A new concept of rural Portugal

The project was based on a simple idea: to bring a new dynamic to tourism in the Centre Region through the use of the natural and human resources of the Schist Villages. The challenge, however, resided in doing so without loosing sight of the lifestyle of its inhabitants, the preservation of their values and the increment of their self esteem.

But as the Portuguese say, “there in no shortcut to labour” and the Sustained Development Plan for the Schist Villages had to create modern infrastructures, to train the population and to promote a tourist culture.

Buildings were reconstructed, using traditional methods and preserving original traits. And while some were pledged to take care of the houses, others were becoming technicians, preparing to face a new standard for qualification. In gastronomic production, craftsmanship, cultural entertainment, the Schist Villages stand out for their presentation of excellent products, services and professionals. New products are made from the fruits of the land. A river becomes a canoeing track. A forest becomes a path for trekking. A boy from the village becomes a guide. A house becomes a bed and breakfast.

A new strength is given to producers of local specialities. And, based on the knowledge of many years, innovative objects are created. Objects of contemporary design.

Attracted by the promise of a rich cultural and natural heritage, visitors come here to find, besides dazzling landscapes, practically endless possibilities of outdoor entertainment. But if outdoors the days are joyfully spent, life indoors is similarly busy. A mix of professionalism and sincere kindness welcome us to the rural lodging units, as to each restaurant, shop, Tourism Information Kiosks and entertainment company. Availability of information, quality of service and the assurance that these are certified activities guarantee the success of initiatives.

Little by little, Pinhal Interior starts to forget its stone sadness, and the schist landscapes are hot with new projects. The bonds connecting the network intensify, synergies are perfected, partner-ships grow stronger. Working as a network, the territory’s economic agents develop coordinated strategies and make joint investments.

With training and employment opening a new window of hope, young people are no longer dreaming of departing to urban areas. In fact, some are starting to return from the city for holidays or weekends, some to stay. A new dream is built, and the villages that used to be desolated and abandoned, are now becoming joyful. With the support of the Schist Villages Programme, the villages are reinventing themselves and once again, assuming a central role. Attracting the eyes of the world to the centre of Portugal, they invite us to discover a region that is a national treasure and to become a part of the challenge, believing it is possible, and worth, to change.

Photo Gallery

IMPACT:

LBTINEU aims to achieve profound qualitative impact for the citizens of the municipalities involved within the project raising their awareness on the values, rights and opportunities created by the EU. More specifically the realization of the project has a significant impact on the overall local context in the sense that it enhances and shares the local excellences accomplished in the partner municipalities. This is achieved through the involvement of the main key actors in local development: policy makers and the local governments, social organizations, schools, NGO’s and the local private sector are expected to have a lasting impact and a long-term cooperation between the municipalities. In this regard, the project includes the partnership with all major socioeconomic and cultural actors present in the municipalities.
On behalf of the municipalities promoters the project serve to develop the skills and abilities of citizens living in their communities. One of the ideas that emerged during the preparation of the project is the creation of a thematic network aimed to discover and valorize all of the little big things promoted in the partner communities linked to the European values. This network will ensure long-lasting cooperation between the municipalities involved in new future projects in social and economic sectors. During the project, hundreds of citizens and leaders of the local partner communities will participate in an intense transnational exchange of experiences aiming at common development. On these citizens' communities there will be an investment in order to trigger them as an engine for development. Namely the six events of the project bringing together facilitators from different backgrounds will reach out to a wide target group spectrum demonstrating with concrete examples what benefits EU citizenship offers– as private individuals, consumers, residents, workers or political actors.

DESCRIPTION

«Little big things in Europe and in our local communities (LBTINEU)» is a thematic network project, developed among various european municipalities which are willing to confront themselves with the issue of social-economic development and the creation of new tools for participation for their respective citizens through valorisation and exchange of their local best practices. By a close agreement the promoters intend to perform a pilot project which includes the realisation of six international events on the theme of local development targeted at the key actors of their local communities and useful to raise awareness amongst the general public about the best practices of local and social development promoted by their citizens.
The main theme of the project is to present good practices of active citizenship - little big things of positive experiences achieved locally and linked to the European values that can be utilized to ensure a greater sense of belonging to the European community. The idea is to offer a unique opportunity to learn about the daily lives of citizens of other European countries, to talk and work with them establishing stable relations of friendship that promote a sense of European identity and belonging to the European Union process. All those involved will gain proper understanding of what EU brings in their daily lives, fostering reflection on the cost of non-Europe and strengthening their desire to take part in the European venture.
In detail the project relies upon the voluntary commitment of citizens, in collaboration with their local authorities and local associations. It is an incentive to active participation and encourages exchanges of ideas and experiences on a variety of issues of common interest, thereby raising awareness on the advantages of finding concrete solutions at European level. Due to the combination of these elements, the project has a real potential to enhance mutual understanding between citizens of the partner countries, fostering a sense of ownership of the European Union and finally developing a sense of European identity. Thus the project supports the promotion of European citizenship and democracy, contributes to the development of understanding of the EU and its values and empowers citizens to play a full part in the democratic life of the EU.

1st Event took place in Kastoria from 5-8 April, 2014