This award acknowledges the work developed in mobilizing young people for volunteering projects and civic participation. The prize was presented at the Northern Regional Session of the Regional Awards for Good Practices in Youth Volunteering, held on October 12th. The ceremony holds particular significance in a year when Gaia is the Portuguese Capital of Volunteering 2026.
The BioVoluntários 4.0 project, an initiative that has involved dozens of young people in environmental awareness actions, biodiversity valorization, and community intervention, was the cornerstone of the application submitted by the Vila Nova de Gaia City Council. This project encourages active youth participation in biodiversity preservation, ecosystem protection, and community awareness of environmental issues.
Developed at the Biological Park of Gaia and the Municipal Park of Lavandeira, BioVoluntários 4.0 provided participants with direct contact with the municipality's natural heritage. Activities included the manual identification and removal of invasive exotic species, the cleaning and conservation of forest areas and pedestrian trails, and raising awareness among visitors for behaviors aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Beyond the environmental benefits achieved in the municipality's green spaces, the project enabled participants to develop personal, social, and active citizenship skills. Young people received a daily participation allowance, personal accident insurance, and an official certificate issued by IPDJ, gaining practical experience in areas related to nature protection and volunteering.
The awarding of the Good Practices in Youth Volunteering Prize 2026 confirms the Vila Nova de Gaia City Council's commitment to creating participation opportunities for youth and recognizes the contribution of young volunteers to building a more conscious, participatory, and environmentally committed community.
