The city of Chaves hosted the VIII National Baldios Conference, organized by BALADI – National Federation of Baldios. This year's edition was particularly significant, marking five decades of the Baldios Law and the communities' journey in defending, managing, and valuing community territories.
Under the motto “A history of struggle, a legacy of April,” the conference brought together commoners, baldios management bodies, associations, public entities, specialists, and representatives from various regions of the country. The meeting served as a space for reflection and debate on the present and future of community property in Portugal.
Throughout the day, crucial topics were addressed, including the historical affirmation of the baldios movement, the autonomy of communities and commoners' assemblies, current management models, the relationship with the State and ICNF, the role of baldios groupings, agriculture in community areas, good management practices, and innovation applied to territories. The program also included a reflection on the heritage valorization of baldios and vecinal commons, recognizing them as cultural heritage of exceptional relevance.
At the opening session, the Mayor of Chaves, Nuno Vaz, highlighted the importance of baldios as an expression of community participation and as a driver of economic, social, environmental, and territorial development. In a region deeply connected to the land and endogenous resources, the mayor advocated for an integrated approach to territorial management, articulating areas such as agriculture, forestry, civil protection, environment, and local development.
Nuno Vaz addressed current challenges, such as population loss, aging, reduced agricultural activity, and the risk of rural fires. He emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation between the State, municipalities, associations, and baldios communities, valuing the accumulated knowledge of those who manage these territories daily. He also highlighted the sharing of good practices, innovation, and the creation of new economic opportunities linked to community resources as essential factors for the sustainability of rural territories and population retention.
The hosting of this conference in Chaves also reinforced the territory's connection to the baldios movement and community management, in a region where these spaces continue to play a relevant role in territorial organization, protection, and valorization. The VIII National Baldios Conference thus served as a moment to review five decades of history and reflect on the future challenges for local communities and the role baldios can continue to play in rural territories.
