Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
OUGUELA COMVIDA
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OUGUELA COMVIDA is a participatory project implemented by AVOAR association, aimed at generating a community movement involving the majority of the inhabitants of Ouguela village, with the aim of giving the area a socio-economic boost. Ouguela had very high levels of social and community vulnerability and population isolation, which placed it in a critical scenario based on an ageing and rapidly declining population, in one of the most depopulated, ageing and impoverished regions in Europe.
Portugal
Local
The project was implemented on the village of Ouguela.
Mainly rural
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2022-08-31
Yes
NextGenerationEU - Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) - 2022
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
OUGUELA COMVIDA is a participatory project implemented by AVOAR association as part of the ‘Healthy Neighbourhoods’ programme, aimed to generate a community movement that involved the overwhelming majority of Ouguela's inhabitants in a socio-economic process that accompanies and favours the heritage investment that Campo Maior Town Council has been carrying out over the last few decades. Ouguela is part of a cross-border triangle (Campo Maior - Ouguela - Albuquerque) of high potential that harbours a great cultural and historical-artistic legacy and an environmental heritage of extremely high ecological and natural value. As a territory, it had very high levels of social and community vulnerability, which placed it in a critical scenario based on the consequences of the profound disruptive changes that we, as a society, are facing globally, which represent a major risk for a highly aged and rapidly declining population in one of the most depopulated, aged and impoverished regions in Europe. Ouguela needed a social movement that, starting with the people who live there, creates dynamics of identity, belonging and valorisation capable of giving life to its territory and attracting visitors. Ouguela needed to develop dynamics that maximise the potential of its territory by activating its inhabitants. OUGUELA COMVIDA aimed to set in motion a process that got participants looking inwards at themselves and their territory, creating identity products that promote self-esteem and serve as illustrated postcards. On the basis of this self-reflection, OUGUELA COMVIDA aimed to activate the knowledge that still exists and/or can be recovered to create products and services with commercial value. Over time, these improvements will contribute to Ouguela's self-sufficiency, resilience, and improved quality of life, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable community model that could serve as a model for other similar villages across Europe.
People
Community
Inclusion
Culture
Development
The key objectives were:
i. Empowering the population.
ii. Deliberate on spaces, action and management of participation.
iii. Rehabilitate the village for the enjoyment of locals and visitors and open up a community space.
iv. Attract visitors.
v. Establish a participatory operating dynamic.
The participatory project in Ouguela is a model for rural regeneration in one of Europe’s most depopulated and socio-economically challenged regions. Engaging the inhabitants, it mobilized a community movement to activate the local population through initiatives that address social vulnerability and mental health. By fostering social interaction and mutual support, it seeked to reverse depopulation and rekindle community belonging. Through targeted skill-building workshops, leadership training, and inclusive decision-making, locals gain the tools and confidence to shape their future, fostering ownership and accountability. The project also rehabilitated the village by transforming neglected public spaces into vibrant community hubs that celebrate local culture and heritage. By leveraging Ouguela’s historical charm and scenic surroundings, the initiative aimed to attract visitors, stimulate tourism, generate revenue, and support local businesses, contributing to long-term economic resilience. Finally, establishing a continuous, community-driven governance dynamic ensures sustainability and positions Ouguela as a replicable model for other rural areas facing similar challenges. This innovative initiative integrates social, cultural, and economic dimensions into a unified, participatory framework, turning crisis into opportunity and empowering a small community to transform its future toward vibrant, sustainable development. OUGUELA COMVIDA is part of the national map of SDG projects under the 2030 agenda, focusing on goals 1 - Eradicating poverty, 8 - Decent work and economic growth, 10 - Reducing inequalities and 11 - Sustainable cities and communities.
i. Empowering the population.
ii. Deliberate on spaces, action and management of participation.
iii. Rehabilitate the village for the enjoyment of locals and visitors and open up a community space.
iv. Attract visitors.
v. Establish a participatory operating dynamic.
