Mostly implemented in the Algarve, where there are 37, these two by two-metre areas create a network of edible forests that allow the regeneration of soil and ecosystems to be encouraged, while at the same time, food is produced, explained Luís Afonso, co-founder of the initiative with Ana Laura Cruz.

Luís Afonso explained that the 'Biggest Mini Forest' seeks to encourage those who have a small area of ​​land to develop regenerative agriculture, combining knowledge from two methods, syntropic agriculture, from Brazil, which requires greater human intervention, and a Japanese model, which is the 'Miyawaki' method, which needs less maintenance.

With this knowledge, the focus is placed on natural regeneration, and “islands of biodiversity are created that grow very quickly”, using preferably, but not only, edible plants, he pointed out.

“Our model, which was created by us, brings together this knowledge, in order to have this square [of land], which is something more practical, smaller, that can create and produce food, but at the same time regenerate the soil”, he stated.

It is thus possible to “accelerate the entire process of regeneration, of soil production”, and “direct the system towards something more adapted to man, with the aim of satisfying his needs, but, at the same time, regenerating the soil”.

Workshops

The project promotes 'workshops' that pass on this knowledge to interested parties and the objective is to gradually have more areas dedicated to this type of agriculture, he indicated.

Since May 2023, the ‘Biggest Mini Forest’ has already managed to “create the 43rd edible mini forest, of which 37 are located in the Algarve”, and Luís Afonso assured that he has already received expressions of interest in attending these formations from people from Spain or Belgium.

“We can start with a square of just four square metres and then expand it. In other words, our model is always a square. We have a system that starts with a single square”, he explained, stressing that after three or six months another square can be created next door and the objective is to have more and more areas contributing to regenerative agriculture in the world.

The idea is to have “the maximum number of people creating a small oasis that is regenerating a place” and to have more and more interested parties to “create a significant impact” on soil regeneration and biodiversity preservation.

On Saturday, a workshop is scheduled to be held at Quinta da Fornalha, in Castro Marim, which is presented by the promoters as an introduction to “those who want to learn how to create their own edible mini-forest”, in which the method, the characteristics of the two by two-metre model, selection of plants and nurseries, soil preparation or planting or irrigation techniques.

On Sunday, the 'Biggest Mini Forest Celebration' will take place, which will dedicate the day to field visits to miniforests in different stages of development, socialising and even a conversation between two guests who are experts in the methods that inspired the project model, Sónia Soares (Native Forest / Miyawaki Method) and Diogo Santos (Pocket Garden / Syntropic Agriculture).