Regaining a sense of belonging
Made in Torres Vedras.
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As a community, we all shape the future of our territory, just as it shapes us in return. This shared responsibility, this deep connection between people and place, is the foundation of Made in Torres Vedras. Set in a once-abandoned historic site, now transformed into a vibrant hub for creativity, sustainability, and togetherness, the project was built entirely by local people. Through events, a podcast, and a book, it celebrates identity and inspires a shared vision for the future.
Portugal
Local
Torres Vedras
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-12-31
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Made in Torres Vedras is a project with the overarching goal of promoting territorial assets by valuing and showcasing the distinctive elements that shape the identity of the Torres Vedras community. These elements act as catalysts for innovation, creativity and knowledge.
Made in Torres Vedras emerged from a bottom-up participatory process in the development of the Torres Vedras brand, a concept centered on "personal growth." This idea envisions a lifelong journey where individuals find learning opportunities, diverse experiences, and an endless possibility to contribute to the essence of the place and the construction of a collective identity.
Whereas the brand is an idea, Made in Torres Vedras is the materialization of that idea, finding its home in an abandoned former industrial complex with significant heritage value: the former Vine and Wine Institute (IVV). In 2024, following minor interventions to ensure accessibility and safety, it reopened with new functions designed to enhance collective memory. Here, traditions, craftsmanship, artisanal expertise and local, cultural and artistic dynamics were preserved and celebrated through three key initiatives:
1. A Local Promotion Cycle - free, monthly, themed events entirely featuring local people. The program included activities for all ages, ranging from concerts to discussion forums, local product tastings, craft workshops and sustainable local markets.
2. The podcast Torres Vedras é (Torres Vedras is) - a platform where each episode introduced people, organisations and businesses that contribute to this space of personal and collective growth.
3. The book Ser Torriense (Being from Torres Vedras) – humorously captures the unique identity of Torres Vedras and its people as it exists today, preserving this memory for future generations.
Together, these initiatives tell stories and share values that foster a sense of belonging and pride, reinforcing a local identity that transforms both people and places.
Made in Torres Vedras emerged from a bottom-up participatory process in the development of the Torres Vedras brand, a concept centered on "personal growth." This idea envisions a lifelong journey where individuals find learning opportunities, diverse experiences, and an endless possibility to contribute to the essence of the place and the construction of a collective identity.
Whereas the brand is an idea, Made in Torres Vedras is the materialization of that idea, finding its home in an abandoned former industrial complex with significant heritage value: the former Vine and Wine Institute (IVV). In 2024, following minor interventions to ensure accessibility and safety, it reopened with new functions designed to enhance collective memory. Here, traditions, craftsmanship, artisanal expertise and local, cultural and artistic dynamics were preserved and celebrated through three key initiatives:
1. A Local Promotion Cycle - free, monthly, themed events entirely featuring local people. The program included activities for all ages, ranging from concerts to discussion forums, local product tastings, craft workshops and sustainable local markets.
2. The podcast Torres Vedras é (Torres Vedras is) - a platform where each episode introduced people, organisations and businesses that contribute to this space of personal and collective growth.
3. The book Ser Torriense (Being from Torres Vedras) – humorously captures the unique identity of Torres Vedras and its people as it exists today, preserving this memory for future generations.
Together, these initiatives tell stories and share values that foster a sense of belonging and pride, reinforcing a local identity that transforms both people and places.
Identity
Personal growth
Circularity
Community-based
Belonging
The Made in Torres Vedras project is strongly aligned with sustainability principles, prioritizing the reuse of an existing industrial complex: a municipal property that had remained abandoned and disconnected from the city’s urban fabric for decades. Instead of consuming new resources, materials and energy with high environmental impact, the project reinforces the adaptive reuse of this space. Given the site's scale, an urban acupuncture strategy was adopted, ensuring only the minimal interventions necessary for accessibility and safety while respecting its architectural heritage and historical memory. This approach maximized the use of existing infrastructure, allowing the space to transform and adapt without significant resource allocation. Materials and equipment already on-site were repurposed, promoting circularity (old wine barrels became tables, pallets were turned into benches).