The participatory project in Ouguela is a model for rural regeneration in one of Europe’s most depopulated and socio-economically challenged regions. Engaging the inhabitants, it mobilized a community movement to activate the local population through initiatives that address social vulnerability and mental health. By fostering social interaction and mutual support, it seeked to reverse depopulation and rekindle community belonging. Through targeted skill-building workshops, leadership training, and inclusive decision-making, locals gain the tools and confidence to shape their future, fostering ownership and accountability. The project also rehabilitated the village by transforming neglected public spaces into vibrant community hubs that celebrate local culture and heritage. By leveraging Ouguela’s historical charm and scenic surroundings, the initiative aimed to attract visitors, stimulate tourism, generate revenue, and support local businesses, contributing to long-term economic resilience. Finally, establishing a continuous, community-driven governance dynamic ensures sustainability and positions Ouguela as a replicable model for other rural areas facing similar challenges. This innovative initiative integrates social, cultural, and economic dimensions into a unified, participatory framework, turning crisis into opportunity and empowering a small community to transform its future toward vibrant, sustainable development. OUGUELA COMVIDA is part of the national map of SDG projects under the 2030 agenda, focusing on goals 1 - Eradicating poverty, 8 - Decent work and economic growth, 10 - Reducing inequalities and 11 - Sustainable cities and communities.
The participatory project in Ouguela is a groundbreaking initiative that transforms a village marked by high social vulnerability, mental health challenges, and depopulation into a vibrant, community-led model of rural regeneration. With only 58 inhabitants, the project mobilizes nearly everyone, infusing aesthetic enhancements and cultural benefits into every facet of its design to elevate the quality of everyday experience. Community art workshops, public installations, and cultural events have not only provided creative outlets for residents but have also reenergized public spaces, creating a more inviting and supportive environment. This artistic and design-focused approach directly addresses the social vulnerabilities that once isolated the community. This empowerment has led to innovative design solutions that respect local traditions while embracing modern aesthetics, fostering a strong sense of ownership and pride among the villagers. Rehabilitation efforts have focused on revitalizing the village for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike. Restored public spaces, landscaped areas, and culturally themed installations provide venues for leisure and social interaction, symbolizing the village’s renewed identity and communal pride. By attracting visitors through heritage tours, cultural festivals, and local art showcases, the initiative stimulates tourism and boosts local economic resilience. Finally, the establishment of a continuous, community-driven governance model ensures that these aesthetic and cultural improvements are sustained over time. Overall, the project sets an exemplary benchmark by integrating social, cultural, and economic dimensions into a unified, participatory framework. It demonstrates how thoughtful design and active citizen engagement can turn crisis into opportunity, paving the way for a vibrant and sustainable future in even the most challenged regions.
The project was built on an ambitious agenda to revitalize a critically depopulated village by embracing inclusion at every level. The project mobilized nearly everyone to create a model that is accessible, affordable, and fundamentally participatory. The key objectives include: i. Activating the Population: In a village marked by high social vulnerability, mental health challenges, and isolation, the project has implemented targeted outreach and community engagement strategies to involve every resident. Special efforts ensure that seniors, individuals with disabilities, and economically vulnerable groups are not left behind. Accessible public spaces, community art workshops, and social events foster interaction, reduce isolation, and reverse depopulation trends. ii. Empowering the Population: Embracing “design for all” principles, the project encourages innovation that respects local traditions while ensuring that every community space is accessible and safe iii. Deliberating on Spaces, Action, and Participation: The project establishes structured forums—community meetings, roundtables, and working groups—where all voices are heard. These inclusive platforms enable residents to collaboratively decide on the design, function, and management of communal areas, ensuring that every decision reflects the diverse needs of the community. iv. Rehabilitating the Village: Neglected areas are transformed into vibrant community hubs through accessible and culturally sensitive design. v. Attracting Visitors: By showcasing Ouguela’s historical charm through heritage tours, cultural festivals, and local art showcases, the project stimulates tourism and boosts the local economy, making the village a sustainable destination. Overall, the project’s integration of inclusive design, participatory governance, and culturally rich initiatives transforms crisis into opportunity, setting a benchmark for sustainable and inclusive rural regeneration.
