Joep introduced us to Quinta das Águias Association, in Paredes de Coura, Portugal. The preservation of biodiversity and the reduction of the ecological footprint, based on the adoption of more sustainable diets that respect the balance of Planet Earth, are the main causes of the Association.

Interested in getting to know better this Association? “Take a refuge” in the world of Quinta das Águias!

Quinta das Águias…

… is an association that aims to develop, share and encourage more sustainable ways of life. They defend the preservation of biodiversity and animals, collect and protect seeds and use the organic production method, permaculture and the agroforestry system. They promote Ecotourism and a plant-based (vegan) diet.

Quinta das Águias is a sanctuary for animals and biodiversity. The animals living at this farm found a home, after being collected from situations of mistreatment. The help of the sponsors is essential for their well-being. To meet Robin or Goji, among other animals, just go to the association’s website (quintadasaguias.org).

The promotion of a vegan diet involves the elaboration of meals based on seeds, nuts, cereals, legumes and vegetables. Most of the recipes use organic, accessible and local ingredients for the preparation of their recipes.

They also promote an initiative, called the Vegetarian Club, in which people share and try new recipes in a kind of “culinary laboratory”.

For Ecotourism, they transformed a country house and restored an old barn into guest houses.

The support Quinta das Águias Association you can sponsor an animal, help through donations or through voluntary work.

The motivations that drive the service in Quinta das Águias,…

… are linked to their willingness to create solutions to the great challenges we face (climate change and the mass extinction of species), to promote ethical conduct with respect for all forms of life and a conscious and healthy.

This project is related to the area of ​​food sustainability,…

… because of its environmental, ethical and health characteristics.

The biggest problem that Quinta das Águias faces…

… is the ignorance that exists in relation to these themes and the prejudices that arise from it. Its function is to inform people through the use of media and social network and let them experience a more sustainable way of life.

In general, according to Joep, there is a greater awareness on the part of new generations,…

… which is dictating a greater interest in the market dominated by large companies, in the area of sustainability. Although Portugal is still behind other countries, Joep notes that interest in the subject has also been growing rapidly.

In order to promote food sustainability, Quinta das Águias suggests that…

… the agricultural sector and the food industry need to change the way food is produced and consumed and to pressure governmental authorities to change legislation and the institutionalized economic power . They have the power to change the system and, for that to happen, an active attitude on the part of the consumer, can pressure companies to assume new responsibilities and to meet new customer concerns.

Educational programs should incorporate information about how food is produced and prepared and how food supply chains work, alerting to the impact of consumer food choices on the environment, health and life on planet Earth.

Get to know Quinta das Águias on:

Website: quintadasaguias.org

Facebook: associacaoquintadasaguias

Instagram: quintadasaguias