On Saturday, September 4th, the peace research center Tamera held an open invitation for the launching of Leila Dregger's new book: "Tamera - A Model For The Future." For about 250 friends, visitors and co-workers, it became a day of celebration dedicated to a better future. One focus of that day, and the day after, was the theme of water. In the morning, the Austrian permaculture specialist, Sepp Holzer, led 150 visitors through the water permaculture landscape of Tamera. The visitors observed the lush shore terraces of the lakes and ponds with their abundant harvest of fruits and vegetables... a real-life demonstration of how the desertification of southern Europe could be stopped and how life could return to the Alentejo.
For lunch, there were organic products from Tamera's garden and regional farms. The food was prepared in the test field of the Aldeia Solar. About 150 interested people from all over Portugal came and took advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and understand more about Tamera. They were interested in both the technically-very-easy-to-build solar cookers and the high technology of the Solar Power Village (in development) which show futuristic and real alternatives for the energetic autonomy of villages.
In the afternoon, the book launching ceremony began with the Tamera chorus singing the Canto General: "Nuestra Tierra" - according to the theme of the day. Charly Rainer Ehrenpreis of Tamera first thanked the hosting country, Portugal, and the good co-operation with neighbors and authorities. He also stressed that we must now all work together to solve the pressing problems of the world and of rural southern Portugal.
"Another world is possible. Everyone can help and do something in order to create it in reality, whether as a politician, entrepreneur, journalist, teacher, or simply as a person. To create this other world, we need models and training centers. Tamera wants to be in this service."
Idálio Gonçalves, the President of the parish of Relíquias, said: "Both, Tamera and Relíquias, can be proud that we are keepng alive a real relationship of mutual respect and cooperation. This relationship, in addition to keeping the Tamera community alive and thriving, is also an important element in the struggle against the depopulation
of this inland parish. Tamera is, without any doubt, a dynamic influence for the parish. Tamera is not only a great happiness and pride for our neighbours, but also represents a huge opportunity for the future of Relíquias, which needs Tamera as much as Tamera needs Relíquias."
After a performance by the Tamera Youth Band with the song "We Are the World," the writer Leila Dregger presented her book. The book, written in three languages, in 136 pages with over 200 color photographs, describes in particular, the aspects of water and ecology, decentralized solar technology and architecture, peace education and international networking.
"There are various places in the world where people work together with all their might for a different future. One of them is Tamera. My big wish is that all those people in all those places can learn about each other and connect. I hope that this book contributes to that."
Bernd Mueller, who is responsible for ecology and the building of the water landscape in Tamera, said: "This year the world has faced countless numbers of people killed in disasters... disasters such as forest fires, floods and famines, which can be avoided if we learn to work with nature again and not against it. This book fully describes the reasons and methodology for our environmental work. For me, the publication of the book in Portugal is one step further to fulfill the dream that one day, the whole Alentejo will again be a fertile landscape, where people know how to use their water wealth wisely."
In the end, two young musicians from the School of Arts in Sines enchanted their audience with some pieces by Mozart on flute and horn.
Afterwards, people stayed together in the Aonda, networking, taking the opportunity to speak with the author and coworkers of Tamera, and suggesting ways to help make this book a bestseller. Thanks to all for this successful and beautiful day.
Tamera - a model for the future. By Leila Dregger
ISBN: 978-3-927266-27-8, Hardcover, 136 pages, 21 x 28 cm, with 206 photos, Price: 19,80 Euros (18,75 GP)
printed on FSC paper in Portugal</em
