Photo credit: Ana Tores, Reflorestar PT.
Partner organisation: Reflorestar Portugal
Location: Portugal
Reflorestar Portugal is a pioneering organization dedicated to ecological regeneration and the promotion of biodiverse agroforestry systems. Their mission encompasses not only the restoration of natural ecosystems but also the empowerment and connection of various societal stakeholders to contribute to the revitalization of forest biomes and communities.
Their slogan ‘Think like a Forest’ reveals their mission to act as part of a living, intelligent and evolving system, playing our role in the ecosystem.
Holistic Approach to Ecosystem Regeneration
ReflorestarPT distinguishes itself by adopting an ecosystemic and holistic approach in all its projects. In understanding that the Forest is a living organism, they seek to have a positive impact by fitting into our own unique role as a guardian of these, potentially abundant and resilient, ecosystems.
They focus on understanding the complex interactions within ecosystems, emphasising species consortia, high-density planting, and biodiversity as foundational pillars. Following natural succession and stratification processes, they address the diverse needs of plants and animals, fostering cooperation to create functional and resilient forest and agroforestry systems.
Photo credit: Ana Tores, Reflorestar PT.
Innovative approach – Syntropic farming
ReflorestarPT are exploring and implementing the approaches of Syntropic farming. Syntropy creates the image of a system that accumulates matter and energy and it becomes more complex over time, all in order to create abundance. It is a form of process-based agriculture, rather than input-based agriculture.
In physics, Syntropy is known as a force that leads to order, diversity, and life. When working with the land and in farming, it takes a similar meaning; a farming practice that involves closely linked interactions between organisms to create abundance, diversity and life.
Educational Initiatives and Community Engagement
Education and community involvement are central to ReflorestarPT’s strategy. They coin this impact of their work as ‘human regeneration’, recognising that social change is needed on a systematic level.
Through various training programs, lectures, and events, they provide tools and knowledge to inspire individuals to reconnect with the land and become active agents in ecosystem regeneration. Their efforts aim to restore soil health, reestablish water cycles, and preserve biodiversity, ultimately strengthening local economies and communities.
Photo credit: Reflorestar PT.
Impressive Impact Metrics
Since its inception, ReflorestarPT has made significant strides in ecological restoration. To date, they have successfully implemented 18 projects, trained 627 individuals, and planted over 25,000 plants.These achievements reflect their commitment to creating biomes rather than merely planting trees, emphasising the importance of fostering entire ecosystems.
Invitation to Collaborate
ReflorestarPT invites individuals, businesses, and communities to join their mission. Whether through donations, partnerships, or participation in training programs, there are numerous ways to contribute to the regenerative work they champion. Investing in their initiatives supports soil health, water conservation, food sovereignty, and the well-being of communities across the nation and the planet.
We are delighted to welcome them as a new Alliance Partner to the Global Rewilding Alliance!
Photo credit: Reflorestar PT.