Lives of Tribes

A regenerative permaculture living lab and eco-community on 3.6 hectares of forest, where two families and a stream of volunteers rework how food, water, and energy move through the land.

Liz is building her own shipping container house near Vale Ondula, raising funds through a community auction and fundraiser. Full details are still being confirmed.

An animal sanctuary run by Lidia, about 30 minutes from Vale Ondula, close to a large river. Exact address and other details are still being confirmed.

A community near Vale Ondula, reached on the LOT route. Full details are still being confirmed.

A non-hierarchical cultural and environmental association in Porto, active for over a decade around ethical consumerism, animal rights, ecological awareness, and community exchange.

A 35,000 square metre holistic learning and retreat project in the making, built around education, permaculture, and inner work by founders Lorenz and Ivone.

One of Europe's most established permaculture sites, 18+ years running, teaching permaculture design, regenerative agriculture, and cultural regeneration through hands-on courses.

A retreat and event sanctuary in the hills above Ericeira, hosting music, art, ceremony, circles, and community gatherings.

A regenerative forest sanctuary founded by artist Evgenia Emets, planting native old growth forest with the Faia Brava Association, part of a wider vision of 1,000 protected forest sanctuaries. Also active around Ericeira and Abrigada.

Founder of Gathering of Tribes and of EarthSkyLab, a village-building consultancy. A community builder and architect, based at the Eternal Forest eco-aldeia.

A four day experiential gathering run by Innate, described by its organisers as not a retreat, not a festival, something other. Held 17 to 21 September 2026.

An Ananda Marga spiritual community and rural development project running since 2010, weaving meditation and service through gardens, agroforestry, education, and events.

An environmental NGO founded in 2020: reforestation, rainwater harvesting and post-fire interventions, environmental education in schools, and green tech such as drones that help spot invasive species.

The home of Boom Festival by the lake near Idanha-a-Nova. LOT visited between festivals, when the land rests and the art stays. No interviews this time, just a day visit.

Castelo Branco's third LGBTQIA+ Pride march, filmed with local activists. A reminder that queer people live everywhere, including rural Portugal.

A long-established peace research and education village exploring community, ecology, and water regeneration, with a steady programme of courses and public research.

A regenerative village on 25 hectares blending co-living, syntropic agroforestry, ecological restoration, creative culture, and tokenised shared ownership, still being built by 280+ token holders.