Danyadara
permaculture Farm
Regenerating Land.
Restoring Ecosystems.
Reversing Desertification.
Danyadara is our non profit initiative dedicated to land regeneration and ecological restoration on the land surrounding Suryalila. The name Danyadara means “blessed earth” and reflects our commitment to protecting and revitalising this landscape for future generations.
Situated in one of Europe’s regions most affected by desertification, the land around Suryalila faces increasing pressure from drought, soil degradation and biodiversity loss. Danyadara was founded to address these challenges directly, transforming vulnerable terrain into resilient, thriving ecosystems through regenerative land management practices.
Our Mission
Our mission is to reverse desertification by restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem resilience.
We work to:
• Regenerate degraded agricultural land through permaculture and regenerative agriculture
• Improve soil structure and fertility through natural systems
• Increase water retention and reduce erosion
• Reintroduce biodiversity through agroforestry and habitat restoration
• Create replicable models for sustainable land stewardship
Our long term vision is to contribute to a regional shift toward regenerative land use practices that support both ecological health and rural livelihoods.
Our Approach
Danyadara applies science based regenerative principles combined with traditional ecological knowledge.
Our work includes:
• Food forest development and agroforestry systems
• Water harvesting and landscape design to slow, spread and sink rainfall
• Soil regeneration through composting, mulching and managed grazing
• Native tree planting and habitat restoration
• Educational programs, guided tours and knowledge sharing
Through these methods, formerly degraded land is being transformed into productive, biodiverse and climate resilient ecosystems.
Community and Education
Education and collaboration are central to our work. Danyadara serves as a living demonstration site where visitors, farmers and land stewards can learn about regenerative practices in action.
By sharing knowledge and practical tools, we aim to empower individuals and communities to implement similar systems within their own landscapes.
Land regeneration is collective work. Whether through participation, partnership, volunteering or financial support, every contribution helps expand our impact.
Our Team
DANYADARA FARM MANAGER : Olmo Cabello Villarejo
Olmo was born on a self-sufficient farm in northern Spain. At the age of two, his family relocated to Cuevas del Becerro, a village nestled in the mountains of Málaga, Andalucía. His parents established a goat cheese factory and grew their own fruits and vegetables, giving Olmo a childhood immersed in nature and surrounded by animals and plants. This early connection to the natural world became his lifelong passion.
Olmo went on to study Civil Engineering in Granada and Germany, specializing in water design. At 17, his mother inherited an olive grove, which they transformed together into an organic farm. By the age of 26, Olmo discovered permaculture, further deepening his commitment to working in harmony with nature.
For many years, Olmo’s dream has been to reforest Andalucía, collaborating with like-minded people who share a deep care for the Earth. This dream became a reality at Danyadara, where he continues his work today. In 2021, Olmo became a father, and in 2024, he welcomed his second child. His children have become his greatest inspiration and the driving force behind his dedication to creating a thriving future for the planet.
DANYADARA ASSISTANT MANAGER: MILAN MARQUIS
Milan first discovered regenerative agriculture at Suryalila in November 2021 during a residential Permaculture Design Course (PDC). He began volunteering soon after, staying for a year, and from 2023 onwards, he became part of the project team.
From early on, he found lasting meaning in working with the land - seeking not only a physical connection but also a deeper bond with the natural world. His true drive has been to integrate food production, landscape design, soil regeneration, and healthy living- working with his hands under the sun.
The main practice Milan has focused on is Syntropic Agroforestry: a method that harnesses natural processes to grow food while regenerating the land. He has trained with pioneers of this technique, including Scott Hall, Felipe Amato, Marc Leiber, and Klaus Lotz of Permadynamics. Returning to Suryalila, he applied what he had learned, deeply understanding that on degraded land, Syntropic Agroforestry is one of the fastest ways to restore soil health.
