Historic Village of Piódão hosted the signing of the PROVERE Action Plan Agreements

The Historic Village of Piódão was the stage for the signing of the PROVERE Action Plan Agreements, in an event that took place this Thursday, February 13, and which brought together regional and national entities committed to the sustainable development of the Historic Villages of Portugal and the Schist Villages.

The initiative that formalized two fundamental strategic plans for the valorization of rural territories, each worth three million euros, was organized by the Regional Coordination and Development Commission of the Center (CCDRC, IP), in partnership with the Management Authority of the Center 2030, the Municipality of Arganil, as well as Aldeias Históricas de Portugal – Tourism Development Association (AHP-ADT) and the Agency for the Tourism Development of Aldeias do Xisto (ADXTUR), the two projects that benefit from the PROVERE Action Plans.

• “Efficient and Sustainable Network of Historical Villages of Portugal”, focused on heritage preservation and the promotion of sustainable practices;
• “Collective Efficiency Strategy of the Aldeias do Xisto Network 2030”, which aims to boost the economic and tourist development of villages through collaborative networks.

The event was attended by representatives of their respective entities and members of the local community, reflecting a strong collective commitment to innovation, sustainability and the dynamization of these territories. After the signing ceremony, participants had the opportunity to explore the Historic Village of Piódão, a living symbol of Portuguese rural heritage.

The signing of these agreements represents a significant milestone for the future of the Historical Villages of Portugal and the Schist Villages, consolidating strategies that balance tradition and innovation while valuing local communities. It is also important to highlight that the amount allocated to each Action Plan within the scope of the PROVERE Programme is three million euros, financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Regarding the initiative, Carlos Ascensão, President of Aldeias Históricas de Portugal, said that “the signing of these agreements marks the beginning of a new journey within the scope of the PROVERE Collective Efficiency Strategy, a program that has proven to be essential for low-density territories, by placing people at the centre of sustainable development. This day symbolizes the aggregating role of this initiative, uniting different agents and communities towards a common goal: to create stronger, more interconnected, resilient and closer rural communities, promoting a future where tradition and innovation go hand in hand”.

Paulo Fernandes, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Aldeias do Xisto Network, commented that “today, we can look back on this trajectory and recognize the immense capital we have built – not just physical, but also cultural, natural and, above all, human. The teams from Aldeias do Xisto and Aldeias Históricas de Portugal is, without a doubt, one of the best in the country, and without them, none of this would be possible. If PROVEREs exist in this country today, their inspiration came from the Central region, from places like Piódão, which exemplify a new paradigm of development and appreciation of heritage. The CCDR played a fundamental role in realizing that the best way forward would be to give the territory the responsibility of organizing itself, promoting a governance model that would allow it to attract more private investment. And the results are clear: we have moved from an infrastructure phase to a time when private investment has become one of the main indicators of success.”

Jorge Brandão, Member of the Centro 2030 Steering Committee, highlighted that “the implementation of the PROVERE action plans reflects the need for diversified territorial approaches to respond to complex challenges, mobilizing different financing and intervention instruments. This process began with a competition that selected highly meritorious strategies and partnerships, culminating now in the approval of the first action plans. Its execution is based on four essential dimensions: the governance of consortia, the valorization of brands and territories, innovation and intelligent specialization, and the dynamization of business investment. With a horizon until 2026, the success of these plans will depend on effective coordination between the different regional programs and approaches, ensuring sustainable and integrated development.”

Isabel Damasceno, President of the Central Region Coordination and Development Commission (CCDRC, IP), recalled that “the PROVERE program has been an essential instrument in the transformation of the territories of the Central Region, consolidating itself as a national reference. Since its creation, it has allowed us to frame and enhance projects that previously emerged in isolation, ensuring a more structured and lasting impact. The merit of this trajectory is due to the commitment of the promoters, municipalities and entities involved, who have defended these programs with professionalism and dedication. With a new cycle beginning, there is great expectation regarding the continuity of this success, reinforcing the complementarity between the different PROVEREs and boosting regional development.”

About Historical Villages of Portugal

Among the hills and valleys of the verdant landscape of inland Portugal, full of legends and castles, flavours and traditions, there are 12 simple villages where you’ll want to get lost. Almeida, Belmonte, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Idanha-a-Velha, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Monsanto, Piódão, Sortelha and Trancoso: the Historic Villages of Portugal, a destination of which there are 12, appear as hidden paradises that take us on a journey to the time of kings and queens, of epic and endless battles that wrote History as we know it today. They also guarantee unforgettable moments of leisure, adventure and discovery, seasoned with the region’s unparalleled aromas and flavours, which make up its typical cuisine.

In the territory of the Historical Villages of Portuga,l there are endless trails for hiking cycling and mountain biking routes – such as the Grande Rota 22, the largest Walking & Cycling route in Europe and Portugal, with around 600 km. The Grande Rota 22 has the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe seal, awarded by the European Ramblers Association.

The Historical Villages of Portugal are the first networked destination – on a global scale – and the first national destination to receive BIOSPHERE DESTINATION certification. And, in 2020, they were the first destination nationwide to create the “Responsible Tourist Manifesto”, reminding their visitors of the importance of respecting nature.

About the Schist Villages

The Schist Villages Network is made up of 27 villages in the interior of the Central Region of Portugal and is a sustainable development project with a regional scope. Led by ADXTUR – Agency for the Tourism Development of the Schist Villages, the project includes 230 public and private entities.

ADXTUR has been taking on the role of an experimental agent, calling on new actors, thoughts and skills to interact with their communities and, in this way, generate arguments to create and promote goods and services that are significant to their identity and value them among demanding audiences and markets in terms of nature tourism and social responsibility.

The Schist Villages is a destination brand that, over the last few years, and through tourism activity, experimentation and knowledge, has managed to establish a unique territory in the context of the Central Region and the country – a territory to live, invest and create. They have done this by always seeking out what is most distinctive and genuine in the landscape and communities, attracting investment and opening the door to projects that explore the essence of places. The relationship with nature, the land and people has been the compass that guides an action that seeks to revitalize the territory based on its cultural differential.

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