A team of researchers from the RESTORE Project – REgenerative Sustainable TOurism embracing Rural Environment, Culture, and Communities was present yesterday at the Frossos Parish Council building to share with the community the objectives, activities, and intended results of this scientific investigation, coordinated by the University of Aveiro.
The RESTORE Project aims to develop and test solutions for regenerative tourism in rural territories, promoting sustainability, community well-being, and the valorization of cultural and natural heritage. In the Municipality, the project is being developed in the territories of Angeja, São João de Loure, and Frossos, involving residents, associations, local agents, and visitors in an action-research process that seeks to identify opportunities to promote more sustainable, resilient tourism that generates benefits for the population.
The RESTORE Project aims to develop and test solutions for regenerative tourism in rural territories, promoting sustainability, community well-being, and the valorization of cultural and natural heritage. In the Municipality, the project is being developed in the territories of Angeja, São João de Loure, and Frossos, involving residents, associations, local agents, and visitors in an action-research process that seeks to identify opportunities to promote more sustainable, resilient tourism that generates benefits for the population.
Elisabeth Kastenholz, project coordinator, highlighted that the research team will study the interests and motivations of visitors to the territories, in order to foster more dynamic and regenerative tourism that values local culture, environment, and identity. In this project, the involvement of local stakeholders is presented as fundamental, with the Pateira de Frossos Interpretation Centre assuming a strategic partner role, given its active part in the community's cultural and social change. “We have an ecosystem with potential,” stressed Elisabeth Kastenholz, emphasizing the need to create the foundations for tourism capable of bringing added value to the territory.
“"We have an ecosystem with potential"
Carlos Coelho, Mayor, stated that the RESTORE Project is an opportunity to better understand the territory, identifying and valuing elements capable of attracting quality tourism. “We have extraordinary potential,” he noted, but warned that the project only makes sense if everyone is involved. Sandra Almeida, Councillor for the Environment and responsible for the Pateira de Frossos Interpretation Centre, added that this is an opportunity for associations and collectives to join forces and develop activities in partnership. “We cannot work in isolation; if we want large-scale results, we have to work together,” she explained.
“"We have extraordinary potential"
“"We cannot work in isolation; if we want large-scale results, we have to work together"
Until its conclusion in 2028, the RESTORE project will continue to develop various research and participation actions in the three territories of the Municipality, promoting the involvement of the community and various local stakeholders in building a development model based on sustainability, the valorization of local resources, and the strengthening of the territory's identity.
