AMURT Portugal

AMURT is a social and humanitarian international non-profit/non- governmental organisation that is active in more than 80 countries. Our main objectives are focused on local development initiatives and relief actions during emergencies. It aims to improve the quality of life of people around the world through: disaster relief in emergency situations; permanent relief and local development projects to help individuals and communities in need; balanced social and personal development, as well as empowerment actions. One of the main local development projects active in Portugal is focused on Ananda Kalyani (www.anandakalyani.org, an ecological research & volunteers hub) where everyone can fully realise their inner potential, in harmony with nature and the surrounding community, located on the edge of the Serra da Estrela natural reserve area. Developed with other local associations, the role of AMURT is to support the repopulation of a deserted hamlet and re-invigorate life in the surrounding villages through a wide range of activities in the fields of ecology, culture and social service, practicing permaculture, organic farming and local food production. We organise retreats, seminars and cultural programmes for both youth and adults over the last few years and are currently engaged in fundraising and other support activities to help those whose farms were burnt in the recent fires. This year we organised our third festival: Ananda - Festival of Bliss, that promotes spirituality, sustainability and healthy lifestyles by being 100% drug and alcohol-free event serving only vegan/vegetarian meals.