From Ponto D’Orvalho to Berlin

Joana: Since I met you, I’ve watched your project grow rapidly. You’ve created three experimental fields already. The way you care for the land is inspiring. Can you talk about this space of care that you’re cultivating?

Marc: Working with plants is deeply fulfilling for me. When you nurture plants with love, they reflect it by thriving and shining back at you — it’s something very tangible. This feedback loop creates a sense of joy and purpose in the work. You see growth, transformation, and improvement — not just in the land but also in yourself. This gives me a profound feeling of gratitude.

For me, this farm is like a nucleus — where seeds of awareness and regenerative practice can begin to germinate. I hope this space contributes to a growing recognition of this type of agriculture here in Alentejo.

Joana: You’ve been living off your land— eating the vegetables you grow and drinking water from your own spring. You’ve literally become one with your environment. How do you feel?

Marc: As my diet changed, I became more sensitive to what I consume. I started with organic and local food from farmers' markets, and eventually transitioned to growing everything myself. Now, I only drink water from the spring here on the land.

This approach matters to me because every vegetable I plant actively contributes to the regeneration of the ecosystem and the growth of young trees. That intention is encoded in the plants. When I eat them, I’m not just nourishing myself physically — there’s a deeper, spiritual connection.

Over time, I’ve cultivated a specific set of microorganisms in my gut that mirror the ones in the soil. I truly feel that my body and the land are deeply connected — my gut is like a reflection of the soil I live and work with.

Joana: Your work is already having an impact. With thousands of trees planted, you're beginning to create a microclimate. How do you see your project in relation to climate change?

Marc: The Iberian Peninsula is at high risk of desertification, and current agricultural practices are part of the problem. Over the past year and a half, I’ve applied Syntropic principles here, and the results are encouraging.

A major goal is to optimize photosynthesis. By planting a young forest, we harness a lot of solar energy and sequester significant amounts of CO₂. But honestly, CO₂ isn’t the main issue in my view — water is. Water has 450 times more thermal capacity than CO₂. The real crisis is the disruption of water cycles due to deforestation and land degradation.

We've straightened rivers that once meandered and self-regulated, causing ecological collapse. We need to talk more about how climate has never been truly stable. We're currently in a period of natural change — even without human interference. That means we need to build resilience into our systems now.

Farmers need to prepare for uncertainty. We can’t assume tomorrow’s climate will be like today’s. I encourage everyone to find ways to become more self-sufficient — especially when it comes to food. Having a secure food source will be invaluable in the future.

Joana: Why Syntropic Agriculture? What goals are you pursuing?

Marc: Our modern agricultural systems have played a major role in ecosystem degradation. But I believe we also have the capacity to regenerate them. That’s my mission here — to recreate forests and establish agro-ecosystems that reflect the original landscapes of this region.

Syntropic Agriculture, as developed by Ernst Götsch, is based on the principles that govern natural ecosystems — not fixed recipes. The idea is to mimic nature. The Alentejo is a special place, historically and ecologically. It has incredible potential. But there’s very little information about how to apply Syntropic practices in this climate. That’s why I’m working closely with Götsch to adapt them here, with the goal of creating a reference site and learning center for the future.

Joana: So you're envisioning a learning center?

Marc: Absolutely. I plan to expand the land by one more hectare this year, applying lessons I’ve learned and experimenting with new crops. This place should become a space for learning, training, and research — hosting workshops and seminars.

Eventually, I won’t be able to manage everything alone. I envision a community where others can contribute ideas and energy. Some people have come for inspiration or stayed a few weeks, but I’d love to welcome longer-term collaborators — people who want to stay six months, a year, or more — and help shape the project together.