential nutrients for the growth of plants and other living beings. For example, the decomposition of dead plant and animal remains by microorganisms results in the release of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other chemical elements present in these materials.)
• Soil structure: There is a focus on preserving the soil structure by reducing the use of machinery as much as possible before cultivation, to protect the microorganisms present in the topsoil, among other practices.

   

Are there practices that can help conventional production transition to an ecological system?

Yes. Remembering that it is always advisable to obtain information from a professional, you can start by diversifying crops, integrating farming, livestock, and forestry, and using different production systems in the same area, among other approaches.

   

What are the main ecologically-based farming systems?

We group systems based on the ‘services of nature’ under the same umbrella, which apply knowledge of the laws of nature to production systems, such as syntropic agriculture, agroforestry, biodynamic agriculture, and natural agriculture.

   

What is syntropic farming?

Syntropic farming is a system developed by Ernst Götsch in which natural processes are translated into agricultural practices in terms of their form, function, and dynamics—i.e., farming based on nature’s services.

   

What is biodynamic agriculture?

Biodynamic agriculture is based on the vital energies of nature and the influence of cosmic rhythms on plant production. It is a form of ecologically-based agriculture in which the farm is viewed as a living organism. The health of this system depends on the interrelationship between its living components, such as animals, plants, and minerals, aiming to balance these elements within the system.

   

What is natural farming?

It is a system that employs planting and soil management techniques designed to accelerate the reversal of soil degradation, ensuring that this restoration process remains economically viable.

   

What techniques does natural farming use?

Natural agriculture favours the use of natural resources, such as compost, mulch, green manures, soil microorganisms, biological pest control, biomechanical weed control, and other techniques.

   

Are the techniques used in ecologically-based agriculture scientific?

Yes. Ecologically-based agriculture employs scientific knowledge, but it is not limited to it. This approach also integrates traditional knowledge and revives age-old techniques that emphasize sustainability and respect for ecosystems.

   

What is agroforestry?

Agroforestry is an ancient land use practice that combines woody tree species, such as fruit or timber trees, with agricultural crops and/or livestock. The goal is to mimic natural processes by maintaining continuous ground cover, integrating various plant types to support one another like a family, and enhancing ecological mechanisms through spatial and temporal diversity.

   

What is permaculture?

Permaculture is a method and philosophy focused on designing human habitats inspired by natural ecosystems. It aims to create sustainable human communities by mimicking the patterns and relationships found in nature. Permaculture principles are based on caring for the Earth, caring for people, and ensuring fair distribution of resources and surpluses.

   

Is it possible to raise people's awareness through ecological practices?

Absolutely! The principles and concepts applied in these systems are designed to raise awareness about regenerative soil practices, responsible use of water and renewable energies, recycling, reducing or eliminating external inputs, waste management, and, above all, fostering a lifestyle change. This includes encouraging contact with nature and promoting more responsible, conscious, and healthy eating habits.