The Renaturing Project
Vila do Bispo, Algarve, Portugal
23.5 hectares of ecological restoration in the heart of Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. Renaturation, permaculture, and biodiversity research for a sustainable future.
Wild Roots transforms degraded agricultural land into thriving native ecosystems. Through evidence-based renaturation and permaculture principles, we create a model for ecological recovery in the Mediterranean region.
Restoring native Mediterranean vegetation communities, from coastal maquis to temporary ponds, supporting endemic species and EU Habitat Directive priorities.
An open data platform for biodiversity monitoring, climate tracking, and ecological research — partnering with universities and conservation organizations.
Demonstrating sustainable land management techniques adapted to the Mediterranean climate — water harvesting, food forests, and regenerative agriculture.
Real-time environmental data from the project site. Integrating 40+ open data sources — from satellite imagery to live weather monitoring.
Loading data from Open-Meteo API...
The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measures vegetation density and health from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery. Values range from -1.0 to 1.0.
Our property shows seasonal variation typical of Mediterranean ecosystems — highest NDVI in spring, lowest in late summer drought.
Historical data: Open-Meteo ERA5 Reanalysis · Projections: CMIP6 (MRI-AGCM3, EC-Earth3P-HR, CMCC-CM2-VHR4) · CC BY 4.0
The Vicentine Coast is one of Europe's most important botanical hotspots. Our land hosts species protected under EU and Portuguese law.
Every hectare restored, every species protected, every tonne of carbon captured — tracked and transparent.
Discover every corner of the 23.5-hectare property — permaculture zones, endemic flora hotspots, water features, and the historic ruin.
Open Interactive Map →Wild Roots works with architects, researchers, and conservation organizations to create a project that benefits both people and nature.
Monia Cardoso of ARCHIFUSION (Lagos) designs structures that integrate with the landscape — sustainable materials, passive climate control, and biophilic design.
View Plans →We collaborate with universities across Portugal and Europe — from Universidade do Algarve to EU Horizon Europe — to advance Mediterranean ecosystem restoration.
Explore →Drag the slider to see the land's transformation — from degraded farmland to thriving native ecosystem.
A 23.5-hectare plot of degraded agricultural land in Vila do Bispo, within the protected Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Abandoned for decades — but beneath the surface, a hidden ecosystem waited to be revived.
Ecological surveys revealed 200+ native plant species, EU-protected temporary ponds, and a stone ruin with centuries of history. Permaculture zoning began. Partnerships formed with ARCHIFUSION and local universities.
4,200 native trees and shrubs planted. Water harvesting swales dug on contour. The historic ruin stabilized for adaptive reuse. Open data platform launched with 40+ environmental data sources.
Food forest canopy closing. Endemic species populations increasing. Temporary ponds fully restored — the first Triops vicentinus eggs hatch in the renewed habitat. Carbon sequestration accelerates.
A living proof-of-concept for Mediterranean renaturation. 23.5 hectares of thriving native ecosystems, a self-sustaining research station, and an open-source blueprint for ecological restoration worldwide.
Whether you're a researcher, conservationist, or simply curious — we'd love to hear from you.
