A Vision for a Sustainable Future on the Sao Domingo River, Portugal

In the heart of Portugal, nestled within the Dao River Basin, environmental action is taking place little by little through a group of landowners. Across a 300-hectare river called Ribeira de São Domingos, neighbouring farms are uniting for a shared vision: to restore and regenerate the land, improve water quality, and foster a vibrant, sustainable future. This movement blends traditional agricultural practices with approaches to reforestation, food production, and waterline management. This forms part of a larger iniatitive from an organisation called Ruralisar, which focuses on regenerative activities across the whole of the Dao River. 

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The Dao River Tributary: A Landscape in Need of Regeneration

The Dao River, one of the principal tributaries of the Mondego, flows through the verdant hills of central Portugal. However, like many rivers and streams worldwide, it has suffered from centuries of agricultural intensification, deforestation, and industrialization. Over time, this has led to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and pollution that affect the health of the river and its tributaries.The watershed feeding into this 300-hectare tributary faced similar challenges: monoculture farming, abandoment and a lack of land management. The once-rich ecosystem of the region has suffered, where others might see a decline, a group of landowners from all different nationalities with the local farmers are focused on regeneration. The aim to restore the land, enhance the watershed’s resilience, and create a model of regenerative business that could inspire others.

 

Reforesting for a Resilient Watershed

One of the cornerstone initiatives of this watershed regeneration project is reforestation. Neighboring farms have come together to replant and bring light to the pine monoculture so the native trees along the riverbanks and across the surrounding land can begin to thrive again. Reforestation plays a vital role in stabilizing the soil, preventing erosion, and improving water infiltration.

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Growing Food in Harmony with the Land

The Portuguese are masters of growing food and are amazing to learn from. This mixed with efforts by each of the landowners creates diverse ecosystems that support both food production and environmental restoration. The goal is to create a landscape that is not just productive but regenerative, where the land can continuously replenish itself.

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Clearing the Waterline: A Critical Step in Watershed Health

In addition to reforestation and food growing, another key component of the regeneration project is clearing the waterline. Over the years, the broom and brambles have clogged riverbanks, reducing water quality and obstructing natural water flow. By removing these obstacles and clearing the river’s edge, the land owners have clearing days and are restoring the river’s ability to filter and circulate water effectively. Clearer waterlines help restore the health of the aquatic ecosystem, providing better conditions for fish, plants, and other water-dependent organisms. Furthermore, restoring natural water flow reduces the risk of flooding during heavy rains, improves water retention during droughts, and enhances the overall resilience of the watershed.

 

Exploring Regenerative Business Models

The watershed regeneration happening along this 300-hectare tributary is not just about ecological restoration—it’s also about creating sustainable livelihoods for the local community. The landowners involved are exploring what regenerative business looks like in practice, blending ecological restoration with economic development. This includes eco retreats, wellbeing services, products such as local cheese and olive oil, all of which can provide sustainable income while supporting the restoration of the land.

 

A Vision for the Future

The watershed regeneration project along the Dao River tributary in Portugal is us all learning how forestry, health and business can be reimagined to support both people and the planet. By reforesting, growing food in harmony with nature, clearing the waterline, and exploring regenerative business practices, the land owners involved are demonstrating that restoration and regeneration are not only vital for the environment but also for building thriving, resilient communities.

 

As this model grows, the hope is more people return to these lands to spark a wider movement of watershed regeneration here in Fornos De Algodres, across the Dao River, around Portugal and beyond. With each tree planted, each acre reforested, and each regenerative business idea brought to life, the potential for a healthier, more sustainable future becomes increasingly within reach. The work being done today could set the foundation for the kind of regenerative economy that the world needs, where nature and commerce work in tandem for the benefit of all.

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In the quiet flow of the Sao Domingo River, a new story of regeneration is slowly unfolding—one hoped to inspire future generations to live in deeper harmony with the land and water that sustain us all. So what else is possible from this? 

 

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