Also, a key goal of the events was to inspire conscious consumption, material reuse, and behavioural change by sharing best practices within the community. Sustainability was promoted by fostering the circular economy and preserving traditional crafts like ceramics and sewing. Activities for children encouraged creative play using recycled materials, while workshops on furniture restoration and musical instrument repair emphasized extending product lifespans. Local and sustainable businesses showcased promoted product longevity, material reuse and a reduced environmental footprint. A showcooking session demonstrated how to transform leftovers into new meals and vegan food stalls offered eco-friendly options. The November event featured an exhibition on insects and biodiversity, as well as native plant donations during National Reforestation Week. Each event included a nature walk, fostering appreciation for local flora and fauna. The local Water and Sanitation Services promoted the "Torres Vedras + Bio" program, encouraging organic waste recycling.
Also, a key goal of the events was to inspire conscious consumption, material reuse, and behavioural change by sharing best practices within the community. Sustainability was promoted by fostering the circular economy and preserving traditional crafts like ceramics and sewing. Activities for children encouraged creative play using recycled materials, while workshops on furniture restoration and musical instrument repair emphasized extending product lifespans. Local and sustainable businesses showcased promoted product longevity, material reuse and a reduced environmental footprint. A showcooking session demonstrated how to transform leftovers into new meals and vegan food stalls offered eco-friendly options. The November event featured an exhibition on insects and biodiversity, as well as native plant donations during National Reforestation Week. Each event included a nature walk, fostering appreciation for local flora and fauna. The local Water and Sanitation Services promoted the "Torres Vedras + Bio" program, encouraging organic waste recycling.
A key aspect of the project is its setting: the former IVV building, an emblematic space reflecting the region’s rich winemaking tradition. Torres Vedras, European Wine City in 2018, has seen many wineries modernize to welcome visitors. In this context, revitalizing this historic site honors the past while aligning with contemporary cultural experiences. The architecture, the scents of the harvest, and the vineyard colors create a multisensory environment, enhancing wine tastings and artistic activities that occur in the monthly events.
The project also transformed neglected spaces within the IVV into dynamic cultural venues. The atrium of a former wine storage building was adapted into a spontaneous gallery, giving young talents the opportunity to exhibit their work, something they wouldn’t have access to in formal art spaces. Similarly, the old wine deposit room of a former distillery was converted into an intimate venue for concerts, talks and children’s film screenings, offering a unique atmosphere for creative expression. Each edition concluded with a concert featuring local musicians, transforming the space into a communal gathering where participants connected through music, a final moment of celebration to strengthen social bonds.
In this setting, the book “Being from Torres Vedras” was launched, which combined memories and characteristics that define collective life in Torres Vedras. Made in Torres Vedras promoted literature as yet another link between the people and their territory. Together with the podcast, the book ensured that this connection is fostered through other platforms, transcending geographical boundaries.
Made in Torres Vedras became a creative laboratory, setting itself apart from other cultural offerings in the region. It provided one-of-a-kind, positive experiences that actively contributed to the appreciation of local assets, quality of life, talent and ideas, all of which shape the territorial identity of Torres Vedras.
The project also transformed neglected spaces within the IVV into dynamic cultural venues. The atrium of a former wine storage building was adapted into a spontaneous gallery, giving young talents the opportunity to exhibit their work, something they wouldn’t have access to in formal art spaces. Similarly, the old wine deposit room of a former distillery was converted into an intimate venue for concerts, talks and children’s film screenings, offering a unique atmosphere for creative expression. Each edition concluded with a concert featuring local musicians, transforming the space into a communal gathering where participants connected through music, a final moment of celebration to strengthen social bonds.
In this setting, the book “Being from Torres Vedras” was launched, which combined memories and characteristics that define collective life in Torres Vedras. Made in Torres Vedras promoted literature as yet another link between the people and their territory. Together with the podcast, the book ensured that this connection is fostered through other platforms, transcending geographical boundaries.
