Danyadara
permaculture Farm
Growing Green Dreams at Danyadara; Check out our non-profit permaculture farm that is on a mission to reverse desertification in Andalusia
Danyadara is our non-profit organisation run by our dedicated team focussed on reversing desertification through knowledgeable application of sustainable farming systems.
Desertification is a devestating phenomenon for humans and wildlife, without action, life as we know it could change significantly in a short space of time. By cultivating an abundant food forest on our grounds, we are demonstrating how to generate healthy soil and provide a cost-effective model for local farmers to employ and reinvest in their farms.
Danyadara’s mission is to reverse desertification in Andalusia by recreating the forest-agriculture mosaics that promote soil health and species diversity with projects aimed at preventing bare ground, improving water stewardship, increasing carbon sequestration and educating about regenerative agriculture methods.
We offer a weekly tour of the site to all our guests so we can show you first hand the impact of the work we are doing here.
While Suryalila supports Danyadara to the best of our ability, we also rely on the generosity of supporters like you to continue this essential work. Your donations play a crucial role in sustaining and expanding our reforestation efforts.
WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
Help us keep planting and nurturing our blessed earth
At Suryalila, we are proud to be the home of Danyadara, meaning "blessed earth." This NGO permaculture project is focused on reforesting and regenerating depleted land, contributing to sustainability and growth.
Danyadara has already planted approximately 10,000 trees, and we're excited to witness these saplings as they grow into a flourishing forest.
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.