The distinction, in the category of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 – Protect Terrestrial Life, recognizes the work developed by QXote in the recovery of terrestrial ecosystems, soil regeneration, and biodiversity protection, through the implementation of regenerative land management practices. The APEE awards, promoted since 2015, aim to distinguish organizations that develop good practices in ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability, focusing on commitment to the UN's 2030 Agenda.
Founded in 2021 by Hans Lodders and Sunamita Borges da Costa, QXote began its project at Monte dos Três Moinhos, in Santa Cruz, on a nine-hectare property, with the purpose of contributing to the ecological, social, and economic revitalization of the Alentejo region. Facing challenges such as drought and soil degradation, the project adopted a regenerative management model, without the use of soil disturbance, synthetic herbicides, or pesticides.
The results presented by QXote indicate a significant increase in plant species richness, from 276 in 2023 to 650 in 2026, and in average vegetation cover, from 48.9% to 85%. The property currently operates as Monte dos Três Moinhos Living Lab, integrating the European Network of Living Labs (ENoLL), promoting experimentation and sharing of regenerative practices through educational programs and internships.
The Municipality of Almodôvar congratulates QXote for this distinction, which recognizes the work developed in the municipal territory and highlights the contribution of local initiatives to sustainability and the valorization of natural resources, affirming Almodôvar as a space for innovation and regeneration.