Made in Torres Vedras became a creative laboratory, setting itself apart from other cultural offerings in the region. It provided one-of-a-kind, positive experiences that actively contributed to the appreciation of local assets, quality of life, talent and ideas, all of which shape the territorial identity of Torres Vedras.
The Made in Torres Vedras project is committed to fostering inclusion through accessibility, affordability, and community participation in all its initiatives.
Regarding the events, to ensure physical accessibility, a ramp and an adapted restroom for people with disabilities were installed, allowing all visitors to move freely and comfortably within the space. Financial accessibility was also a priority: all activities were entirely free, with costs covered by the Municipality, ensuring that economic barriers did not prevent participation. The book "Being from Torres Vedras" was distributed for free at its launch.
Inclusivity extended to participation in the street market, as applications were open to all entities, giving artisans, businesses, and community organizations equal opportunities to showcase their work. Importantly, the project fostered intergenerational engagement, offering activities for all age groups, some of which encouraged collaboration between family members of different generations.
A key aspect of Made in Torres Vedras is the promotion of shared knowledge and collective growth. Even artisans and businesses that might typically be competitors were encouraged to collaborate, reinforcing the idea that promoting art and craftsmanship benefits the entire community. Every edition of the local promotion cycle featured an open discussion on relevant social topics, creating a space for diverse voices to be heard. Such discussions included “Is this municipality for young people?” and " Growing up in Torres Vedras”.
Complementing these discussions, the “Torres Vedras is” podcast expanded the conversation beyond physical events, bringing together guests from different fields to exchange ideas on varied topics such as science, wine making and entrepreneurship in Torres Vedras. By featuring experts, local figures and community voices, the podcast ensured that these insightful discussions reached a wider audience, transcending geographical boundaries.
Regarding the events, to ensure physical accessibility, a ramp and an adapted restroom for people with disabilities were installed, allowing all visitors to move freely and comfortably within the space. Financial accessibility was also a priority: all activities were entirely free, with costs covered by the Municipality, ensuring that economic barriers did not prevent participation. The book "Being from Torres Vedras" was distributed for free at its launch.
Inclusivity extended to participation in the street market, as applications were open to all entities, giving artisans, businesses, and community organizations equal opportunities to showcase their work. Importantly, the project fostered intergenerational engagement, offering activities for all age groups, some of which encouraged collaboration between family members of different generations.
A key aspect of Made in Torres Vedras is the promotion of shared knowledge and collective growth. Even artisans and businesses that might typically be competitors were encouraged to collaborate, reinforcing the idea that promoting art and craftsmanship benefits the entire community. Every edition of the local promotion cycle featured an open discussion on relevant social topics, creating a space for diverse voices to be heard. Such discussions included “Is this municipality for young people?” and " Growing up in Torres Vedras”.
Complementing these discussions, the “Torres Vedras is” podcast expanded the conversation beyond physical events, bringing together guests from different fields to exchange ideas on varied topics such as science, wine making and entrepreneurship in Torres Vedras. By featuring experts, local figures and community voices, the podcast ensured that these insightful discussions reached a wider audience, transcending geographical boundaries.
Made in Torres Vedras is a community-driven project that actively involves civil society in both design and execution. It emerged from a bottom-up participatory process conducted during the creation of the Torres Vedras brand, where citizens were engaged through surveys, interviews and local visits. Their input directly shaped the project.
As a result, the events have encouraged broad community participation. Local artisans, businesses and organisations play an active role, with the street market open to voluntary participation, giving equal opportunities to showcase products and skills. Artists and facilitators have autonomy in shaping their activities, adapting them to the IVV space and audience. This flexibility has led to unique initiatives, such as an artist painting live beside his exhibition.
Citizens also play an active role in shaping the discussions within the events. Each edition features open conversations on social issues, bringing together diverse perspectives that are observed by local officials and help influence local dialogue and policies.
