*** Update***
First goal achieved! We thank those who supported us and made this goal possible.
We are already hard at work to ensure that the first constructions will be completed quickly and the rewards realised.
We are delighted to announce that this project has had a very wide international resonance, not only in Italy.
We got in touch with Wageningen University in the Netherlands for soil research and regeneration.
In Italy, the Terra Madre association in Casale sul Sile (Treviso), has shown interest in starting the first cultural exchanges with the children as early as this year, thus creating an Italy-Azzoros bridge.
But the thing we like to announce most is the invitation to all donors to meet us in November, when we return to Italy. We will update you on the project and anticipate future activities. We will cook for you and toast to the change that is possible thanks to all of you.
Our campaign is ending soon, all donations from now on will be dedicated to reforestation of the land. We will plant trees, increase biodiversity and help the world to be a cleaner place.
Celeste and Davide
***
Clashing with Reality
Welcome to the Azores Islands, a hidden jewel of the Atlantic. We are on the island of Sao Miguel, north coast.
New generations are increasingly distant from the origins of their food, accustomed to finding everything already packaged in the supermarket. Many people think that chocolate milk, popular with children, comes directly from the cow, perhaps brown.
The lack of awareness and the depletion of the ecosystem are alarming. It becomes crucial that new generations are aware of their choices and, even before that, of their origins.
Our noble goal
From 2022 until now, it has been just the two of us, working tirelessly without the aid of farm machinery, relying only on our savings, studies in permaculture and advice from friends.
When we started, the land was neglected. It had been left to itself for about 10 years, but it was extremely weak and sterile for other species, other than forage grass, which had been sown instead.
It was plant-free land, surrounded by tall brambles. A blank sheet of paper on which to draw.
In two years, on our own and using different techniques to counter strong winds and increase organic matter, we planted over 1,700 native plants, promoting reforestation and increasing biodiversity.
Many plants suffered in the beginning, some did not survive the winter winds, while others did not have enough nourishment to germinate during this season, and died.
We therefore divided the land into areas with wind-breaking shrubs normally used in the Quinte.
We want to recreate a balanced ecosystem and preserve the local flora and fauna.
As of January 2024, the local community is helping us. We are learning the ancient techniques for planting, the local varieties to sow, how to do the tying and pruning... in the traditional way.
The land is finally being reborn and....
our dream is to share our experience and knowledge with as many people as possible, acting as an example and inspiration for the new generations and for anyone who wants to listen to what nature has to tell us.
But now, more than ever, we also need your participation! Your contribution makes all the difference!
Starting in summer 2024, we want to open our grounds to summer camps of various associations on the island. We aim to welcome children and young people, but also to organise workshops for adults.
Let's understand together, through practical activities 'in the field', the importance of biodiversity in an area, the origin of food and learn how to grow a 'Fifth'.
We have already started. We welcomed the children from the orphanage for the Easter camp.
For us, this is only the beginning. There is no shortage of ideas and plans to get everyone involved!
But there are still many gaps to be filled, including a dry compost toilet, shelter from the sun and effective protection from the wind!
We need your help to make this project come to life and grow. Each of us can make a difference.
By crowdfunding, your support is indispensable for:
1. Give a noble life back to the old sheepfold - € 2500
During the thorough cleaning of the land, we discovered an entire sheepfold hidden under many metres of brambles. Crazy!
The structure, made of concrete blocks and wood, is very impressive and has an old-world charm, bearing witness to many past stories.
Here Mr José milked his goats, while at home his wife Felipa made delicious cheeses that were the envy of the whole town.
The sheepfold will be a multifunctional space, where around a table we can imagine and share projects with the groups that come to visit, plan activities and perhaps enjoy a homemade snack.
It needs the replacement of the wooden boards on the south side and the re-roofing of the entire roof. It is all made of local cryptomeria wood, so it will be restored.
The site will be equipped with tables and chairs, helping to support a local association that restores end-of-life used furniture for social solidarity purposes.
2. "Madam, I need to pee!?" - 450 €
Whenever there are children, we recognise the importance of providing the area with a proper toilet. We will realise an ecological "dry compost toilet".
We follow a circular model in which there is no concept of waste: everything is considered nourishment. Today's waste will become a rich fertiliser for the fruit and vegetables that will grow tomorrow!
The compost toilet (covered by a roof) is flanked by a hand basin and made of local materials, such as cryptomeria wood.
3. Warm and dry we learn and stay together - € 3700
We have found the right solution for our needs.
We will build a deck out of local cryptomeria wood, covered with a waterproof tent and equipped with a wood stove.