The participatory project in Ouguela placed citizens at the heart of its development, ensuring deep engagement in every stage. The inhabitants played an active role in shaping the initiative, contributing with their skills, knowledge, and creativity to foster a community-driven movement that addressed the village’s socio-economic challenges. The Inductive Activities (1 & 3)—creating a picture book and producing short documentary films—encouraged residents to reflect on their collective identity, history, and shared experiences. These activities provided a space for storytelling and self-expression, strengthening social bonds and preserving local heritage. Interior Design (Activity 2), Outdoor Space Arrangement (Activity 9), and Rediscovering Craft Skills (Activity 6) empowered locals to actively reshape their environment. The project also fostered creativity and cultural exchange. Developing exhibition pieces (Activity 8), staging a performance (Activity 10), and organizing film screenings (Activity 13) provided residents with platforms for artistic expression, reinforcing their sense of pride and belonging. Economic revitalization was supported through building a snack/tapas chart (Activity 5) and creating communication materials (Activity 11), which helped promote Ouguela’s unique culture and attract visitors. "Ouguela on the Net" (Activity 12) extended the village’s reach, strengthening its digital presence and connectivity. Community cohesion was further reinforced through collecting picture postcards (Activity 4), organizing events (Activity 14), and capturing the project’s essence through the project portrait (Activity 7). These initiatives fostered celebration, dialogue, and engagement. Overall, the project’s success lay in its inclusive approach, ensuring that all citizens—regardless of age or background—were directly involved in creating a sustainable and vibrant future for Ouguela.
In the OUGUELA COMVIDA project, a diverse group of stakeholders provided essential support and collaboration. Locally, key municipal bodies—the Parish Council of St. John the Baptist and the Municipality of Campo Maior—were instrumental. Their early involvement in contractual agreements with residents laid a strong foundation. The municipality contributed by making the Governor's House available for project activities and repurposing an old school facility to support local entrepreneurship, enabling the establishment of a snack bar and a gin distillery. It also brought the PERIFERIAS International Film Festival to village and organized additional events such as the Festival dos Grous, while launching the institutional website www.ouguela.pt to showcase project achievements. The Parish Council rehabilitated the disused Medical Centre, transforming it into the Ouguela Community Centre, thereby reinforcing local commitment. Additionally, the Campo Maior School Group played a key role in fostering intergenerational contact between children, young people, and the village’s ageing population. At the regional level, the project received robust support from the Regional Tourism Authority, which helped promote local initiatives and cultural tourism. Nationally, the Ministry of Health endorsed the project due to its focus on promoting mental health—a particularly timely concern as the project began at the end of the pandemic. Turismo de Portugal further enhanced the project's profile by providing institutional support and publicizing videos, aligning with the goal of attracting visitors to the village. Globally, UNESCO’s institutional backing added significant credibility, underscoring the innovative and sustainable nature of the project. This multi-level stakeholder engagement, from local to global, not only strengthened the project’s foundation but also ensured its long-term success and replicability in addressing rural challenges through community-led development.
In the OUGUELA COMVIDA project, various artistic disciplines were developed and the physical and human resources for their realisation were ensured. Create a picture book - write and illustrate a book -, interior design, cinema - short documentary films -,
photographing and sewing a collection of picture postcards,
preparing a gastronomic menu, rediscovering traditional local craft activities, cinema - making of -, building artistic works for exhibition, landscape architecture, theatre and multidisciplinary artistic crossovers, communication in digital media (IT) and organising events. All the activities were assisted by professionals from the various artistic and technical areas, a general coordinator, a specialist in participatory actions, a psycho-social mediator, an administrative technician and a communications technician. In the OUGUELA COMVIDA project, collaboration between professionals from diverse artistic and technical fields was key to creating a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to community revitalization. Artists, designers, filmmakers, architects, gastronomy experts, and digital media specialists worked closely together, sharing expertise and integrating their disciplines to enrich the project’s impact. The general coordinator, the psyco-social mediator and the expert in participatory actions ensured coherence and alignment across activities, while the administrative technician managed logistics and resources, and the communications technician amplified outreach and engagement. Professionals collaborated in workshops, merging artistic expression with practical applications—such as combining photography and sewing for postcards or integrating landscape architecture with local crafts. These crossovers enriched the creative process, making the activities more immersive and inclusive. This interdisciplinary approach fostered innovation, empowered residents, and ensured long-term sustainability, setting a replicable model for rural regeneration.