Also, the “Torres Vedras is” podcast serves as a platform for continued dialogue, featuring local voices and experts who further explore the themes introduced at the gatherings. By providing a wider reach, the podcast allows more citizens to engage with the topics and share experiences, reinforcing the project’s collaborative and participatory approach.
A major result of community involvement was the book "Being from Torres Vedras", developed in consultation with local parish presidents, ensuring that community traditions were accurately represented. The book includes questions and topics for discussion related to life in Torres Vedras, encouraging further participation from the community. It invites citizens to reflect on and share their personal experiences, fostering dialogue and engagement around the local culture, traditions and future. Its second edition is under way, proving its success.
As a result, the events have encouraged broad community participation. Local artisans, businesses and organisations play an active role, with the street market open to voluntary participation, giving equal opportunities to showcase products and skills. Artists and facilitators have autonomy in shaping their activities, adapting them to the IVV space and audience. This flexibility has led to unique initiatives, such as an artist painting live beside his exhibition.
Citizens also play an active role in shaping the discussions within the events. Each edition features open conversations on social issues, bringing together diverse perspectives that are observed by local officials and help influence local dialogue and policies.
Also, the “Torres Vedras is” podcast serves as a platform for continued dialogue, featuring local voices and experts who further explore the themes introduced at the gatherings. By providing a wider reach, the podcast allows more citizens to engage with the topics and share experiences, reinforcing the project’s collaborative and participatory approach.
A major result of community involvement was the book "Being from Torres Vedras", developed in consultation with local parish presidents, ensuring that community traditions were accurately represented. The book includes questions and topics for discussion related to life in Torres Vedras, encouraging further participation from the community. It invites citizens to reflect on and share their personal experiences, fostering dialogue and engagement around the local culture, traditions and future. Its second edition is under way, proving its success.
The organization of the events is led by the Municipality of Torres Vedras, bringing together various municipal sectors to create diverse activities. For e.g., the Education sector developed activities that encouraged children to engage in outdoor play, aligning with the goals of the International Association of Educating Cities, of which Torres Vedras is a member. The Tourism sector organized walks that promoted the exploration of the region's natural heritage.
Beyond municipal involvement, the project collaborates with other local entities, such as the Municipal Water and Sanitation Services, which led initiatives focused on promoting organic waste recycling and sustainability practices. This collaboration enhances the project’s environmental impact and aligns with the Municipality’s broader sustainability goals, contributing to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By aligning activities with the SDGs, the project demonstrates how local actions can have a global impact.
In addition, many activities are created and led by local sports and youth organisations, as well as individual artisans, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their organizational structure or financial resources, can contribute to the events.
The podcast is another example of stakeholder engagement. It amplifies local voices and brings together a wide range of contributors speaking on behalf of other organisations, such as universities. Private companies are also represented through other guests on the podcast. This collaboration extends the conversation beyond the organisation, offering a platform for diverse perspectives and strengthening the connection between the project and different stakeholders.
For the book launch, all stakeholders who participated in the Torres Vedras brand study were invited. They have been involved from the very beginning, having contributed to the identification of needs and aspirations to which the project seeks to address.
Beyond municipal involvement, the project collaborates with other local entities, such as the Municipal Water and Sanitation Services, which led initiatives focused on promoting organic waste recycling and sustainability practices. This collaboration enhances the project’s environmental impact and aligns with the Municipality’s broader sustainability goals, contributing to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. By aligning activities with the SDGs, the project demonstrates how local actions can have a global impact.
In addition, many activities are created and led by local sports and youth organisations, as well as individual artisans, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their organizational structure or financial resources, can contribute to the events.
The podcast is another example of stakeholder engagement. It amplifies local voices and brings together a wide range of contributors speaking on behalf of other organisations, such as universities. Private companies are also represented through other guests on the podcast. This collaboration extends the conversation beyond the organisation, offering a platform for diverse perspectives and strengthening the connection between the project and different stakeholders.
For the book launch, all stakeholders who participated in the Torres Vedras brand study were invited. They have been involved from the very beginning, having contributed to the identification of needs and aspirations to which the project seeks to address.
