awards and distinctions
The Municipalities that form part of the Aldeias do Xisto territory have been honoured and awarded over the years for their good practices and innovative projects.
The Municipalities that form part of the Aldeias do Xisto territory have been honoured and awarded over the years for their good practices and innovative projects. With an emphasis on the territory, economy and society, municipalities have promoted growth, inclusion and sustainability through initiatives geared towards family life, improving infrastructures, preserving natural resources and promoting sports.
Family Responsible Municipalities
Over the years, some of the Municipalities in the Aldeias do Xisto network have been consistently recognised as “Family Responsible Municipalities”. This recognition comes as a result of the exemplary social work that these municipalities have carried out, showing commitment to their communities. Particularly noteworthy are the programmes for young people, the creation of psychological support networks, effective employment measures and support for the most disadvantaged families.
Sport for all
The Aldeias do Xisto region offers a unique landscape in Portugal which serves as a backdrop for some of the best infrastructures in the country for active tourism, covering everything from cycling to trail running, canoeing and climbing. The culture of “sport for all” is very present in the programmes of the municipalities that have won successive awards in this area.
Inclusion and diversity
Of particular note is the remarkable work that has been carried out and recognised for inclusion and diversity. Some Municipalities have been recognised as European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity, while other initiatives address gender issues or develop social services to support the elderly.
List of Awards and distinctions
Municipalities
- lousã
- 2022: Bupi 2022 Award - Innovation Category
The Municipality of Lousã was the big winner of the “BUPi 2022 Awards Competition” in the INNOVATION category, awarded by the Mission Structure for the Expansion of the Simplified Registration Information System-eBUPi, thus acknowledging the Municipality's contribution to the success of the “Balcão Único do Prédio” project. - 2022: Most Family Responsible Municipality
Lousã was presented with the ”Most Family Responsible Municipality” award as a result of the strategy implemented, which prioritises investment in Human Capital - namely more than 7.5 million euros in social functions - and a sustained commitment to social cohesion - 2022: National Landscape Award 2022
The Municipality of Lousã's entry "Aldeias da Serra da Lousã | Onde as aldeias soam a único" won the 2022 National Landscape Award under the Política Nacional de Arquitetura e Paisagem (National Architecture and Landscape Programme). Highlighting the great natural and landscape value, and revealing a rich cultural heritage, architectural and ecological structures, the application also highlights the distinctive profile of the Serra da Lousã Villages, with emphasis on the Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages), and the high ecological, cultural and aesthetic value of the landscapes. - 2022: Senhora da Piedade Natural Swimming Pools awarded international certificate of excellence
The Senhora da Piedade Natural Swimming Pools, one of Lousã region´s most emblematic bathing areas, was distinguished with the Foundation for Environmental Education´s international certificate of excellence, kept the Blue Flag award for 5 consecutive years. This distinction was awarded during the National Seminar of the Blue Flag Programme, in Torres Vedras. Note that Bogueira River Beach received this certificate in 2020.
- fundão
- 2023: European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award 2023
Fundão is one of the nine European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity 2023 awarded by the European Commission, chosen for its “efforts to strengthen diversity and inclusion in its community”. The Municipality won the Bronze Award for the category of municipalities with less than 50,000 inhabitants, highlighting the fact that it has important initiatives in place for migrants, with a Centre for Migration and inter-cultural mediators. - 2014: Municipality of the Year Portugal 2014 - 2nd prize
Fundão was awarded an honourable mention for second place at national level in the “Municipality of the Year Portugal 2014” awards, presented by the UMCidades Platform of the University of Minho.