We have found the tent (3m radius) that best suits the location and climate. It is specifically resistant to mould and UV rays, which is excellent for the climate we are in, which is very humid, with disturbances forming and draining within a few hours, and also with very strong sun. It is made of 100% cotton canvas (eco-friendly, renewable, biodegradable) and guarantees natural breathability and water resistance.
It can also be used in summer, thanks to the removable walls that allow the installation of mosquito nets, while the upper cover remains fixed, continuing to offer shelter.
The wood stove is compatible with the tent and sold by the same company. It will help us not only stay dry but also dry out after a sudden burst of rain, it will be a miracle!
Our battle-mission continues.
Once the first goal of € 6,650 has been reached, your donation can help us reach the second goal of € 14,650 and more! **
Crowd funding goal (part 2), to protect the entire land from the wind:
In the second goal we intend to plant as many trees as possible that are already big enough to protect the land and the activity areas.
4. Combat strong wind and increase biodiversity, make outdoor activities possible - 8000 € (from)
The land enjoys a very accessible location and offers beautiful views, ranging from the lush volcanic peaks to the deep blue ocean, surrounded by green fields and houses on one side.
However, the STRONG (with gusts of up to 120 km/h) and CONTINUOUS wind that hits the land throughout the year is a significant problem, hindering the activities and growth of fruit trees.
Smaller plants cannot adequately develop their aerial parts and their flowers cannot withstand the gusts of wind. Windbreaks are needed!
To meet this challenge, we intend to plant more than 70 salinity-resistant trees along the north side, where the COLD ocean winds come from, and protect a good part of the land
This will also serve a dual purpose: biodiversity will increase and new ecosystems will be created for flora and fauna, providing shelter for numerous birds, bees and insects.
This is our goal in terms of time:
Support us again, we want to make this possible!
Who are we? Where do we come from?
Our strong connection with nature emerged strongly. It was then that we decided on the change within and outside of us.
Davide: As a child, I learnt to cook alongside my grandmother and at the age of 14 I started baking my first pizzas.
After graduating in Dentistry in 2011 from the University of Verona, I practised as a dentist.
Now I am a pizza maker and a farmer at the same time, living my passions.
Celeste: Growing up in a small fishing town, I have always had a strong connection with the element of water.
After finishing my master's degree in Design & Engineering at the Politecnico di Milano in 2016, I worked as an engineer at a coffee machine company for five years.
After work I dedicated myself to my passion between courses and experiments.
In 2021, a course in Permaculture reawakened a flame that had been dormant for too long.
The Azores Islands represented a unique opportunity for us to completely change our lives.
We divide our time between the start-up of our food business and the redevelopment and regeneration of the 10,000 m2 plot of land we bought in 2022.
We call it 'Quinta deAventura', as 'Quinta' is the traditional name for a small farm that also produces its own fruit and vegetables, and 'deAventura' refers to the many adventures that have happened and will happen, with a reference to the 'goddess' of good fortune! It is a good omen!
In the future, we dream that our two projects can intertwine and integrate!
We are going against the tide and firmly believe in our mission!
We will share, talk, listen, learn, plant, laugh and have fun!
We dream of simple gestures, often overlooked, but they will give us the opportunity to live in the present and enjoy the wonders of nature, like the bee resting on the flower.
Day after day, with every plant we plant, with every flower that blooms, biodiversity grows and bees find their natural habitat. There is nothing more beautiful than listening to what nature has to tell us!
Join us in our efforts to preserve a corner of tradition and biodiversity in the Azores and raise awareness of environmental and food issues among the new generations. Every donation counts, every small gesture brings us closer to our common goal.
This fundraiser is an "All or Nothing!" fundraiser, so if we don't reach the goal, we will return your donation! Together we can do it!
Thank you, Celeste and Davide
Rewards:
YOU CHOOSE
Your generous donation makes our project possible. With a free donation, you have the freedom to contribute any amount you wish, no strings attached. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to our sensitive goal. Thank you for your support and for being part of this incredible adventure!
PERSONALISED OVERSEAS POSTCARD DIRECT TO YOUR HOME - (€25)
Your support is important. As a token of our sincere gratitude, you will receive a physical thank you postcard from the island of São Miguel directly to your door. This postcard will be personalised with a thank you message dedicated to you and signed by us. It will be a tangible demonstration of our appreciation for your contribution and a lasting reminder of your support for our project. You can hang it on your fridge, keep it as a souvenir or share it with your loved ones to show your noble gesture. We thank you for your support.
YOUR NAME IMMORTALISED ON THE CRYPTOMERIA WALL! - (€40)
Contribute to our project and leave your indelible mark! With this reward, your name will be immortalised on a beautiful wooden wall of local cryptomeria inside the sheepfold that we will restore, maintaining the original local architecture and materials. All the people who enter will be able to read your name, testimony to your significant support. I thank you for your commitment and trust in the project.