The Made in Torres Vedras project benefited from the diverse expertise involved in shaping the Torres Vedras brand, where public and private stakeholders contributed to defining the region’s identity and strategic vision. The municipal urban regeneration team, responsible for revitalizing the Arenes area where the event is hosted, was actively involved in discussions about the use of space, ensuring alignment with the broader regeneration goals, programming and the community’s needs identified in the surveys. Additionally, inspiration was drawn from visits to other municipalities that successfully repurposed former industrial buildings for new cultural and economic uses.
The added value of this interdisciplinary process lies in its ability to create meaningful connections between different areas of knowledge, from urban planning and sustainability to arts, education, and entrepreneurship. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts, practitioners, and the local community, Made in Torres Vedras transforms knowledge into action, inspiring long-term engagement and local development.
The Made in Torres Vedras events themselves integrate multiple disciplines and knowledge fields through its thematic approach, bringing together individuals with both academic expertise and practical experience. This dynamic exchange fosters collaboration between different sectors, ensuring that even complex or scientific content is accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Open discussions are moderated by local media professionals, helping to translate technical language into clear, meaningful conversations that resonate with the community. In the same way, the podcast brings together people from diverse fields, such as a neurologist and a paleontologist, connecting different areas of knowledge through a shared link: Torres Vedras.
The added value of this interdisciplinary process lies in its ability to create meaningful connections between different areas of knowledge, from urban planning and sustainability to arts, education, and entrepreneurship. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among experts, practitioners, and the local community, Made in Torres Vedras transforms knowledge into action, inspiring long-term engagement and local development.
The Made in Torres Vedras events themselves integrate multiple disciplines and knowledge fields through its thematic approach, bringing together individuals with both academic expertise and practical experience. This dynamic exchange fosters collaboration between different sectors, ensuring that even complex or scientific content is accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Open discussions are moderated by local media professionals, helping to translate technical language into clear, meaningful conversations that resonate with the community. In the same way, the podcast brings together people from diverse fields, such as a neurologist and a paleontologist, connecting different areas of knowledge through a shared link: Torres Vedras.
Made in Torres Vedras stands out as an innovative project by focusing on local assets (people, services, and organizations) while actively promoting the unique identity of the territory. Unlike mainstream initiatives that often rely on external influences or large-scale commercial sponsorships, this project and its initiatives are deeply rooted in the local community. It encourages residents to take pride in their heritage and actively contribute to shaping the events and the podcast. The community itself is the subject of the book.
One of its key innovations is the way it blends tradition with contemporary engagement. By revitalizing a historic space like the former IVV, with low intervention, the project connects past and present, ensuring that cultural and historical elements remain relevant in modern times.
Another innovative aspect is its inclusive and interdisciplinary nature. The project does not limit itself to a single field. Each event brings together arts, science, sustainability, and hands-on craftsmanship, making knowledge accessible to all. The collaboration between professionals and individuals with lived experience ensures that expertise is shared in an engaging and practical way, rather than being restricted to formal educational settings.
Furthermore, Made in Torres Vedras extends beyond the event itself. The podcast and the book demonstrate its lasting impact. The project fosters ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and skill-sharing, ensuring that its influence continues beyond each edition and far beyond its location.
One of its key innovations is the way it blends tradition with contemporary engagement. By revitalizing a historic space like the former IVV, with low intervention, the project connects past and present, ensuring that cultural and historical elements remain relevant in modern times.
Another innovative aspect is its inclusive and interdisciplinary nature. The project does not limit itself to a single field. Each event brings together arts, science, sustainability, and hands-on craftsmanship, making knowledge accessible to all. The collaboration between professionals and individuals with lived experience ensures that expertise is shared in an engaging and practical way, rather than being restricted to formal educational settings.
Furthermore, Made in Torres Vedras extends beyond the event itself. The podcast and the book demonstrate its lasting impact. The project fosters ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and skill-sharing, ensuring that its influence continues beyond each edition and far beyond its location.
