To think about development in low-density areas such as the S. Macário Mountain and more specifically in Covas do Monte is an exercise of utopia. Not that any process of building the future isn’t in itself an exercise of utopia, but because it goes against everything that is being foisted upon us.

The whole process of acculturation to which we subject ties in with the mass which inevitably leads to the devaluation of small spaces to their own inhabitants. Here you can not get the numbers, the quantification, but by tastes, by emotion and the right people have to live and enjoy their land.

Covas do Monte which must be added value is different, so different that there are no middle ground, either you like it or hate it and the more differences we should build the procedure.

With this assumption as our strategy was and is to support the realization of expectations, or groups of people who live and enjoy Covas do Monte. Expectations that only through a process of rapprochement was possible they dare us to explain. Having in mind that only with wide involvement of local people can build bridges with the outside world where the sustainability of any development process in these small spaces, we start to implement activities that improve these two dimensions.

Collection of garbage and installation of Eco-point. This activity was intended to involve the youth in the process. It was demonstrated that they can and have the power to accomplish things without the need to always be subject to the wishes of the elders. In addition to participation in this activity for young people and people from outside allowed them the perception that there are others who are interested and like their land.

Village Festival. Their achievement after a gap of six years was only possible thanks to the involvement and strong desire of a group of young people in a militant developed a set of activities that allowed them to gather the resources necessary for this purpose. Also here was the utopia and will to conduct the people who defeated the pessimism and discouragement of elders.
Camping Area. This small infrastructure is able to create the minimum conditions for the visit and short stay of people who somehow identify with places like this. We think that these visits will be in contact with the locals will help to design new ways for the village.

Internet Space. Access to this means of communication in places with the characteristics of Covas do Monte is vital to the beginning of any process of change. We are talking about a medium that young people dominate and to place it in the village is to offer opportunity for intervention and recognition by the elderly.

In parallel we continue to work with different groups and individuals to bring them to build and / or rebuild small “historical”spaces in the village as in the case of water mills as well as to build recreational areas as the natural pool .