About Live With Earth Organization
Live With Earth is a Portuguese non-profit association officially founded in 2017, but active since 2012. We are dedicated to sustainable development & the circular economy, based at the Eco Campus Torres Vedras, with headquarters in the Protected Area of Serras do Socorro and Archeira (PPLSSA), full of natural treasures. We develop transformative projects in permaculture, natural building, natural pigments, and European youth programs, working with local communities and international partners to create innovative and regenerative solutions.
LIVE WITH EARTH
PRESENTATION - EN
LIVE WITH EARTH
APRESENTAÇÃO - PT
Our Story
Live With Earth was born from the academic vision of its founder Rui Pessoa Vaz F. Vasques, through his Master's thesis in Design "Sustainable Constructions: Eco-Village Community" (IADE, 2011). Since 2012, it has been developing practical activities in education and research in sustainability. In 2017, together with other invited pioneers, we founded the association and established a protocol with the Municipality of Torres Vedras, joining the ECO CAMPUS Torres Vedras, a green economy incubator. Over the years, we have trained more than 800 students in permaculture, natural construction, and circular economy, developed over 10 Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects, created the annual Live With Earth Design Conference (LWE DC4SD), and among many other projects, initiatives, and collaborations, we are starting a new chapter today with the expansion of our academic vision with the completion of a PhD in Design, in IADE - UNIVERSIDADE EUROPEIA, with the thesis-project "The Natural Pigments of the Socorro and Archeira Mountains and Their Use by the Live With Earth Association."
Awards & References
• Best Student of the Course Award 2012 (IADE - Creative University)
• 2019: WEF Women Economic Forum "Exceptional Leaders of Excellence" Global Award
• BPI Foundation La Caixa Solidarity Award 2024
• Member of the Municipal Council for Climate Action of Torres Vedras (CMAC)
• Member of the Torres Vedras Culture Network
• UNESCO Global Geopark Oeste Partner
• Member of the Portuguese Color Association
Our Headquarters
Since 2017, Live With Earth Organization's headquarters is much more than a physical space: it is a living laboratory of regeneration, a place where we practice, learn and demonstrate that it is possible to live in harmony with the Earth. Located in the village of Cadriceira, in Torres Vedras municipality, our headquarters was born from the recovery of an abandoned former primary school, State heritage that was returned to the community through a profound and inspiring 360º regeneration process.
360º Regeneration
Live With Earth's work is based on a systemic and integrated vision, where each action generates positive impact across multiple dimensions.
Building and Public Heritage Regeneration: The old school was rehabilitated with biobuilding principles, material reuse and resource efficiency, transforming into a functional, educational and inspiring space, serving the community and the planet.
Local Ecosystem and Biodiversity Regeneration: The surrounding area has been subject to continuous ecological restoration actions, biodiversity multiplication, soil protection and natural ecosystem valorization, in close connection with the Protected Landscape of Serra do Socorro and Archeira, of which we are active partners in environmental awareness and promotion.
Social, Cultural and Community Regeneration: The headquarters has become a village meeting point, promoting social cohesion, cultural dynamics, environmental education, creative residencies, workshops, events and intergenerational projects that strengthen the human fabric and sense of belonging.
Economic Regeneration and Local Identity Valorization: We create opportunities linked to Green Economy, endogenous resources valorization and local identity. Examples are: • Natural pigments and raw materials for biobuilding • Natural treasures such as fossils and crystals • Knowledge and dissemination of local paleontology • Conscious and regenerative tourism attraction • Support for projects, entrepreneurs and initiatives aligned with sustainability
An Eco Campus Serving the Future
Our headquarters is integrated into ECO CAMPUS Torres Vedras, an incubator dedicated to Green Economy, social innovation and regenerative solutions, reinforcing Torres Vedras' role as a reference territory at European level.
Education, Culture and Heritage for Future Generations: Here we preserve and transmit material and immaterial heritage, crossing science, art, nature and culture. Environmental education is a central pillar of our work, empowering children, youth and adults to be agents of change in a world in transition. From Cadriceira, in Torres Vedras, from Portugal to the World, Live With Earth's headquarters is a living example that regeneration is possible when there is vision, commitment and love for the Earth.
Get to know more at:
https://www.investir-tvedras.pt/programas/Ecocampus
Live With Earth Europe
Live With Earth Europe is the European structure of the Live With Earth Organization, dedicated to the development, coordination, and implementation of European projects focused on youth, sustainability, and climate action. Our European team works primarily within the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps frameworks, including volunteering projects under the Quality Label, while also engaging in broader European collaborations and initiatives such as Creative Europe. We align our work with key European and global strategies and movements, including the European Green Deal, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the New European Bauhaus, and the Inner Development Goals. Through collaborative European projects, we empower young people, educators, volunteers, and communities, contributing to the education and preparation of future generations for the sustainability transition, active European citizenship, and meaningful climate action, with impact at local, European, and global levels.
ACTIVITY PLAN
2019
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2021
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2022
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2024
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2025