Pillar 1. ENVIRONMENTAL WELL-BEING: More nature around you. More lightness in your stay.
At Gandum Village, environmental well-being is not a "theme." It is a condition for our existence. We believe that hospitality only makes sense when it is in harmony with nature and the territory where it takes place.
That is why this pillar goes beyond conventional sustainability. It is not limited to "reducing impact." The focus is on regenerating natural resources, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change with concrete measures on the ground—so that the place gets better over time and your experience is more authentic, calmer, and healthier.
Main areas of activity
1) Preservation of biodiversity
Biodiversity is not a nice "bonus." It is what keeps the ecosystem stable, productive, and resilient—and it is what makes this place more alive for those who live here.
What we do
Agroforestry with native species, creating habitat and food for local wildlife and pollinators.
Protection of the Ribeira do Gandum as an essential ecosystem, with protection zones and reforestation of the banks.
Creating habitats for pollinators (e.g., areas with wildflowers, support structures, managing space to welcome life rather than control it).
Reintroduction of native species in an informed and monitored manner, in partnership with those who know.
What does this change for you?
More life around you: birds, beneficial insects, real natural cycles.
A cooler, more balanced place—and less of a "decorative landscape."
More pleasant trails and outdoor spaces for walking, relaxing, and playing.
1.1 Preservation of biodiversity
Vision and objective
Vision: to transform Gandum into a sanctuary of biodiversity with true coexistence between nature, the community, and guests.
Objective: to regenerate the local ecosystem, protecting existing species, strengthening native species, and creating diverse habitats.
Key strategies
1) Diversified agroforestry
Planting trees and shrubs that regenerate soil and create shelter/food for wildlife.
Key species (examples): cork oaks, olive trees, strawberry trees, aromatic plants such as rosemary and thyme.
Creation of ecological corridors: connecting areas to facilitate the movement of animals and pollinators.
2) Protection of the Gandum Stream
Protected areas to prevent degradation.
Reforestation of riverbanks with native species to stabilize soil and improve water quality.
Regular monitoring to detect threats to the aquatic ecosystem.
3) Habitats for pollinators
Active support for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.
Management of areas with flowers and refuge for reproduction and feeding.
4) Reintroduction of native species
Informed identification and gradual reintroduction.
Reinforcement of trees that form the backbone of the ecosystem (e.g., cork oaks/holm oaks).
Education and involvement
This isn't just "technical." It's an opportunity to engage people:
Guided tours of the agroforest (with explanations of species, soil, and regeneration).
Workshops (e.g., importance of pollinators; native plants and Alentejo soil).
“Adopt a tree” (plant + receive updates).
Partnerships with local schools for educational visits and planting.
Monitoring and targets (as outlined in the plan)
Annual biodiversity inventories; target: increase observed species by 30% by 2025.
Monitoring of the stream: water quality and aquatic habitat.
Exemplary indicators: trees planted; increased observation of pollinators; improved water quality.
2) Management of natural resources (water, energy, soil)
In Alentejo, “resource management” is not optional: it is quality survival. Here, the idea is simple: minimize waste and maximize efficiency without compromising comfort — and, whenever possible, restore natural cycles.
What we do
Rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses and irrigation.
Reuse of gray water for irrigation and cleaning (with appropriate systems).
Smart irrigation and solutions such as drip irrigation to reduce losses.
Renewable energy (solar) as a fundamental part of operations.
Soil regeneration with compost, mulch, and plant cover to retain moisture and reduce erosion.
What does this change for you?
A more resilient and functional place at the height of summer.
More consistent operation: fewer "patches" and fewer failures.
Comfort that does not depend on excessive energy consumption.
1.2 Natural resource management
Vision and objective
Vision: to be an example of sustainable and regenerative resource management with a real positive impact.
Objective: to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and regenerate resources using technology and eco-friendly practices.
Areas of focus
1) Water
Rainwater harvesting for irrigation and non-potable tasks.
