Urgent action is required to make food systems more efficient, inclusive and resilient to weather shocks and climate change in Portugal.Rapid urbanisation, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation are a threat to species in Portugal. To protect the native biodiversity and to present a sustainable food production means, adaptable to changing climate we are to establish an urban food forest for urban children to learn from& learn in. We are hoping to purchase 2-5ha land for the agroforest.
The world is experiencing unprecedented urban growth. Portugal has drifted away from its natural biodiversity. Habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation are the most significant threats to species in Portugal (with 22% of endangered species Europe). Nature is largely modified by humans ignoring native biodiversity and allowing invasive and business-driven plants to dominate the landscape. This increases imbalance and makes Portugal vulnerable for climate change related hazards.
The global objective is to foster the economic and social development by stimulating nature and biodiversity. Romi's Way wants to develop an urban food-forest (agroforestry) to educate children about native species (some endangered in Portugal due to loss of habitat as native forests have been planted with eucalyptus) and native plants and trees as well as connect urban children and youth in the Central Portugal region 'back to Nature', while advocating the importance of protecting biodiversity
Because food-forests have longer growing seasons, they're able to capture more solar energy, water and nutrients and raise crops yields, produce new high-value commodities (food, feed, and biomaterials), enhance soil quality, provide wildlife habitat, increase species biodiversity, and improve water resources in long term. Through research, advocacy and education (schools) and networking with local farmers and university, food-forest is a permanent learning & production source.