photographing and sewing a collection of picture postcards,
preparing a gastronomic menu, rediscovering traditional local craft activities, cinema - making of -, building artistic works for exhibition, landscape architecture, theatre and multidisciplinary artistic crossovers, communication in digital media (IT) and organising events. All the activities were assisted by professionals from the various artistic and technical areas, a general coordinator, a specialist in participatory actions, a psycho-social mediator, an administrative technician and a communications technician. In the OUGUELA COMVIDA project, collaboration between professionals from diverse artistic and technical fields was key to creating a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to community revitalization. Artists, designers, filmmakers, architects, gastronomy experts, and digital media specialists worked closely together, sharing expertise and integrating their disciplines to enrich the project’s impact. The general coordinator, the psyco-social mediator and the expert in participatory actions ensured coherence and alignment across activities, while the administrative technician managed logistics and resources, and the communications technician amplified outreach and engagement. Professionals collaborated in workshops, merging artistic expression with practical applications—such as combining photography and sewing for postcards or integrating landscape architecture with local crafts. These crossovers enriched the creative process, making the activities more immersive and inclusive. This interdisciplinary approach fostered innovation, empowered residents, and ensured long-term sustainability, setting a replicable model for rural regeneration.
The project presents an innovative approach to rural regeneration, setting itself apart from mainstream actions that often prioritize top-down economic strategies or infrastructure investment. Instead, this initiative places the local population at the center of the transformation process, engaging nearly all 58 inhabitants in a participatory movement that fosters social, cultural, and economic revitalization. Unlike conventional rural development projects, which frequently focus on attracting external investment, OUGUELA COMVIDA empowers residents as active agents of change. By integrating diverse activities—such as book creation, documentary filmmaking, gastronomy, traditional crafts, landscape design, digital communication, and event organization—the project takes a multidisciplinary and artistic approach that enhances both social cohesion and local identity. This interdisciplinary methodology goes beyond typical economic-driven interventions, proving that cultural and creative processes can be powerful tools for sustainable rural transformation. The project combats isolation by fostering interaction through shared creative experiences, reinforcing emotional well-being, and restoring a sense of community. Moreover, the initiative rethinks participation, establishing a co-governance model where inhabitants contribute to decision-making, space design, and long-term management. This participatory structure ensures sustainability beyond the project's duration, making it a replicable model for other rural areas. By bridging generations, merging traditional and contemporary practices, and revitalizing public spaces as community hubs, OUGUELA COMVIDA demonstrates that small, ageing villages can reinvent themselves through culture, creativity, and collective action, offering a groundbreaking model for rural resilience in Europe’s most vulnerable regions.
The OUGUELA COMVIDA project employs a participatory, interdisciplinary, and community-driven approach to address rural depopulation, social vulnerability, and economic stagnation. By integrating local engagement, cultural activation, and collaborative decision-making, the project fosters sustainability and long-term impact.
Key Methodological Approaches:
1. Community Participation & Co-Governance:
- A bottom-up approach ensures residents actively shape the project.
- Structured forums, workshops, and working groups enable locals to deliberate on public spaces, initiatives, and resource management.
- Inclusive decision-making fosters local ownership, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
2. Creative and Cultural Activation:
- Art, design, film, crafts, and gastronomy serve as tools for social cohesion, self-expression, and economic revitalization.
- Activities such as book creation, documentary filmmaking, landscape design, and theatre strengthen cultural identity and intergenerational exchange.
- Revitalized public spaces function as community hubs, reinforcing a sense of belonging.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- The project unites artists, architects, historians, digital media experts, and local artisans, fostering cross-sectoral cooperation.
- This diverse team provides technical support, mentorship, and capacity-building, empowering residents to develop skills and lead initiatives.
4. Sustainable Rural Revitalization:
- A focus on heritage conservation and environmental sustainability ensures that development aligns with the village’s historical and natural landscape.
- Reuse of local materials, eco-friendly interventions, and nature-based solutions contribute to long-term rural regeneration.
5. Digital Connectivity & Knowledge Sharing:
- Online platforms, social media, and digital storytelling extend the project’s reach, connecting Ouguela with wider networks, tourism markets, and funding opportunities.
Key Methodological Approaches:
1. Community Participation & Co-Governance:
- A bottom-up approach ensures residents actively shape the project.
