AlmaOhana promotes the well-being of individuals, the community, and the environment, guided by principles of balance, respect, and connection. The very name—“Alma” and “Ohana,” meaning “soul” in Portuguese and “family” in Hawaiian—reflects the essence of this project: creating a space where a family of kindred souls can grow in deep connection with each other and the world around them.

Agroecology and Self-Sufficiency

Through agroecology, community members seek to restore the land and achieve complete self-sufficiency, cultivating organic vegetables, fruit trees, and medicinal plants.

Holistic pasture management ensures sustainable land use, while reforestation efforts are gradually restoring tree cover, improving the soil’s ability to retain water—an essential element that is collected and purified, creating a renewable resource cycle.

Another innovative initiative is the fog water harvesting project, an experimental technique to capture water in areas with low rainfall. This method is a crucial step toward ensuring water self-sufficiency for the community.

Regenerative Culture

At AlmaOhana, regeneration extends beyond agriculture—it is a way of life. From human relationships to resource management, education, and personal growth, every aspect of daily life is shaped by the principles of regenerative culture. This approach goes beyond sustainability, aiming to create living systems that self-renew and thrive over time.

Regenerative culture influences food production, work, housing, and even the way people communicate and make collective decisions, transforming the relationship between individuals, the planet, and each other into a continuous cycle of care and renewal.

Renewable Energy and Ecological Architecture

To reduce reliance on external resources and live in harmony with the environment, the AlmaOhana community harnesses solar energy to power homes and shared spaces, reducing its ecological footprint while fostering self-sufficiency.

Homes are built according to the principles of ecological architecture, using natural and locally sourced materials such as wood, raw earth, straw, and lime. These materials ensure high energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Thermal insulation and natural ventilation are key elements, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate while optimizing energy use and improving overall well-being.

The community also embraces rainwater harvesting for irrigation and sanitation, as well as phytodepuration to naturally treat wastewater. These practices create a self-sufficient and balanced ecosystem, proving that comfortable living can coexist with environmental preservation.

A Path of Collective Growth

Beyond environmental sustainability, AlmaOhana nurtures a deep spiritual dimension. The community encourages meditation, yoga, and personal and collective growth, fostering an atmosphere of openness and awareness. Residents participate in ceremonies and sharing circles that strengthen a sense of belonging and mutual support.

One of the key projects, Ritual, is dedicated to celebrating the connection between people and Nature. Events follow the natural calendar, drawing inspiration from ancient traditions that honor seasonal transitions, such as solstices, equinoxes, and lunar cycles. These gatherings bring people together for ceremonies, meditation, chanting, dance, and immersive nature experiences, reinforcing the bond between individuals and the natural world.

These rituals are more than symbolic celebrations—they are essential practices for cultivating regenerative living, where humans recognize themselves as part of a larger living system and embrace the values of cyclicity, interdependence, and harmonious coexistence.

Sociocratic Governance at AlmaOhana

At AlmaOhana, decisions are made through a participatory governance process inspired by the principles of sociocracy and nonviolent communication.

The community regularly holds sharing circles, each focused on different aspects of communal life—from emotional well-being to agricultural management, educational activities, and welcoming new members. This ensures that every individual has a voice and actively contributes to shaping the community.

Projects and Opportunities for Participation

As a living laboratory, AlmaOhana continuously develops new projects centered on sustainability and social cohesion.

To share its knowledge and expand its impact, the community organizes hands-on workshops on agroecology, natural building, and renewable energy, allowing both children and adults to gain firsthand experience. Beyond educational events, spiritual retreats offer a space for deep transformation through meditation, yoga, and conscious communication practices.

For those looking for an immersive experience, volunteering programs provide an opportunity to participate in daily activities, such as organic farming, eco-construction, and community resource management.

Circular Economy: The AlmaOhana Model

At AlmaOhana, the economy is built on sharing, creativity, and resource regeneration. The circular approach minimizes waste, ensuring that materials are repurposed rather than discarded.

Through the DIY & Upcycling project, old pallets become furniture, fabrics are transformed into clothing, and glass bottles find new life as lamps. Every item can be reimagined, reducing raw material consumption while fostering ingenuity and sustainability.

The Zero Waste Aim project promotes a zero-waste lifestyle, encouraging self-production, composting, and reusable alternatives to eliminate excess and close the resource cycle.

However, at the heart of AlmaOhana’s economic model is solidarity. Here, value is measured not just in money, but in the exchange of knowledge, time, and skills. This proves that it is possible to live in harmony with Nature, without waste or exploitation, while building a resilient and thriving community.

A Vision for the Future

In the municipality of Odemira, Portugal, AlmaOhana stands as a model for regenerative living, where agroecology and spirituality intertwine to create a more equitable and interdependent future. It is a place that inspires and welcomes those seeking to rediscover a deeper connection with the Earth and with one another.