The Team

We have a multi-disciplinary team from the areas of regenerative ecology, applied sustainable agronomy, architecture, and the social sciences. We apply established best practices from the ecological scientific community and practitioners. In line with those, our overall approach fuses regenerative ecological work inseparably with attention and care towards the local community’s traditions and socio-economic interests. We do our strategic planning in non-hierarchical working groups, thereby ensuring that we arrive at the best possible solutions.

  • Tobias Rihs

    PROJECT FOUNDER

    Swiss Architect and entrepreneur.

    When I first saw this place I was feeling dreamlike, like time hasn't passed here…

    Ernst Goetsch and his work on his farm in Brazil inspired me in order to create something similar here in Portugal.

  • Justin Roborg-Söndergaard

    ECOLOGICAL PROGRAM

    As an ecological practitioner, I like to build back social and ecological resilience by having a quiet conversation with nature.

  • Flávio Sambento

    PROJECT MANAGEMENT

    I love working with people and with nature. Agriculture was a sector in which I specialised, mainly in organic farming. I learnt through practice how to work with plants in the most diverse phases and techniques.

  • Maria Macedo

    FIELD TEAM

    Medicinal plants, mushrooms, birds, all of these are part of my work place. While I satisfy my curiosity, I learn to take care of the land and feel fulfilled.

  • Arantza Querejeta

    FIELD TEAM

    I came here to work and discovered that this is much more than just a job. I can develop my passion for plants, the soil, water and everything connected to nature. Here I found another family.

  • Maria João Gouveia

    SOCIAL PROGRAM

    Restoring natural kinship with all the beings from the places I relate to is what brings me back memories of who I am. The path for me is to remember these forgotten connections.

  • Sofia Roborg-Söndergaard

    COMMUNICATION AND FUNDRAISING

    Talking with people, listening to their stories and understanding the way they look at the world and translate that look into action is something that fascinates me. I believe people are the essence of a project. And if we know how to involve them and create bonds, we can go beyond the imaginable.

  • Ewa Kujawa

    COOKING AND WELLBEING

    Feeding my team makes me happy, especially when I see them happy and coming back for more. I bring the season into the food and use produce from our local garden. That way I can use each ingredient at its best moment, when the aromas, the flavours and the nutrients are more alive.

  • Charley Whittall

    RETREATS

    Casabela is a dream, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It is an honour to be in this space, to nourish and support the growth of this wonderful project. I am excited for all the upcoming workshops and retreats that will be created here.

    Another dream is working with and for something I believe in, the Idanha-a-Vida project is just this.

  • Duarte Martins

    CULTURAL PROGRAM

    Regenerating the territory also means renewing the culture of the place.

    Listening to the ancestry of Idanha-a-Velha and experiencing the daily life of the territory, we will create a future together.

  • Jeff Stone

    GUARDIAN

    I'd be more than happy to fetch a stone for you to throw, and chase after it with joy as we play together.