As a promoter of inclusion and development, the "Criar Raízes" project (Portuguese for Rooting) addresses local challenges to the area of São Pedro do Sul (North of Portugal). One of the most pressing problems this region struggles with is it´s population decline, due mostly to migration towards larger cities and urban landscapes.
The "Criar Raízes" project started by addressing the regions economical situation, as that is the main argument for people when deciding to stay or not in the area. For that, some products and distribution channels were created: a shop in the terms (Loja Terras de São Pedro do Sul) and a basket constituted by products from local producers.
But when speaking of social and cultural dynamics and of (new) perspectives for the future, others questions arise. In that sense, it has been always this project´s intention to harness the “incorporeal products” as well, and not just the material ones. By that they mean promoting the mountain, the region´s natural wealth, it´s land, it´s culture, traditions, the passing on from people to people, this way also setting new ways.
In this context, the Cinema in the Villages project ("Cinema nas Aldeias") is initiated, bringing back an outside(rs) regard. This activity works on many significant levels, not only giving this audience the opportunity to see films and documentaries in another case never screened in such a small settlement, but also, by fostering a debate and a discourse around these films, selected for that purpose. Often, after the screening, a discussion group would be encouraged, in this way bringing back to live the lost culture of conversation, or in the specificity of the Latin languages, the "Tertúlias ".
In another activity, the Landrhythms project ("Ritmos da Terra") theme walks and special pedestrians routes are organized, bearing in mind the specific rhythms and routines of the local people, namely their work in the agricultural fields, their leisure time, the seasons, the surrounding nature, the crops... Most of all, these walks seek to establish connections between outside visitors and the locals, to bring about solidarity and sharing of experiences, touching in it´s core what is currently named as "Ethical Tourism".
In a nearby village called Covas do Monte, they are working around the concept
of an ecovillage, in it´s widened sense, where their strategy consists of considering the expectations of those who live there and love the village, looking to get their involvement and participation and building bridges with the exterior. They stand by that in that lies the sustainability of these sort of small projects.
And finally the "Estória, Historia" project, that brings back to live the storytelling traditions, secular way of knowledge sharing and community building. This takes a form of an annual meeting around the fireplace, several fireplaces, several houses with open doors for enthusiasts and walker-bys to enter and enjoy a nice short-story, told the way our ancestor told them. Typical food is also shared and enjoyed, among ideas, knowledge and experiences.
The "Criar Raízes" project started by addressing the regions economical situation, as that is the main argument for people when deciding to stay or not in the area. For that, some products and distribution channels were created: a shop in the terms (Loja Terras de São Pedro do Sul) and a basket constituted by products from local producers.
But when speaking of social and cultural dynamics and of (new) perspectives for the future, others questions arise. In that sense, it has been always this project´s intention to harness the “incorporeal products” as well, and not just the material ones. By that they mean promoting the mountain, the region´s natural wealth, it´s land, it´s culture, traditions, the passing on from people to people, this way also setting new ways.
In this context, the Cinema in the Villages project ("Cinema nas Aldeias") is initiated, bringing back an outside(rs) regard. This activity works on many significant levels, not only giving this audience the opportunity to see films and documentaries in another case never screened in such a small settlement, but also, by fostering a debate and a discourse around these films, selected for that purpose. Often, after the screening, a discussion group would be encouraged, in this way bringing back to live the lost culture of conversation, or in the specificity of the Latin languages, the "Tertúlias ".
In another activity, the Landrhythms project ("Ritmos da Terra") theme walks and special pedestrians routes are organized, bearing in mind the specific rhythms and routines of the local people, namely their work in the agricultural fields, their leisure time, the seasons, the surrounding nature, the crops... Most of all, these walks seek to establish connections between outside visitors and the locals, to bring about solidarity and sharing of experiences, touching in it´s core what is currently named as "Ethical Tourism".
In a nearby village called Covas do Monte, they are working around the concept
of an ecovillage, in it´s widened sense, where their strategy consists of considering the expectations of those who live there and love the village, looking to get their involvement and participation and building bridges with the exterior. They stand by that in that lies the sustainability of these sort of small projects.
And finally the "Estória, Historia" project, that brings back to live the storytelling traditions, secular way of knowledge sharing and community building. This takes a form of an annual meeting around the fireplace, several fireplaces, several houses with open doors for enthusiasts and walker-bys to enter and enjoy a nice short-story, told the way our ancestor told them. Typical food is also shared and enjoyed, among ideas, knowledge and experiences.
