Biótopo Shanti

Biótopo Shanti is a small family homestead located at Quinta das Corgas, in Torre de Tavares, Várzea de Tavares, Mangualde. Founded by a family of four — Ana, Eduardo, André and Tiago — the project began when they left city life behind to settle in a remote, rural valley overlooked by the Serra mountains. Their move was driven by a deep conviction that another, more sustainable way of living is possible — one grounded in respect for the Earth and for all its inhabitants. The family's guiding principles include humanity, freedom, equality, respect, individual and universal responsibility, simplicity, sharing, and a strong sense of community. Their path unfolded organically: an early academic grounding in Environmental Engineering, followed by disillusionment with mainstream life, eventually led them toward reclaiming responsibility for their own lives through this rural project. On the land, they have been steadily nurturing what they call a 'Living Forest', tending small saplings that will grow into future trees, and hosting hands-on activities such as a practical workshop on building natural ponds ('charcos'). The project has been documented since at least 2013, with recorded activities and updates shared through its website and Facebook page. Biótopo Shanti reflects a broader movement of neo-rural resettlement in Portugal, seeking a life closer to nature, self-sufficiency, and community values, away from urban pressures. Though the original website has not been updated since 2015, the project remains a meaningful example of family-based sustainable rural living and land stewardship in the interior of Portugal.