The Moledo ComVida project was initiated by local residents seeking to revitalise the village through collaborative public governance, based on trust between local authorities and the community. It promotes the regeneration of public spaces and the collective identity.
Problems and Purpose
Moledo is a village in the municipality of Lourinhã which, in 2006, was facing a wide range of problems. Among these, it is worth highlighting the growing depopulation and deterioration of the built environment, low educational attainment, and poor employability, creating obstacles to young locals settling in the village, as well as a sense of low self-esteem and a lack of belief in a better future. Against this backdrop, the Moledo ComVida project was launched in 2006 with the aim of empowering the community to promote the village’s development from a sustainability perspective. Environmental, economic and social aspects have been taken into account. The project is driven by a group of unorganised citizens, based on an ideal of active participation within a context of shared responsibility and trust with local authorities. The project aims to involve people from the villages in participating, as well as others interested in learning about and contributing to the initiative. It also aims to preserve the people, culture and local urban and natural heritage.
Background History and Context
São Bartolomeu dos Galegos e Moledo is a parish in the municipality of Lourinhã, Portugal. It was established in 2013 through the merger of the former parishes of São Bartolomeu dos Galegos and Moledo. According to the 2021 Census, the population stands at 1,506 inhabitants, 23 more than in 2011, spread across an area of 20.1 km². Overall, the municipality of Lourinhã has 26,246 inhabitants across an area of 147.17 km².
The Moledo comVida project has been running in this area since 2006. The project originated from the efforts of a local resident who identified as priorities the reversal of the village’s decline, the improvement of the quality of life and the retention of residents. From this initiative, a group of residents formed to promote a sustainable development project for the village, which was subsequently presented to the local council. As the local authority lacked the resources to implement the proposal, the citizens sought partnerships to bring the plan to fruition, always in coordination with the local authority. One of the first actions involved a collaboration with the Lisbon School of Fine Arts to create sculptures that promote Portugal’s intangible heritage. This was the starting point for the subsequent regeneration of the public space.
Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities
The project was developed by an informal group of citizens with limited financial resources and no funding. It was sustained through partnerships with various organisations, community involvement, and support from Lourinhã Municipality, which facilitated the process whenever necessary.
Participant Recruitment and Selection
The project is open to all, involving the residents of Moledo as well as anyone who is curious, interested, or talented and keen to learn more and get involved.
Methods and Tools Used
The project, which encompassed the regeneration of public spaces, heritage enhancement, education, environmental protection and economic development, was carried out using a variety of methodologies. Public consultation forums were organised, along with Theatre of the Oppressed, theatre workshops with children, and educational initiatives organised by the local council, including a petition. In parallel, Lourinhã Municipal Council held meetings with the Citizens’ Group – a core group of citizens driving the project – to consult on preferences for the village, within the framework of the Municipality’s Strategic Development Plan.
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
From a local development perspective, the Moledo ComVida project has implemented a multi-faceted intervention, focusing on the regeneration of public spaces, heritage enhancement, education, environmental protection and economic development.
Thanks to the work carried out by this group of citizens and the support of the Municipal Council and Parish Council, as well as numerous partnerships, it was possible to implement a wide range of initiatives. Much of the village has been revitalised, with various installations created, including sculptures, ceramics and a mural. Intangible heritage was also promoted, reinforcing shared culture and the exchange of stories. Socially, there has been a marked improvement in the self-esteem of the village’s residents, who have taken ownership of the space and become more assertive. New businesses have emerged in the village, encouraging people to settle there. Relations between institutions and local authorities have become closer, as have those with the village’s inhabitants. In 2020, the local council established a communication framework consisting of quarterly meetings with residents and the Parish Council to jointly define strategies, actions, programmes and forms of mutual support.
Analysis and Lessons Learned
An analysis of the Moledo ComVida project’s journey reveals a number of lessons learnt, although its nature, which is deeply rooted in local dynamics, makes it difficult to replicate in full in other contexts. However, there are aspects that can be replicated. The mobilisation of each partner’s resources proved to be fundamental. The diversification of methodologies, allowing for different ways of listening to people, was key to inclusive participation. For example, theatrical methods provided an opportunity for those who found it most difficult to express themselves. Another critical factor was the recognition of the value of the various actors involved, whether individuals or institutions. The municipality recognised the importance of citizens, opening its doors to listening and placing trust in the group’s decision-making capacity. At the same time, imperfection was accepted, with the project’s limitations being recognised as natural, particularly regarding representation, although these tended to improve as the experience progressed.
