Algarve.

A Lab can strengthen local activities, cooperation and services. Its design therefore begins with the needs and possibilities of the place.

The contribution to regional development must be explored with local partners. Establishing a new presence brings value when it supports the existing community and surroundings.

Meaningful work, affordable services and a community can make a place more attractive to stay in. We want to develop these connections.

Housing needs an appropriate legal and planning route. It is then possible to investigate who can participate, what it costs and which conditions enable a lasting presence.

A Lab brings ideas into everyday practice. People can develop and try out solutions for soil, water, learning and cooperation together.

A demonstration becomes useful when the question, method, results and limitations are clear. SYFERS can support this documentation; research partners help assess its quality.

Food, materials, maintenance and local services can form shorter cycles. The possibilities depend on the activities and partners in the place.

Records of flows, costs and yields show where reuse works. An intended cycle remains a design until data demonstrates how it functions.

Soil care, water management and shade can form part of a place-based adaptation plan. Measures are chosen with knowledge of local ecology and risks.

Track performance over time and involve appropriate expertise. Nature restoration can contribute to resilience; specific claims about water, temperature or fire risk require evidence of their own.

Growing, processing, learning, services and suitable hospitality can offer several sources of income. A mix can help sustain the work through the seasons.

The business case must support its assumptions about demand, occupancy, costs and available capacity. More activities only create resilience when they work together financially and organisationally.

A place can connect people with different knowledge: agriculture, technology, education, economics, art and care. That knowledge can also become useful to the surrounding community.

Local cooperation determines which contribution is needed. We want to investigate which skills and networks become available and how existing residents can benefit.