The methodology behind Made in Torres Vedras is deeply rooted in the extensive research conducted for the Torres Vedras territorial brand, which sought to define a central identity for the region. This process involved more than 817 interviews and input from 145 individuals through street surveys, highlighting a key finding: before presenting Torres Vedras to the world, its residents needed to (re)discover, understand, and appreciate their own territory, history and identity.
Through this study, two main needs emerged: the importance of promoting unity and sharing strategic knowledge among local actors and institutions, and the necessity for Torres Vedras to define what it represents. Based on these insights, the Torres Vedras brand strategy identified four guiding principles: innovation in education, environmental protection and sustainability, entrepreneurship and opportunity creation and fostering a cohesive and culturally rich community.
As part of the Torres Vedras brand’s action plan, Made in Torres Vedras was developed as Project #13, with the specific goal of valuing and promoting local assets. The project was designed not just as a cultural initiative but as a strategic tool to strengthen local identity, encourage knowledge-sharing, and connect residents with their heritage. At the same time, it would meet the goals for education, sustainability and entrepreneurship.
This approach ensures that Made in Torres Vedras is a carefully structured project that addresses real community needs, fosters engagement and builds a shared sense of pride and belonging through its 3 developed initiatives: the events, podcast and book. All three concur to the main objectives as identified in the previous studies conducted within the community.
Through this study, two main needs emerged: the importance of promoting unity and sharing strategic knowledge among local actors and institutions, and the necessity for Torres Vedras to define what it represents. Based on these insights, the Torres Vedras brand strategy identified four guiding principles: innovation in education, environmental protection and sustainability, entrepreneurship and opportunity creation and fostering a cohesive and culturally rich community.
As part of the Torres Vedras brand’s action plan, Made in Torres Vedras was developed as Project #13, with the specific goal of valuing and promoting local assets. The project was designed not just as a cultural initiative but as a strategic tool to strengthen local identity, encourage knowledge-sharing, and connect residents with their heritage. At the same time, it would meet the goals for education, sustainability and entrepreneurship.
This approach ensures that Made in Torres Vedras is a carefully structured project that addresses real community needs, fosters engagement and builds a shared sense of pride and belonging through its 3 developed initiatives: the events, podcast and book. All three concur to the main objectives as identified in the previous studies conducted within the community.
Several elements of Made in Torres Vedras can be easily replicated or transferred to other locations, communities, and contexts, making it a highly adaptable model.
Reuse of vacant spaces - Any underutilized or abandoned location can be transformed into a vibrant community hub without requiring large-scale construction. This approach not only revitalizes spaces but also strengthens local identity by reconnecting people with their surroundings.
Sustainability measures - Simple yet effective actions such as promoting the reuse of materials, using glassware instead of disposable cups, installing water refill stations and encouraging circular economy practices, can be integrated into events anywhere, reducing environmental impact.
Participatory nature - The success of Made in Torres Vedras events and podcast depends on the involvement of local entities, artists, businesses, and individuals, meaning that in any location, the event would naturally reflect the local culture and assets. By allowing the community to shape the event’s offerings, it becomes a dynamic and evolving initiative tailored to each specific context.
Budget - The project demonstrates that impactful events do not require large budgets. Each event was organized with a maximum budget of 5.000€ proving that community-driven initiatives can thrive with minimal financial resources. The focus on collaboration, local talent, and resourcefulness makes this model highly accessible, even for municipalities or organizations with limited funding. Notably, guests invited to the podcast participate without financial compensation, reinforcing the project’s community-driven principle.
By emphasizing local engagement, sustainability, and the creative use of existing spaces, Made in Torres Vedras serves as an inspiration and replicable blueprint for other communities looking to strengthen their cultural identity, promote sustainability, and foster participation.
Reuse of vacant spaces - Any underutilized or abandoned location can be transformed into a vibrant community hub without requiring large-scale construction. This approach not only revitalizes spaces but also strengthens local identity by reconnecting people with their surroundings.