Reuse of gray water for gardens.
Irrigation with sensors and decisions based on soil needs.
2) Energy
Solar panels as a basis for production.
LEDs, sensors, efficient equipment.
3) Soil
Composting and replacement of organic matter.
Mulch/plant cover to protect moisture and reduce erosion.
4) Resource circularity
Phasing out of disposable items.
Strict recycling and accessible collection points.
Education
Workshops and tours on Gandum systems (water/energy/soil).
Simple messages in spaces to encourage conscious use without "guilt."
Goals and monitoring (as in the plan)
Reduction in drinking water consumption; regular reports.
Percentage of renewable energy; production/consumption reports.
Reduction of waste to landfill; audits.
3) Climate change mitigation
Climate change is no longer a theory. It is heat waves, long droughts, and intense rainfall. The answer is not just to "emit less." It is also to sequester carbon, increase resilience, and adapt the space.
What we do
Reforestation and agroforestry for carbon sequestration and microclimate improvement.
Reducing emissions with renewable energy, operational efficiency, and short supply chains.
Adaptation: water and soil management to withstand extremes (drought/rain).
Education: workshops and transparent communication about what we do and why.
What does this change for you?
More shade, more coolness, and a place that ages better.
A well-maintained territory that does not collapse when the weather turns harsh.
A comfortable stay that does not depend on "excess."
1.3 Climate change mitigation (operational detail)
Strategies (as in the plan)
1) Reduction of emissions
Increase solar production and optimize consumption.
Encourage lighter mobility (bicycles, electric vehicles).
Efficient operation (LEDs, sensors, insulation, technical choices).
2) Carbon sequestration
Planting native trees.
Practices that increase carbon in the soil.
3) Adaptation
Infrastructure and landscape designed for extreme heat and heavy rainfall.
Water management and ground cover.
4) Education and transparency
Workshops on carbon footprints and replicable practices.
Reports/sharing progress and challenges.
Contribution/compensation options linked to planting and regeneration.
4) Waste management and circular economy
Waste management at Gandum is not about "recycling at the end." It is about avoiding waste at the beginning, reusing in the middle, and composting at the end.
What we do
Reduction at source: fewer disposables, less packaging, more bulk choices, and reusable alternatives.
Accessible waste separation and recycling (for staff and guests).
Reuse and recycling of materials.
Composting of organic matter and integration into the soil/agroforestry.
At Provenance: a menu designed to reduce waste and reuse intelligently.
What does this change for you?
A cleaner, better-kept place—no “hidden trash.”
Cook with more intention and less food waste.
A hotel that is more consistent on the inside, not just beautiful on the outside.
1.4 Waste management
Strategies
1) Reduction at source
Elimination of single-use plastics.
Responsible purchasing with better suppliers and packaging.
Digitizing what makes sense.
2) Reuse and recycling
Detailed separation and accessible points.
Creative reuse of materials.
3) Composting
Composters for food and green waste.
Use of compost to enrich the soil.
4) Education
Simple information in the rooms.
Team formation.
5) Circularity in Provenance
Menu planned to make the most of ingredients.
Reuse in broths, sauces, etc.
Connection with the SDGs
This pillar is aligned with:
SDG 6: Water and protection of aquatic ecosystems (rivers, reuse, efficiency)
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production (circularity, waste, purchasing)
SDG 13: Climate action (energy, emissions, adaptation, sequestration)
SDG 15: life on land (agroforestry, biodiversity, soil regeneration)
Examples of actions
Reforestation with guests (planting and monitoring).
Solar energy with clear targets (e.g., percentages of production/consumption).
Regenerative workshops (composting, agroforestry, biodiversity).
Summary of the pillar
Environmental well-being is the foundation of Gandum: we not only minimize impacts—we work to create a more vibrant, resilient, and beautiful territory, where your stay is more enjoyable because the place is better.