Projecto Agroecológico do Soajo
Projecto Agroecológico do Soajo is a community initiative in the Peneda-Gerês National Park promoting agroecology, permaculture training and agroforestry systems. It hosts permaculture design courses and collaborates with wider regenerative and agroecological networks in Portugal.
Projecto Agroecológico do Soajo (PAES) is an agroecological initiative based in the village of Soajo, within the Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal. The project focuses on regenerating local ecosystems through agroforestry, permaculture and community-based land stewardship practices. It is connected to the broader Rede Convergir network of sustainable initiatives in Portugal, and has hosted Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) courses attended by people from across the country and beyond.
The project works with practices such as composting, agroforestry systems, and regenerative land use to restore degraded soils and support biodiversity in the mountainous Soajo landscape. It has been featured in the Caravana Agroecológica educational video series, highlighting practical techniques like composting for smallholders and community projects.
PAES has also collaborated with other regenerative and healing-focused communities, hosting gatherings that combine ecological work with community wellbeing activities. The project is part of a loose network of permaculture and agroecology practitioners in Portugal who share knowledge, host courses, and support each other's initiatives across the country.
Through workshops, courses and collaborative projects, Projecto Agroecológico do Soajo aims to demonstrate viable models of regenerative agriculture adapted to the mountainous terrain and traditional agricultural heritage of the Soajo region, while fostering community learning and ecological resilience in one of Portugal's most protected natural areas.
Our Goal
To regenerate local ecosystems and demonstrate viable models of agroecological, permaculture-based land stewardship adapted to the mountainous terrain and traditional agricultural heritage of the Soajo region.
Our Wishes
The project welcomes people interested in learning and practicing permaculture, agroforestry and composting techniques, and collaborators from aligned regenerative and community networks.