Sustainability measures - Simple yet effective actions such as promoting the reuse of materials, using glassware instead of disposable cups, installing water refill stations and encouraging circular economy practices, can be integrated into events anywhere, reducing environmental impact.
Participatory nature - The success of Made in Torres Vedras events and podcast depends on the involvement of local entities, artists, businesses, and individuals, meaning that in any location, the event would naturally reflect the local culture and assets. By allowing the community to shape the event’s offerings, it becomes a dynamic and evolving initiative tailored to each specific context.
Budget - The project demonstrates that impactful events do not require large budgets. Each event was organized with a maximum budget of 5.000€ proving that community-driven initiatives can thrive with minimal financial resources. The focus on collaboration, local talent, and resourcefulness makes this model highly accessible, even for municipalities or organizations with limited funding. Notably, guests invited to the podcast participate without financial compensation, reinforcing the project’s community-driven principle.
By emphasizing local engagement, sustainability, and the creative use of existing spaces, Made in Torres Vedras serves as an inspiration and replicable blueprint for other communities looking to strengthen their cultural identity, promote sustainability, and foster participation.
With cities facing the challenge of abandoned or underutilized buildings, Made in Torres Vedras demonstrates how vacant spaces can be repurposed with minimal investment. By transforming an old industrial facility into a dynamic cultural hub, the project showcases how heritage sites can be revitalized while preserving their historical significance. Additionally, in a time when communities are becoming increasingly disconnected, Made in Torres Vedras fosters social cohesion by bringing together people of all ages, backgrounds, and expertise around shared experiences. Through its hands-on approach to education and sustainability, it empowers individuals with practical skills, encouraging self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility. These local solutions address broader global issues, proving that small-scale, community-driven initiatives can have a lasting impact. The podcast, open discussions and cultural activities also strengthen community identity and encourage civic participation. Nonetheless, they also embrace innovation and knowledge from new residents from abroad, as they are invited to share their experiences in the open conversations and showcase their art in the markets, because they too, became local. One of the most pressing global issues is environmental sustainability. Made in Torres Vedras tackles this by promoting waste reduction, circular economy practices and sustainable consumption. The events avoid disposable materials, encourage the reuse of resources, and most of all, include educational activities on upcycling, composting, and biodiversity conservation. The installation of water refill stations and differentiated waste bins also reinforces sustainable habits at a local level. These measures reflect the Municipality’s commitment to the target Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also, aligned with the International Association Educating Cities goals and SDG 4, the activities are designed for people of all ages, promoting lifelong learning.
The project has provided opportunities for small businesses, independent artists and local producers to showcase and sell their work. It has encouraged entrepreneurship and supported local economic development. Additionally, collaborations formed during the event, such as artists teaming up for new projects, demonstrate the longterm benefits of this initiative. Made in Torres Vedras has also had a positive environmental impact, through sustainable practices like waste reduction, circular economy initiatives and biodiversity awareness. More than simply providing a finished product or service, the events empower people with the skills and knowledge to create and restore, fostering independence, sustainability, and a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship. By highlighting local artisans, businesses and cultural heritage, the project has helped residents reconnect with their community and its traditions. Similarly, the book “Being from Torres Vedras” has captured characteristics of the local community as they exist today, preserving them for future generations and ensuring that the unique identity of Torres Vedras is documented and remembered over time. Also, one of the most notable impacts has been the strengthening of local identity and pride. The podcast has given people a platform to voice their experiences, exchange ideas and shape the future of Torres Vedras. Building on the success of this community-driven project, the ongoing urban regeneration of the Arenes area (where IVV lies) aims to further transform the city. This operation involves the rehabilitation of the former IVV facilities, with the goal of revitalizing the urban, economic, and social landscape of the area. This new space will include the “Made in Torres Vedras Space” in which local identity and assets will continue to be promoted. In this way, the Made in Torres Vedras project contributed to the larger-scale regeneration efforts, creating a lasting impact on the community and its future development.
