Interpretation center Nuestra Huerta - Valentia Foundation


Title: Centro de Interpretación Nuestra Huerta - Valentia Foundation

Country: Aragón, Spain

Bio-based sector: Agriculture, organic food production, education and awareness initiatives

Stakeholders involved: Valentia Foundation, individuals with disabilities and their families, local community and educational institutions, organic producers, consumers

Description:

The Valentia Foundation, based in Huesca, Aragón, Spain, operates with a strong social focus, supporting over 600 individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and other developmental disorders. A cornerstone of its mission is the "Valentia Emplea," a social enterprise providing employment opportunities for around 150 workers, 70 % of whom have intellectual disabilities.

A standout initiative of the foundation is the ecological farm and the associated "Centro de Interpretación Nuestra Huerta", located at the Brotalia garden center. This ecological farm spans 7 hectares and includes a 4 000-square-meter nursery, employing a team of 8 people, 5-6 of whom have disabilities. The farm’s production is sold through three main channels: directly to employees, at the Huesca organic market, and at Brotalia itself.

The "Centro de Interpretación Nuestra Huerta" was established to enhance public understanding of nature, horticulture, and BIOdiversity. The center features an interactive classroom with accessible materials designed to cater to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Guided tours and self-guided visits are available, often led by individuals with disabilities to highlight societal diversity alongside natural BIOdiversity. The center also showcases traditional agricultural elements, such as a well and a water wheel, developed collaboratively in Valentia’s workshops.

This initiative not only promotes environmental education but also integrates ecological farming practices, community engagement, and social inclusion, illustrating the interconnectedness of biodiversity in nature and society.

Results/lessons learnt: 

  • Empowerment through Employment: The foundation’s model provides flexible, meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities, fostering independence and social inclusion.
  • Interactive and Accessible Education: The accessible materials and activities in the interpretation center ensure inclusivity for all visitors, serving as a model for educational inclusivity.
  • Collaborative Development: The use of materials and products developed in Valentia’s workshops demonstrates the value of synergy between different areas of the foundation.
  • Promotion of Biodiversity: The integration of aromatic plants to attract pollinators and the emphasis on traditional farming practices underscore the connection between biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

The center has successfully combined ecological, educational, and social elements to create a unique space that supports both environmental sustainability and social inclusion, serving as a replicable model for other regions.

Link to the website: https://lahuertadevalentia.com/