- oleiros
- 2022: Most Family Responsible Municipality
For the second year in a row, the Municipality of Oleiros has been honoured as the “Most Family Responsible Municipality”, an award granted by the Observatory of Family Responsible Municipalities of the Portuguese Association of Numerous Families. This recognition acknowledges the existence of municipal policies that facilitate family life, particularly those that contribute most to tackling ageing and desertification. - 2022: Family Friendly Municipality
The application made by the Municipality of Oleiros, within the scope of its integration in the European Network of Family-Friendly Municipalities, was accepted by the Executive Committee of the organisation. The decision was based on an analysis of the good practices implemented by the municipality which, according to that organisation, may inspire others to follow suit. - 2021: Youth-Friendly Municipalities
The Municipality of Oleiros is part of the National Network of Youth Friendly Municipalities, an initiative of the National Federation of Youth Associations (FNAJ). Receiving the title of founding member of this National Network is part of the Youth strategy, which includes initiatives such as the Oleiros Youth Programme and the Youth Participatory Budget. The award of five thousand euros for each child or house built/acquired, together with the maximum amount of 25 thousand euros awarded to each winning project are just a few examples. - 2020: Pro-Ageing Community Seal
The Oleiros Council was awarded the “Pro-Ageing Communities Seal 2020/21", an initiative that honours Portuguese communities whose policies, programmes, strategic plans, and practices are synonymous with a strong and real commitment to promoting healthy and successful ageing. The honour, awarded by the Psychologists' Association, was the only one in the district of Castelo Branco.
- góis
- 2022: ECOXXI Green Flag Award
The Municipality of Góis has won another ECOXXI Green Flag. The award was presented by ABAE - the European Blue Flag Association. Within the scope of the 21 indicators that make up the nomination, Góis was considered a “Top+ Municipality” in the Employment and Sustainable Tourism indicators. - 2022: “Senior Physical Activity 2022” Programme Award
The Municipality of Góis was present at the XVI Sports Friendly Municipality Seminar and the II Supportive Municipality Seminar, initiatives that were part of FOLIO - the Óbidos International Literary Festival, where it was distinguished for its “Senior Physical Activity 2022” Programme. - 2021: Municipality of the Year Award - Culture and Heritage Category - Handicrafts
The presentation of the project “A Máscara - Do Sobreiro ao Artefacto” (The Mask - From the Cork Oak to the Artefact) was honoured with the Municipality of Góis Award for Municipality of the Year, in the Culture and Heritage category, Handicrafts sub-category. The award recognises the importance of revitalising intangible heritage, handed down from generation to generation, bearing witness to our cultural diversity. - 2021: Sports-Friendly Municipality
The Municipality of Góis received the award “Sports Friendly Municipality” for action taken in 2020. The distinction, endorsed by the Secretary of State for Youth and Sport, highlights the local authority’s sports policy, good practice in the development of sports and physical activity, and recognises the support given to all sports bodies in the Municipality.
- miranda do corvo
- 2022: Senior Social Intervention Award 2022
Miranda do Corvo was presented with 2nd place in the 2022 Senior Social Intervention Award, in the category of municipalities with a population between 10,001 and 50,000 inhabitants. The award recognises a set of social policies that promote active ageing among the elderly population and tackle isolation. Also highlighted was the support given to families through vouchers for purchases in local shops, the COVID-19 Municipal Emergency Social Assistance Plan and the “Local National Health Service (SNS) Vaccination” programme. - 2021: Sports-Friendly Municipality
The Miranda do Corvo Municipality was recognised, for the third consecutive year, as a Sports Friendly Local Authority. The award is made by the Cidade Social platform, which honours the good work done by the Municipality in the Sports sector. - 2020: Eco-Municipality
Miranda do Corvo Municipality won, for the third consecutive year, the Eco-Municipality award. This recognition results from the fact that the 13 schools of the Miranda do Corvo School Grouping were awarded the Green Eco-School Flag and, at the same time, the Eco-Grouping award. - 2018: Sports-Friendly Municipality
Miranda do Corvo, which is receiving the award for the first time, was recognised for holding three international events: The Trilho dos Abutres (Trail), the Miranda Cup (youth football) and the Summer Cup (volleyball) earned Miranda do Corvo the title of Sports Friendly Municipality.
- pampilhosa da serra
- 2018: Santa Luzia elected Central Region Beach of the Year 2018
The Santa Luzia River Beach, in Pampilhosa da Serra, won 2nd place in the 2018 River Beach of the Year Award, bestowed by the readers of the River Beaches Guide, having been the most voted for in the Central Region. - 2023: Municipality of the Year
The Municipality of Pampilhosa da Serra was distinguished with the “Municipality of the Year” award in the “Democracy, Equality and Civic Participation” category and “Children's Rights” subcategory, for its “Eira da Brincadeira” programme.