- Structured forums, workshops, and working groups enable locals to deliberate on public spaces, initiatives, and resource management.
- Inclusive decision-making fosters local ownership, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
2. Creative and Cultural Activation:
- Art, design, film, crafts, and gastronomy serve as tools for social cohesion, self-expression, and economic revitalization.
- Activities such as book creation, documentary filmmaking, landscape design, and theatre strengthen cultural identity and intergenerational exchange.
- Revitalized public spaces function as community hubs, reinforcing a sense of belonging.
3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
- The project unites artists, architects, historians, digital media experts, and local artisans, fostering cross-sectoral cooperation.
- This diverse team provides technical support, mentorship, and capacity-building, empowering residents to develop skills and lead initiatives.
4. Sustainable Rural Revitalization:
- A focus on heritage conservation and environmental sustainability ensures that development aligns with the village’s historical and natural landscape.
- Reuse of local materials, eco-friendly interventions, and nature-based solutions contribute to long-term rural regeneration.
5. Digital Connectivity & Knowledge Sharing:
- Online platforms, social media, and digital storytelling extend the project’s reach, connecting Ouguela with wider networks, tourism markets, and funding opportunities.
The OUGUELA COMVIDA project offers a replicable model for rural revitalization, addressing depopulation, ageing demographics, and socio-economic decline through community participation, cultural activation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its adaptable methodology ensures sustainability and inclusivity.
Key Transferable Elements:
1. Community-Led Approach:
Encouraging local participation in decision-making fosters ownership and long-term impact. This bottom-up model can be applied in other communities to enhance civic engagement.
2. Creative and Cultural Strategies:
Leveraging art, design, film, and crafts as tools for social cohesion and economic stimulation strengthens local identity and fosters intergenerational exchange. Activities like book creation, filmmaking, traditional skills revival, and digital media can be adapted to different cultural contexts.
3. Revitalization of Public Spaces:
Transforming neglected spaces into cultural and social hubs enhances both functionality and aesthetics while respecting heritage. This community-led design approach can be transferred to other villages and towns.
4. Digital Communication & Connectivity:
Utilizing social media, digital storytelling, and online platforms increases visibility and knowledge-sharing. This strategy helps connect remote communities to broader audiences and opportunities.
5. Economic Diversification:
Initiatives like gastronomic and craft-based projects promote sustainable tourism and local entrepreneurship, offering a blueprint for other rural areas to leverage their unique assets.
By prioritizing local engagement, heritage preservation, and creative solutions, the OUGUELA COMVIDA project serves as an adaptable framework for other vulnerable communities seeking socio-economic regeneration across Europe and beyond.
Key Transferable Elements:
1. Community-Led Approach:
Encouraging local participation in decision-making fosters ownership and long-term impact. This bottom-up model can be applied in other communities to enhance civic engagement.
2. Creative and Cultural Strategies:
Leveraging art, design, film, and crafts as tools for social cohesion and economic stimulation strengthens local identity and fosters intergenerational exchange. Activities like book creation, filmmaking, traditional skills revival, and digital media can be adapted to different cultural contexts.
3. Revitalization of Public Spaces:
Transforming neglected spaces into cultural and social hubs enhances both functionality and aesthetics while respecting heritage. This community-led design approach can be transferred to other villages and towns.
4. Digital Communication & Connectivity:
Utilizing social media, digital storytelling, and online platforms increases visibility and knowledge-sharing. This strategy helps connect remote communities to broader audiences and opportunities.
5. Economic Diversification:
Initiatives like gastronomic and craft-based projects promote sustainable tourism and local entrepreneurship, offering a blueprint for other rural areas to leverage their unique assets.
By prioritizing local engagement, heritage preservation, and creative solutions, the OUGUELA COMVIDA project serves as an adaptable framework for other vulnerable communities seeking socio-economic regeneration across Europe and beyond.
The project addresses pressing global challenges—rural depopulation, ageing populations, social isolation, and economic decline—by implementing local, community-driven solutions that can be replicated elsewhere.
Key Global Challenges & Local Solutions:
1. Depopulation & Ageing Societies:
- Many rural areas worldwide face rapid population decline and ageing demographics, leading to abandoned villages and loss of cultural heritage.
