What is AlmaNatura?
AlmaNatura is all about reactivating rural areas. The core mission? To combat depopulation by creating real opportunities where they’re needed most. This organization focuses on improving the quality of life for people living in rural communities through projects centered on four key areas: employment, education, health, and technology. Based in Arroyomolinos de León, a small village tucked away in the Sierra de Huelva with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, AlmaNatura has been making waves for 25 years by partnering with major companies like Coca-Cola, Danone, IKEA España, and Fundación Vodafone. It’s not just about business—it’s a movement of people dedicated to building a vibrant rural environment.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
AlmaNatura’s impact is impressive, and here are some key figures and facts that highlight their work:
- First BCorp certified company in Spain since 2013.
- Recognized in 2017 as one of “The Best of the World” by NGO B Lab.
- Partnerships with top-tier companies including Red Eléctrica de España and Correos España.
- Four focused intervention areas: employment, education, health, and technology.
- Over two decades of experience driving rural revitalization projects.
Employment: Creating Opportunities Where They Matter
One of AlmaNatura’s pillars is employment. They provide training, support entrepreneurship, and assist people in rural areas with active job searches. The goal? To open doors that might otherwise remain closed in these communities. By equipping locals with the skills and resources they need, AlmaNatura helps foster economic growth and personal empowerment. It’s about more than just jobs—it’s about building sustainable futures.
Education: Equal Chances for Rural Youth
Education is another critical focus. AlmaNatura runs educational activities designed to ensure children and young people in rural areas have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. This means bridging gaps, providing access to quality learning, and nurturing potential. Because when education thrives, communities thrive. It’s a simple but powerful idea that AlmaNatura brings to life every day.
Health and Technology: Closing the Gap
Health projects and promoting healthy habits are vital to AlmaNatura’s mission. Rural areas often suffer from a healthcare gap, and AlmaNatura works to reduce this disparity. Alongside health, the use of technology plays a huge role—especially in combating vulnerability among older adults. By educating and providing access to technology, AlmaNatura helps improve quality of life and connects people to the wider world. It’s about making sure no one is left behind.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to AlmaNatura
- SDG 1: No Poverty – by creating employment opportunities.
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through health projects and promoting healthy habits.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – ensuring equal educational opportunities.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – supporting entrepreneurship and job training.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – promoting technology use in rural areas.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – bridging urban-rural divides.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – revitalizing rural environments.
The Team Behind the Movement
AlmaNatura’s strength lies in its people. The team includes co-founders Juanjo Manzano, who leads alliances, and Israel Manzano, responsible for resources. Conce Macías directs projects, while Elena García and Sofía Quintanero coordinate them. Project managers like Marina Gómez, Beatriz Molinero, and Ana Jimenez keep things moving forward. Supporting roles include Jesús Sánchez, the maintenance manager, Ángeles Barea, the process facilitator, and Alejandro Aparicio, the cultural mediator. Together, they form a dedicated group committed to turning rural projects into reality. It’s a collective effort fueled by empathy, honesty, and transparency—values that resonate deeply throughout AlmaNatura’s work.