NAME THE TREE - (€50)
With this reward you can give yourself or a loved one a unique experience of connection with nature. You can choose a tree in the ground, or one that is coming soon, and give it a name with a special meaning. We will send you an email with a list of local plants for you to choose from. You will receive a personalised certificate stating the name given to the tree and a photo of the tree itself. Your contribution will support our project. A small gesture with a big impact. Thank you for your support!
PRIVATE VIDEO CALL "PUT ON YOUR BOOTS AND WALK AROUND WITH US!" - (€60)
Put on your virtual boots and dive into the heart of nature! Join us for an exclusive private video call. You can ask us all your questions, share your ideas and learn more about our project, how you can change your life or a possible trip to the Azores. This private video call will provide you with a memorable and hopefully inspiring experience. Thank you for your vital support. See you soon!
SURPRISE YOUR FRIENDS WITH A 'SPECIAL' DINNER AND EXOTIC INFLUENCES! - (€100)
With this exclusive reward, we will offer you a customised menu (with vegetarian options), which you can easily prepare at home and surprise friends and family at a special dinner. You will receive by e-mail all the details to prepare it and will be followed through the recipe step by step. We will take care of the dining experience from the aperitif with cocktails/mocktails to dessert, exploring hors d'oeuvres, starters and main courses, all with exotic references to the local culture of the Azores. Your contribution is a precious gift that allows us to continue making a difference in the lives of many people. We thank you for your important gesture.
PERSONALISED CERTIFICATE "I PLANTED A TREE IN THE AZORES!" - (€120)
With this reward, you will receive a personalised certificate certifying your involvement in our environmental regeneration and conservation project in the Azores Islands. Thanks to your contribution, we will buy a tree and plant it for you. You will help us protect the land from the wind and carry out educational activities in the camp! This certificate will be an exciting testimony of your contribution to our project and can be kept as a precious memento of your environmental commitment. Thank you for your contribution!
ONLINE COOKING CLASS WITH YOUR ITALIAN CHEFS - (€150)
Join Celeste and Davide to master the art of Italian cooking! Dive into the world of pizza dough and get answers to all your culinary questions. We are excited to share our expertise with you. With Celeste, you'll explore the delightful realm of Italian pastries. Impress your friends with authentic Italian desserts baked right in your own oven.
GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE FOR 2: EXCLUSIVE DINNER WITH PRIVATE CHEF IN SÃO MIGUEL (VALID FOR YEARS) - (€300)
We invite you to immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience in the rejuvenating beauty of the landscape, where the blue sea merges with green volcanic peaks. Enjoy an enchanting walk through the grounds of La Quinta, followed by a sunset aperitif, as you admire the magic of the landscape. Delight in a customised dinner prepared exclusively for you by Davide, who will take you on a sensory journey through the authentic flavours of the region. Let yourself be surprised by Celeste's sweet buffet, followed by coffee and liqueur from the islands. This invitation is for two people and offers the chance to enjoy this unforgettable experience within the next two years. Thank you for your generous support that makes our dream possible!
AGRI FITNESS 3 DAYS + FOOD AND CAMPING (VALID FOR 2 YEARS) - (€400)
Immerse yourself in the energy of nature with the 3-day Agri Fitness experience! During these three unforgettable days, you will have the opportunity to participate in engaging agricultural activities (fitness), such as harvesting fresh produce from the garden or tending animals, and experience what routines are involved in working the land and what techniques are used to increase its biodiversity! You will enjoy tasty, traditional food, which we will prepare with local and fresh ingredients, and camp under the starry canopy in the Quinta! The central location allows you to walk to the great beaches of the north coast, famous for surfing, and the characteristic city centre. Just a few minutes' drive away are two natural spas, local green tea companies and many special 'spots' we'll tell you about! The invitation is valid for two years, giving you the flexibility to plan your experience. (2 nights 1 person or 1 night 2 people). Thank you very much for your support.
3-DAY CAMP WITH PRIVATE CHEF IN SÃO MIGUEL (VALID FOR 2 YEARS) - (€500)
Explore the enchanting island of São Miguel with a 3-day full board and lodging experience (2 nights, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners for 1 person or 1 night, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch for 2 people). Enjoy an unforgettable stay immersed in the natural beauty of this unique destination while exploring its scenic and cultural wonders. From where you stay, you can reach the great beaches of the north coast, famous for surfing, within a 15-minute walk, and two of the island's four natural spas within a 5-minute drive. With this reward, you will have the opportunity to camp on the grounds, savouring delicious local meals prepared by us with fresh, authentic ingredients, picked straight from the ground. This invitation is valid for two years, giving you the flexibility to plan your own adventure. Thank you for your generous support that makes the success of this project possible!
