Baguia, Timor L'este

In 2019, I embarked on a transformative journey to Timor-Leste, working in partnership with local organisations and community members in the remote highland region of Baguia. The project centred on revitalising an old Portuguese colonial-era fort, reimagining it as a living permaculture demonstration site and food production hub that could support both learning and long-term community resilience.

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The context was complex. Many local farmers were facing increasing challenges due to historical deforestation, changing climate conditions, and limited access to diverse, nutrient-rich food. For some, accessing fresh food required journeys of up to four hours on foot. Language barriers, water scarcity, and understandable initial skepticism toward unfamiliar agricultural approaches added further layers to the work.

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Over a three-month period, I worked closely alongside three local collaborators, prioritising relationship-building, knowledge exchange, and practical, hands-on implementation. Together, we designed and established perennial food systems suited to the local climate and resources, introduced simple and accessible soil-building techniques, and demonstrated low-input, regenerative growing methods that could be replicated by the community.

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The project was not just about establishing a garden, but about creating a space for ongoing learning, empowerment, and adaptation. By grounding the work in local context and collaboration, the site began to evolve into a practical example of how regenerative design can respond to both environmental and social challenges—supporting food security, reducing pressure on surrounding landscapes, and building community capacity in the face of a changing climate