Founded in 1995 by Dieter Duhm and Sabine Lichtenfels, this pioneering project aims to create a model for a global culture of peace. With over 200 permanent residents, Tamera is an international community working towards regeneration in all aspects: of the land, human relationships, and sustainable technologies.

Through permaculture, renewable energy, and a cooperation-based approach, Tamera is a concrete example of how to tackle global challenges with local, innovative, and collective solutions.

The story of Tamera

The idea of Tamera took shape in the early '90s, when Dieter and Sabine, along with a small group of collaborators, began to envision a place that could be a center for research and education for peace. After years of experimentation, they found the ideal location for their dream in the arid landscape of Alentejo.

The challenge was enormous: the land, devastated by deforestation and drought, needed radical intervention to be regenerated. Thanks to the use of permaculture, the community transformed the landscape into a thriving ecosystem, with water bodies, regenerated forests, and productive gardens.

Today, Tamera is not just a place of living, but a research and training center that welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

The founding values of Tamera

Tamera is a community founded on deeply rooted values, centered around the idea of a “social biosphere”, a system that balances authentic relationships and harmony between the individual and the collective. Its mission is to promote a regenerative and non-violent approach to life by exploring ethical, social, ecological, and spiritual aspects to shape a new culture of peace.

Peace is not seen merely as the absence of conflict, but as an active process of inner and collective transformation, at the heart of every action. In Tamera, the connection with Nature and meditation are powerful tools to cultivate balance, awareness, and harmony both within ourselves and in the community we live in.

A pillar of their vision is the creation of “healing biotopes”, community centers that serve as laboratories for sustainability practices, technological innovation, and regenerative ecology. Each biotope is designed to be a replicable model, with the goal of creating a global network of interconnected communities.

Towards a New Earth

The Tamera community is not just a place, but a global network of changemakers—agents of change—who work together to create practical solutions to the great challenges of our time. Terra Nova, the project born from the global Tamera community, is a bold vision for a post-patriarchal and post-consumer planetary civilization, composed of autonomous and interconnected communities.

Terra Nova envisions a united humanity, a global network of people committed to building a future free from violence and destruction. Peace, in this vision, is not a distant utopia, but a concrete possibility that grows with every conscious and inspired action.

Through participatory and transparent methods, Tamera shows that peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but a continuous process of individual and collective transformation. The community becomes the focus of this transformation: a place of healing, where compassion and cooperation overcome individualism, promoting a sacred alliance among all living beings, recognizing the dignity and freedom of every creature.

Regenerative technologies and self-sufficiency

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Tamera is its commitment to regenerative technologies. The community has developed an innovative system for water management, creating artificial lakes that collect and conserve rainwater. This approach not only regenerated the soil but also created a microclimate that sustains local biodiversity.

Renewable energies play a central role. Tamera uses solar panels to produce electrical and thermal energy, while biogas derived from organic waste provides fuel for cooking. These solutions demonstrate how it is possible to live self-sufficiently even in a rural context.

Furthermore, the community is a reference point for permaculture, with community gardens designed to maximize productivity and reduce environmental impact. Every element, from plants to animals, is integrated into a closed system that minimizes waste and values resources.

The economic and decision-making model

Tamera adopts a model of mixed economy that combines elements of shared economy with individual activities. The main resources come from donations, courses, and training programs offered by the community, as well as from agricultural production.

Decisions are made through participatory methods, ensuring that every voice is heard. The community firmly believes in transparency and sharing as tools to build trust and cohesion.

How to participate in Tamera

Tamera is open to visitors and students from all over the world. The programs offer unique learning opportunities, ranging from permaculture to non-violent communication, up to practical spirituality.

For those who wish for a deeper involvement, it is possible to participate as volunteers or join the community as long-term members. Each experience is designed to provide an authentic immersion into the values and practices of Tamera.

In conclusion: a beacon of peace and sustainability

Tamera is much more than an ecovillage: it is a place of transformation, where the regeneration of the land and human relationships intertwine to create a better future. With its innovative technologies, deep values, and welcoming community, it represents a tangible vision of what the world can become when people work together for the common good.Tamera: the village of peace and sustainability in Portugal