Past and Future in Focus
3rd Gotsch Experience Vale da Esteva
Learning from Nature, Regenerating the Future
From 22 to 26 October 2025, Vale da Esteva hosted the 3rd edition of the Gotsch Experience, a hands-on and inspiring immersion dedicated to syntropic agriculture and ecosystem regeneration. Over five days, participants from diverse backgrounds — farmers, technicians, students, and enthusiasts — worked side by side in the field, learning from the land and following the living example of Ernst Götsch, the pioneer behind this agricultural model that combines food production with environmental restoration.
This initiative promotes several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely:
- SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture, by encouraging farming practices that increase productivity and resilience in food systems;
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting efficient use of natural resources and valuing natural cycles;
- SDG 13 – Climate Action, through the ability of syntropic agriculture to sequester carbon and regenerate degraded soils;
- SDG 15 – Life on Land, by restoring biodiversity and protecting local ecosystems;
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, by bringing together people and institutions in a collaborative effort towards landscape and cultural regeneration in Portugal.
The Gotsch Experience Vale da Esteva is more than a training — it is a transformative experience, where participants learn to read nature’s rhythm, act with purpose, and cultivate the future with hope.
10th Anniversary of Laudato SÍ
May 29, 2025
The Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Castelo Branco was the setting for a commemorative session marking the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’. The initiative was led by Cristina Levine Martins Xavier de Sousa, founder and CEO of Vale da Esteva – Harmonious Jungle and a Laudato Si’ Animator, with the support of the Parish Council and the Parishes of Castelo Branco.
Forest of the Friends of the Environment
28 May, 2025
The Parish Council of Castelo Branco promoted the continuation of the planting of the Forest of the Friends of the Environment on the grounds of the Alvoracões / Lirião Neighbourhood Association, with the involvement of local school groups. The initiative included the donation of 80 trees and technical support from Harmonious Jungle-Vale da Esteva, within the framework of the Community Commitment Protocol established with the Parish Council.
Co-Management Forum in Protected Areas
May 22, 2025
The 2nd Co-Management Forum in Protected Areas was held in Segura, Idanha-a-Nova, under the compelling theme “Forests: Economic dynamics, innovation and future”. This theme, which is of utmost importance to our work, guided our discussions and presentations.
The meeting was a testament to our commitment to sustainable management, with a particular focus on the Tejo International Natural Park. This emphasis on sustainability should give us all hope for the future.
During the panel on innovation, Cristina Xavier de Sousa, the founder of Harmonious Jungle – Vale da Esteva, shared her insights and presented the REVE programme – Regeneration of the Vale da Esteva Ecosystems.
Lecture by Ernst Götsch
November 2, 2024, at 10 am
Escola Superior Agrária de Castelo Branco, Portugal auditorium. Syntropic Agriculture and Sustainability - Lecture by Ernst Götsch. Free admission, registration required.
26 June 2024
June 26, 2024
Win Win Women – Together We Thrive at Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon. Vale da Esteva was the Breakthrough Project, represented by its CEO and mentor, Cristina Levine Martins Xavier.
World Children's Day
June 1, 2024
Casa do Forno, in Castelo Branco. Sustainable Cuisine - Learn about healthy and sustainable eating through a board game in partnership with JF Castelo Branco.
Friends of the Environment Forest
January 24, 2024
On the lands of the Alvoracões/Lirião Neighborhood Association, together with the Castelo Branco Parish School Groups, we planted the Friends of the Environment Forest (90 native trees). And we started the project GROWING WITH A TREE AS A GODDAUGHTER.
November 4, 2023
Lecture by Ernst Götsch
Restaurante Mãos de Horta, Castelo Branco, Portugal
September 19 - October 1, 2023
Planet Local Summit, Local Futures
Bristol, United Kingdom
