In the lower part of the old town of Idanha-a-Nova, a property of around 7,000 m2, abandoned for some fifteen years, partially in ruins, covered with wild weeds, brambles and overgrown vegetation, was waiting for a civic awakening that would turn it into a living space for the needs of the Idanhaise community.
As of 2019, we have expressed our desire to turn this derelict site into a living space that can be used to meet the needs of the local community.
In December 2020, with the support of Dr Jean-Pierre Willem and the humanitarian association Médecins Aux Pieds Nus, we acquired this property to turn it into a project that would benefit everyone, here and abroad.
For several months now, we've been digging out truckloads of brush, branches and waste/detritus of various kinds from this property to discover marvelous terraces capable of becoming an ecological living space to host practical demonstrations, useful environmental solutions for well-being, autonomy and intergenerational knowledge sharing.A space for encounters, initiatives for the physical, psychic, emotional and spiritual well-being of each individual, with respect for traditions, cultures, techniques, spiritualities... which are forgotten or neglected today due to the omnipresent societal futility and enjoyment of " the useless of today's worldliness ".
A place for sharing knowledge, where arts and crafts, culture and agriculture are finally recognized as the riches of time, values that help human beings grow in all their dimensions.
A space where everyone can find a " refuge " to meditate, to unite with both the earth that nourishes our bodies and the sky that enlightens our hearts.
A " foyer " (a warm, caring, family-like place) where the elderly can enjoy a peaceful end-of-life experience in accordance with Professor Jérôme Lejeune's bioethics (respect for human life, free from sectarian and scientific aberrations). They will benefit from health care in line with their choice, an adapted and healthy diet, access to activities (stimulating or soothing), adapted to their abilities and wishes, the opportunity to take part in quality cultural events, ...
The space, adjacent to the Roman road in this district of the old town of Idanha-a-Nova, is located on one of the pilgrim routes to Santiago de Compostela, ... and could become a haven of calm and peace for pilgrims passing through on their way to life... a break from the daily grind.
Can this space become - in line with the wishes expressed by the WHO since the 1980s - a protected place where everyone, whether of Western or Eastern philosophy, can be offered basic health services and wellness care that respect their education, philosophy, beliefs and culture, without dogmatism or medical fanaticism, and with the greatest possible therapeutic rigor? A space that is different from the anonymity of a hospital corridor or a common room in a residence for the elderly, deprived of freedom... We propose to provide personalized, respectful accompaniment, a supportive and stimulating presence, with active - voluntary - collaboration, mini cultural events and organic meals prepared on site, shared in an atmosphere of conviviality and simplicity as in a family?
Teachings in organic agriculture, health, arts and nutrition.
Wellness and health tourism in residence, with daily care available.
Organic store with local and natural products coming soon.
For people suffering from degenerative diseases, immune deficiencies or digestive disorders.
"L'ESPACE BIOGAIA", in reference to the Earth, is in full mutation thanks to the tenacity of many people who devote a little of their time and sustained efforts to it.