From the outset, Monte da Vida has been a space for exploring life, transforming ourselves from the inside, and then manifesting this transformation into our daily life and work.

We endeavour to unite and integrate the physical and spiritual dimensions of life in all that we do, to create ever more syntropy and balance.

Direct learning from unbroken traditions that carry the wisdom of countless generations, can be very useful to ground spiritual ideas into the body and into daily life, and come to an empowered understanding of reality, where challenges and difficulties can be recognised as opportunities for learning, discovery and transformation.

Clare and Servan, the founders of the project have studied extensively within the Daoist tradition from China, as well as with Indigenous elders from various traditions who are still embodying the knowledge of how to live in a harmonious relationship with the earth.

1. Increasing diversity and connectivity to enhance resilience and abundance.
Increasing biodiversity creates a resilient landscape that creates more resilience, and supports more life.
Likewise, diversity of economic activities offers returns on different timescales and allows the project to adapt under different conditions.

2. Water conservation and soil preservation.
We are working to capture as much rainwater on the land as we can.... To prevent erosion, combat desertification, and eventually to help replenish the underground aquifers.
We also collect rain off our roof surfaces to store for use over the summer.

3. Soil building through measures such as making terraces and swales, growing cover crops, mulching, and composting. We have started to implement the Soil Food Web practices developed by Dr. Elaine Ingham.

4. Preserving wildlife habitats and corridors.
We keep wild areas with plenty of habitat for animals. Our ponds provide water sources for them to drink.

5. Establishing a sustainable land-use model based on multiple products.
Creating a model for a rural economy based on various products and activities, rather than monocultures.

6. Low-impact and harmonious building design.
We believe in the benefits of people returning to live on the rural land, so they care for it. However these habitations need to be low-impact and in harmony with the landscape. Using natural materials.

7. Maximising resource use and reducing waste.
- Rather than burning woody material we turn it into mulch, firewood, or small wood products such as door handles.
- We compost our food waste, and include composting toilets to create food for trees.
- We filter our grey water through plant roots and give it back to the land.
- We try to minimise use of plastic, and re-use wherever possible.

8. Self-sustaining for energy and water.
We are completely off-grid. Our power comes from solar panels, and our water from various sources on the land.

9. We aim to make a positive impact in the local community.
As well as offering work, we find opportunities to learn from local elders, and opportunities to give back.

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