- Local Solution: The project activates and empowers residents through participatory initiatives, cultural engagement, and skill-building workshops, reversing depopulation trends by fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
2. Social Isolation & Mental Health:
- Rural communities often experience high levels of social vulnerability and mental health challenges due to limited social interaction and declining community networks.
- Local Solution: The project revitalizes community life through collaborative activities such as theatre, film, art, and public space regeneration, promoting well-being and social cohesion.
3. Economic Decline & Lack of Opportunities:
- Many villages suffer from economic stagnation and unemployment, leading to youth migration and the erosion of traditional skills.
- Local Solution: The project fosters economic resilience by reviving traditional crafts, promoting local gastronomy, and developing cultural tourism, creating sustainable income opportunities for residents.
By addressing these global issues with place-based, participatory solutions, the OUGUELA COMVIDA project serves as a scalable model for sustainable rural regeneration, demonstrating how small communities can thrive through local empowerment and cultural revitalization.
Key Global Challenges & Local Solutions:
1. Depopulation & Ageing Societies:
- Many rural areas worldwide face rapid population decline and ageing demographics, leading to abandoned villages and loss of cultural heritage.
- Local Solution: The project activates and empowers residents through participatory initiatives, cultural engagement, and skill-building workshops, reversing depopulation trends by fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
2. Social Isolation & Mental Health:
- Rural communities often experience high levels of social vulnerability and mental health challenges due to limited social interaction and declining community networks.
- Local Solution: The project revitalizes community life through collaborative activities such as theatre, film, art, and public space regeneration, promoting well-being and social cohesion.
3. Economic Decline & Lack of Opportunities:
- Many villages suffer from economic stagnation and unemployment, leading to youth migration and the erosion of traditional skills.
- Local Solution: The project fosters economic resilience by reviving traditional crafts, promoting local gastronomy, and developing cultural tourism, creating sustainable income opportunities for residents.
By addressing these global issues with place-based, participatory solutions, the OUGUELA COMVIDA project serves as a scalable model for sustainable rural regeneration, demonstrating how small communities can thrive through local empowerment and cultural revitalization.
The OUGUELA COMVIDA project achieved transformative results that have significantly boosted the socio-economic and cultural fabric of Ouguela. Direct impacts include the creation of two new jobs, bolstering local employment, and the opening of a Community Centre and a snack bar that now serve as vibrant social and cultural hubs. The launch of a gin distillery further diversified local business, enhancing the village's appeal to visitors. A key outcome was the implementation of a handicraft production programme, empowering residents to revive traditional craft skills. These locally made products are marketed both at the Community Centre and the snack bar, fostering entrepreneurship and preserving cultural heritage. The project also introduced a new toponymy that redefined the village’s identity and organized the village car park to improve accessibility and safety.
Cultural revitalization was marked by the creation of six murals by an urban art artist, which have enlivened public spaces and enhanced community pride. Strategic distribution of marketing materials in nearby Portuguese and Spanish towns has increased the area's visibility and attracted tourism.
In addition, the project successfully published a book and a collection of postcards, each with a print run of 1,000 copies. Open-air evening cinema sessions and organized get-togethers and parties have further enriched community life by strengthening social bonds and creating a sense of belonging.
Collectively, these results not only spurred economic and cultural development but also established a sustainable model of rural regeneration that addresses global challenges at the local level. The project's holistic approach offers a replicable framework for revitalizing other communities facing similar issues of depopulation, ageing demographics, and socio-economic decline.
Cultural revitalization was marked by the creation of six murals by an urban art artist, which have enlivened public spaces and enhanced community pride. Strategic distribution of marketing materials in nearby Portuguese and Spanish towns has increased the area's visibility and attracted tourism.
In addition, the project successfully published a book and a collection of postcards, each with a print run of 1,000 copies. Open-air evening cinema sessions and organized get-togethers and parties have further enriched community life by strengthening social bonds and creating a sense of belonging.
Collectively, these results not only spurred economic and cultural development but also established a sustainable model of rural regeneration that addresses global challenges at the local level. The project's holistic approach offers a replicable framework for revitalizing other communities facing similar issues of depopulation, ageing demographics, and socio-economic decline.
