A Vision for a Sustainable Future on the Sao Domingo River, Portugal

This river is part of the Dao River watershed and little by little through a group of landowners across a 300-hectare river wateshed, called Ribeira de São Domingos, are restoring and regenerating the land. This movement blends traditional agricultural practices with approaches to reforestation, food production, and waterline clearing. This forms part of a larger iniatiative from an organisation called Ruralisar, which focuses on regenerative activities across the whole of the Dao River. 

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The Dao River Tributary: A Landscape in Need of Regeneration

The Dao River, one of the principal tributaries of the Mondego, flows through the hills of central Portugal. However, like many rivers and streams worldwide, it has suffered from centuries of agricultural intensification, deforestation, and industrialisation. Over time, this has led to soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and pollution that affect the health of the river and its tributaries.The watershed feeding into this 300-hectare tributary faced similar challenges: monoculture farming, abandonment and a lack of land management. The once-rich ecosystem of the region has suffered, now we are restoring the land, enhance the watershed’s resilience, and create a model of regenerative business that could inspire others.

 

Reforesting for a Resilient Watershed

One of the cornerstone initiatives of this watershed regeneration project is reforestation. Neighboring farms have come together to replant and bring light to the pine monoculture so the native trees along the riverbanks and across the surrounding land can begin to thrive again. Reforestation plays a vital role in stabilizing the soil, preventing erosion, and improving water infiltration. 

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Growing Food in Harmony with the Land

The Portuguese are masters of growing food and are amazing to learn from. This mixed with efforts by each of the landowners creates diverse ecosystems that support both food production and environmental restoration. The goal is to create a landscape that is not just productive but regenerative, where the land can continuously replenish itself.

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Clearing the Waterline: A Critical Step in Watershed Health

In addition to reforestation and food growing, another key component of the regeneration project is clearing the waterline. Over the years, the broom and brambles have clogged riverbanks, reducing water quality and obstructing natural water flow. By removing these obstacles and clearing the river’s edge, the land owners have clearing days and are restoring the river’s ability to filter and circulate water effectively. Clearer waterlines help restore the health of the aquatic ecosystem, providing better conditions for fish, plants, and other water-dependent organisms. Furthermore, restoring natural water flow reduces the risk of flooding during heavy rains, improves water retention during droughts, and enhances the overall resilience of the watershed.

 

Exploring Regenerative Business Models

The watershed regeneration happening along this 300-hectare tributary is not just about ecological restoration—it’s also about creating sustainable livelihoods for the local community. The landowners involved are exploring what regenerative business looks like in practice, blending ecological restoration with economic development. This is at early stages and is critical for this area to retain and attract the youth. Currently there are explorations in eco tourism, wellbeing services, events and artisan products such as local cheese and olive oil. These can provide sustainable income while supporting the restoration of the land. Much more is needed in this area - let us know of ideas? 

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A Vision for the Future

As this model grows, the hope is more people return to these lands to spark a wider movement of watershed regeneration here in Fornos De Algodres, across the Dao River, around Portugal and beyond. With each tree planted, each acre reforested, and each regenerative business idea brought to life, the potential for a healthier, more sustainable future becomes increasingly within reach. The work being done today could set the foundation for the kind of regenerative economy that the world needs, where nature and commerce work in tandem for the benefit of all.

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In the quiet flow of the Sao Domingo River, a new story of regeneration is slowly unfolding—one hoped to inspire future generations to live in deeper harmony with the land and water that sustain us all. 

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