The project by the Municipality of Estarreja was recognized among 18 candidacies from Portuguese municipalities for its effort in involving citizens in the construction of local public policies. The distinction was announced during the Academy of Democratic Innovation.
ECO – Estarreja Collaborative and Guiding is an initiative of the Municipality of Estarreja, developed within the framework of the European project TRANS-lighthouses. This European project focuses on the creation and implementation of innovative Nature-based Solutions (NbS), emphasizing the participation and inclusion of local communities.
The initiative aims to enhance the natural heritage of the municipality of Estarreja, integrating different interests and visions through the involvement of key stakeholders present in the territory.
Through a participatory process that included diagnosis, proposal development, and public voting, citizens had the opportunity to contribute to the selection of an environmental project to be implemented. Out of the 10 proposals submitted for voting, the community chose the creation of the Municipal Network of Micro-reserves.
With 100,000 euros in funding secured by the European Commission through TRANS-lighthouses, this initiative aims to protect the municipality's natural values, promote biodiversity, and involve the population in the management and conservation of the territory.
