In the last decade, Portuguese Forests have been struggling with the lack of one systemic ecological plan. Many regions were dominated by Eucalyptus monocultures that have a fast outcome but degrade the health of the soil, impact the balance of wildlife, decrease biodiversity, and contribute to the spreading of fires.
Silveira Tech land is located in the Central of Portugal, on Serra da Lousã, which has a prominent characteristic of the Schist (Xisto) stone, which over the centuries has been used for the construction of many villages.
Our project aims to implement a long-term regeneration plan, creating resilience and fostering biodiversity in more than 220 hectares of land.
In the heart of Portugal, our Land Regeneration Project stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and change. However, the road to transformation isn't without its challenges. We strive to overcome these hurdles, ensuring a healthier, sustainable environment for future generations. Here are some of our main environmental challenges:
Fire Hazard: One of the most threatening challenges we face is the ever-looming danger of wildfires. As global temperatures rise, fire seasons are growing longer and more dangerous. Our goal is to design and implement strategies that will reduce the risk of fires and protect our precious ecosystems.
Invasive Species: The spread of invasive species is a major concern, causing biodiversity loss and competing with native species for resources. We are dedicated to managing these species and promoting the re-establishment of native plants and animals.
Rocky and Steep Terrain: Our location presents a unique challenge with its rocky soil and steep slopes. This affects everything from soil management to water retention. We are constantly innovating to find solutions to effectively work with the terrain, preventing soil erosion, and ensuring optimal conditions for growth.
Food Security: With global uncertainties and climate change, food security is more crucial than ever. We aim to design and implement sustainable farming practices to produce a reliable and nutritious food source for the local communities.
Local Fauna Impact: While we appreciate and seek to preserve the diverse fauna of our region, animals like deer and boars can hinder natural regeneration. Our challenge is to balance their presence while allowing our plantings to thrive.
Water Scarcity: Portugal, like many places worldwide, faces the challenge of water scarcity. We aim to create a landscape that retains more water, using innovative strategies such as swales, dams, and appropriate plant choices that aid water retention.
Shallow Soil Depth: Certain areas of our project site have very shallow soil, posing a challenge for plant growth. We are exploring and implementing soil building strategies, like composting and mulching, to improve soil depth and fertility.
Hydric Erosion: The steep terrain combined with heavy rainfall often leads to hydric erosion, washing away essential nutrients down the mountain. We're dedicated to designing and implementing effective strategies to combat this erosion and conserve soil nutrients.
Security: Being an off-grid project brings its own set of challenges. Our goal is to create a secure and safe environment for all our volunteers and residents, ensuring they can focus on our shared mission.
As daunting as these challenges may seem, we believe they provide opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. We invite you to join us on this journey, bringing your skills, enthusiasm, and passion to help us overcome these hurdles. Together, we can transform these challenges into victories for our environment and community.