Projects

Viva Leve — national trademark no. 743791

Viva Leve is planned for 2027. It brings young researchers and social entrepreneurs into the local community, with a place to live and financial support while they work on ideas that respond to local needs.

Participants receive free accommodation and a monthly €500 grant. In return, they dedicate 3 days per week (approximately 20 hours) to the community. This time is spent understanding local needs and developing practical solutions, whether a project, a service or a product.

Se Mentes — national trademark no. 744787

Se Mentes is also planned for 2027, with a focus on Portugal’s inland communities. It brings together care for people and care for the land: supporting mental health, strengthening community ties and restoring local green spaces.

The name plays on the Portuguese word “sementes”, meaning seeds, and “mentes”, meaning minds. Planting and tending trees sit alongside opportunities to talk, share ideas and look after well-being.

Mental health and time together

Practical work with the land and the nursery offers a way to spend time outdoors and tackle isolation. The proposal includes ecotherapy and activities that connect well-being with caring for the natural environment.

Workshops with young people will make space for philosophy, critical thinking and media literacy. They will also address misinformation and the stigma around mental health.

A community nursery and local orchards

The community nursery is intended to grow native trees, including cork oaks, oaks, chestnut trees and strawberry trees. These can support reforestation and fire-prevention efforts in the territory.

The proposal also includes bringing vacant or abandoned land back into use as organic orchards, with traditional, non-GMO fruit trees. The aim is to support local food production and biodiversity.

“One Tree for One Idea” connects discussion with action: community debates end with trees being planted in the territory.

Research alongside the community

Se Mentes proposes a living scientific laboratory, linking researchers with community participation. It is a way to bring research into the places where the project takes shape, alongside the people involved.