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Description
The objective of the “Culatra, Comunidade Sustentável” project is to create opportunities for the sustainable development of Culatra Island (Faro) through the implementation of an integrated programme of information, awareness, training and capacity building. Participating NGOs aim to improve patterns of consumption, separation, reduction, recycling and reuse of waste and materials, with a special focus on the production and consumption chains of disposable or single-use materials in the most predominant economic sectors of the community: activities linked to the economy of the sea (fishing, aquaculture and shellfish harvesting), tourism (catering, nautical and bathing activities), and civil society (education, social action, events, culture and sports).
Summary of project results
The project aimed to enhance the sustainability of local community activities by reducing waste, promoting the circular economy, and empowering communities to adopt responsible practices. It also focused on raising awareness among young people and the broader community about responsible consumption, waste reduction, and environmental conservation. Additionally, the project sought to educate local businesses and maritime economy agents on sustainable practices and the protection of marine resources.
Throughout the project, 30 civic initiatives were planned, organized, and implemented, targeting various audiences and focusing on environmental sustainability, responsible consumption, and the circular economy. These initiatives addressed community needs identified during participatory diagnostics and by island organizations during the project. Methodologies were chosen based on the target audience and objectives.
For civil society organizations, the project included workshops on community strategies to reduce single-use products, composting, and creating community gardens. It also promoted environmental initiatives, such as small projects for waste reduction, material reuse, and creative workshops for repurposing waste. Thematic workshops on sustainability included technical presentations on sustainable tourism, the formalization of the Insular Committee, and exchanges of sustainable practices among small islands, culminating in the Culatra Island Sustainability Certification event.
Residents and visitors participated in beach and public space clean-up programs, with three awareness and cleaning actions and one major clean-up event. The youth community engaged in seven participatory workshops on topics like responsible consumption, recycling, ecosystem preservation, renewable energy, and microplastics, where they created environmental awareness content.
Maritime economy agents and local businesses were educated on sustainable practices through professional environmental education programs, community discussions on fishing, waste, and biodiversity, and capacity-building actions on ecosystem conservation. Local businesses also benefited from sustainability audits and certification programs, including workshops on energy savings and sustainable practices.
The sustainability campaign for residents and visitors featured cultural festivals "maréS" (May 2022) and "entremaréS" (September 2022), using culture to promote environmental education. These festivals included musical and dance performances, outdoor cinema sessions, artistic exhibitions, sports, parties, and sunsets. The first festival featured plastic transformation workshops, while the second included an artist meeting to develop projects using art for environmental awareness. Continuous awareness actions included signage promoting "single-use free" zones and a "responsible visitor manifesto," complemented by a digital communication campaign on social media. A welcoming point at the island''s entrance, featuring artistic elements made from recycled materials, was also created to raise environmental awareness.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 25 volunteers recruited by supported NGOs;
- 30 civic initiatives led by supported NGOs;
- 1 awareness raising campaign carried out;
- 71% share of target group showing civic concerns.
Regarding capacity building, the promoter conducted a needs assessment and prepared an action plan.
All proposed targets were met and exceeded.