Our Ethos

Co-Creating a Life in Harmony with Nature, Community, and Self

The Gaia Project is a non-profit community nestled in the hills of the Algarve, Portugal. We are a group of families building a new way of living—one grounded in sustainability, shared responsibility, and conscious connection. Our ethos is the foundation of everything we do. It guides how we live, grow, communicate, and care—for ourselves, each other, and the Earth.

1. Living in Harmony with Nature

We are working towards becoming a fully off-grid, regenerative community. This means living with the rhythms of the Earth—growing food organically, harvesting rainwater, using renewable energy, composting waste, and continually learning how to live in greater alignment with the land. Our goal is not just to reduce our impact, but to actively regenerate the soil, biodiversity, and environment we call home.

2. Shared Responsibility and Daily Contribution

Life at Gaia is a co-created experience. Every family contributes to the running of the community, whether it’s gardening, building, cleaning, cooking, organising workshops, or caring for animals. There are no “staff” here—just people supporting each other. Everyone plays a part in maintaining the space, with fairness and accountability at the core. When a member is away, others step in. Responsibility is shared to keep the community flowing smoothly year-round.

3. Child-Led, Lifelong Learning

We believe that children learn best through real-life experiences, natural curiosity, and freedom to explore the world at their own pace. At Gaia, we embrace an unschooling approach—trusting that each child is innately driven to grow, discover, and make sense of life in their own way.

We do not have a dedicated facilitator, because we believe everyone in the community has something valuable to offer. Whether it’s sharing a skill, inviting children into a project, telling stories, or simply living in an open, respectful way—learning happens all the time, through connection and example. The community itself becomes the classroom, rich with opportunities for curiosity, creativity, and meaningful engagement.

4. Community Over Convenience

This is not just a place to live—it’s a place to belong. We foster meaningful relationships, honest communication, and mutual support. Decisions are made collectively, with input from all long-term members. We value transparency, listening, and working through differences with compassion. The strength of the community lies in the commitment of each member to show up, participate, and care for the whole.

5. Non-Profit & Financial Sustainability

The Gaia Project is a registered non-profit association. Every euro received—whether from visiting families, events, or donations—is reinvested directly into the project. Our long-term vision is financial self-sufficiency, where the income generated helps reduce monthly costs for all long-term members. This allows for a simpler, more affordable lifestyle, where less time is spent chasing money and more time is spent living with purpose.

6. Respect, Consent, and Emotional Safety

We hold space for authenticity and diversity. Everyone has the right to feel safe, heard, and respected. We honour boundaries, communicate consciously, and take responsibility for our words and actions. Parenting is approached with love, presence, and non-violence. Conflict is inevitable—but we face it with open hearts, aiming for resolution rather than division.

7. A Clean and Clear Environment

To maintain a safe, grounded atmosphere for all, The Gaia Project is a drug-free community. Smoking is permitted away from communal spaces and children. Responsible alcohol use is allowed, but must be respectful and kept outside of community hubs. This helps ensure our space remains peaceful, present, and family-friendly at all times.

In Essence…

The Gaia Project is more than a place—it’s a shared way of being. One rooted in regeneration, freedom, trust, and belonging. Whether you’re visiting for a season or joining as a long-term family, we ask all who enter to read, understand, and honour this ethos. It is the heartbeat of our home and the compass for our collective journey forward.