Reforestation
Bringing more balance to the local ecosystem
The Arambha permaculture project is contributing to conserve the native Laurisilva forest by periodic reforestation actions.
At Arambha Eco Village we are restoring land, biodiversity and ecological balance on Madeira Island.
Our reforestation project is part of a long-term vision: regenerating degraded landscapes while creating a living ecosystem that supports soil, water cycles, wildlife and human communities.
By combining principles of permaculture, myco-permaculture and ecosystem restoration, we are gradually transforming previously degraded land into a thriving regenerative landscape.
WHY REFORESTATION MATTERS?
Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in restoring biodiversity, stabilizing soils and regenerating water cycles.
In many parts of the world — including Madeira — historical land use, invasive species and monoculture plantations have weakened natural ecosystems.
Reforestation is not only about planting trees. It is about rebuilding living ecosystems that support microorganisms, fungi, insects, animals and human life.
Since 2018, part of our mission is to bring more balance to the local ecosystem, by promoting bio-diversity and bringing back endemic species to the land and planting with a more mindful and respectful approach towards the native environment. A forest, as a living ecosystem, contributes to the soil improvement and the water retention, thus being crucial for the wellbeing of the island’s inhabitants.
In the winter of 2023 we also started to implement myco-permaculture in different zones of our project, meaning we started working in collaboration with different species of fungi that have a direct positive impact on the ecosystem. Eucalyptus and Acacias trees, perceived as aggressive species that tend to monopolize an ecosystem, now it’s an abundant substrate for mushroom production, favored by many different species of fungi. The logs harvested from these pioneer species will supply for many years ahead, with food and medicine for the people, and will end up decomposing into an enriched nutritional boost for the soil, attracting more beneficial microorganisms that help regenerate the soil. The space created by the freshly cut trees will give a chance to the new planted trees to grow and balance out the system.
We’ve already observed over the past few years the increase of diversity of birds, butterflies, bees and other insects around our lands, which directly impacts the rate of pollination and production yields. Our goal is to continue planting more endemic and other relevant species, and to inspire and encourage other people to follow this approach on their own farms. Furthermore, we invite people to come join our planting days and contribute for the cause.
For tourists and guests from abroad we offer “a day of planting” at Arambha, which includes a full tour of the land, the planting activities with all the tools and logistics prepared, a shared lunch and of course, a lot of fun!
GET INVOLVED!
Ecological regeneration is a collective effort.
We welcome people who want to learn, contribute and support the restoration of this land.
Ways to participate include:
• volunteering and planting days
• ecological workshops and learning programs
• research and experimentation in regenerative practices
• supporting the project and its long-term development
Together we can restore landscapes and cultivate a deeper relationship with the natural world.
Further Projects:
Agriculture
Anyone who wants to understand the basis of human health must first deal with the nature of agricultural soils.
Education
In order to prepare children and young people well for life, we founded the Barefoot Life Architect School.
Health
A soul is energy and energy can never be destroyed or created, it can only be transformed.
Construction
Our Superadobe domes are made from a mixture of lime, sand and gravel and are designed to last for a very long time and to ensure a healthy indoor climate.