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Description
From Fenais to Fenais addressed the growing disinterest in the coastal cultural and natural heritage among the local population, as well as the high number of social welfare beneficiaries in the north coast of São Miguel Island, particularly in the parishes of Fenais da Luz and Fenais da Ajuda. It tackled these challenges by rehabilitating two properties of municipal interest, assigning them new functions, and establishing Territorial Consortia for their management. The project also created permanent heritage exhibitions, supported three culturally-based community businesses—generating 15 jobs, 12 of which for socially excluded individuals—and developed local initiatives like a Network of Community Gastronomic Laboratories.
Key outputs included training for cultural agents, thematic booklets, and strategic sustainability plans for the targeted areas. The project fostered community engagement, co-created development projects, and integrated heritage into local growth strategies. Beneficiaries included local residents, who gained employment and skills, and the wider community, which saw enhanced cultural and natural heritage preservation. Unforeseen outcomes, such as territorial brands and spin-off projects, further enriched the initiative. The project’s innovative methods and lasting impact, including plans for a knowledge centre, ensured its sustainability beyond the funding period.
Summary of project results
From Fenais to Fenais aimed to address several key challenges in the coastal region of São Miguel Island, specifically between the parishes of Fenais da Luz and Fenais da Ajuda. One major issue was the growing disinterest among the local population in their coastal cultural and natural heritage, which risked the loss of traditional knowledge and community identity. Additionally, the area has a high number of social welfare beneficiaries, highlighting economic and social vulnerabilities. The project sought to revitalise the region by leveraging its cultural and natural assets to promote local development and sustainable growth, as well as to create employment opportunities. By rehabilitating heritage sites, establishing community businesses, and engaging local stakeholders, the project aimed to rekindle community pride, improve livelihoods, and ensure the long-term preservation of the area''s unique heritage.
The project From Fenais to Fenais aimed to address the growing disinterest in coastal cultural and natural heritage among the local population, as well as support social welfare beneficiaries in the north coast of São Miguel Island, specifically between the parishes of Fenais da Luz and Fenais da Ajuda. To achieve this, the project implemented a range of activities and delivered several outputs.
Two properties of municipal interest were rehabilitated, each assigned four new functions to revitalise their use. Two Territorial Consortia were established to manage and promote these properties. Three permanent Heritage Exhibitions were created, focusing on intangible cultural heritage, to engage the community and visitors. The project also supported the creation and development of three culturally-based community businesses, which generated 15 jobs, 12 of which were for individuals facing social exclusion.
Collaboration with local communities led to the co-creation of two local development projects. Additionally, a Network of Community Gastronomic Laboratories was formed, and several community gastronomic recipes were safeguarded to preserve local culinary traditions. A training plan for cultural agents was developed to enhance skills in local development, complemented by three thematic booklets. A study was conducted on the territorial animation strategy used to promote employment through culture, and two Strategic Sustainability Plans were drafted for Fenais da Luz and Maia.
The project involved seven formal partners, six structuring territorial collaborations, and six government bodies, promoting strong community and institutional engagement. The project yielded unforeseen positive outcomes. These included the creation of two Territorial Brands, the development of two strategic plans, and the initiation of spin-off projects such as "Pão & Chá" ("Bread & Tea") and "Censos do Património 2024" ("Heritage Census 2024").
Overall, the project successfully laid the groundwork for sustained local development centred on cultural and natural heritage, while fostering permanent dialogue with communities and implementing innovative strategies to address social and economic challenges.
The project From Fenais to Fenais delivered tangible and sustainable outcomes for local communities, cultural heritage, and social welfare beneficiaries in Fenais da Luz and Fenais da Ajuda. It addressed key challenges such as the declining engagement with coastal heritage and the need for economic opportunities for socially excluded groups.
The rehabilitation of two properties of municipal interest, each repurposed with four new functions, provided revitalised community spaces. Two Territorial Consortia were established to manage these properties, ensuring long-term local stewardship. Three permanent Heritage Exhibitions were created to celebrate intangible cultural heritage, fostering pride and awareness. The project supported three community-based cultural enterprises, generating 15 jobs—12 of which went to individuals facing social exclusion, directly improving their lives.
A Network of Community Gastronomic Laboratories safeguarded traditional recipes, preserving culinary heritage while promoting tourism. Two co-created local development projects empowered communities to shape their future, and a training plan equipped cultural agents with skills for sustainable development. Three thematic booklets and a study on territorial animation strategies provided valuable resources for replication elsewhere. Strategic Sustainability Plans for Fenais da Luz and Maia ensured continued progress beyond the project’s lifespan.
Unforeseen successes included two Territorial Brands, a spin-off study on culture-driven employment, and two new initiatives: Pão & Chá (Bread & Tea, reviving bread-making traditions) and Censos do Património 2024 (Heritage Census 2024, documenting local heritage).
The primary beneficiaries were local residents, especially marginalised groups who gained employment and skills. Cultural workers and organisations benefited from enhanced capacities, while the wider community enjoyed revitalised heritage sites and new economic opportunities. The project’s innovative methods and partnerships—including input from Norwegian and Icelandic experts—ensured lasting impact, with plans to sustain bilateral cooperation. The project’s achievements in social inclusion, heritage preservation, and sustainable development marked it as a model of good practice.
Summary of bilateral results
The project greatly benefited from the involvement of four donor partners from Norway and Iceland, whose expertise enriched its implementation and long-term impact. The Arctic University of Tromsø (UiT) contributed comparative perspectives and innovative methodologies, particularly in storytelling, which enhanced community engagement strategies. The Stefansson Arctic Institute provided research-based insights, strengthening the project’s analytical framework through empirical case studies. The Húsavik Whale Museum shared practical knowledge on sustainable tourism and coastal community management, while Whale AS offered expertise in storytelling and tourism development, helping to create economically viable cultural initiatives.At a bilateral level, the collaboration led to shared learning and capacity-building. Training sessions for local cultural agents introduced new tools and approaches, such as participatory storytelling and community-led development models, which improved project effectiveness. The donor partners’ involvement also fostered cross-cultural exchanges, enabling the adaptation of successful Arctic and Nordic strategies to the Azorean context. This included innovative museum activities, such as programmes to integrate migrants and retrain fishermen as heritage guides, broadening social inclusion efforts. The partnership generated lasting institutional capacity, with local stakeholders adopting sustainable practices and methodologies.Plans are in place to continue bilateral cooperation informally, with a focus on establishing a Knowledge Centre for Coastal Heritage. This centre will serve as a hub for Atlantic island heritage studies, with funding being sought to formalise partnerships. The shared methodologies and networks developed during the project ensure ongoing collaboration, particularly in areas like cultural tourism, community resilience, and heritage preservation, reinforcing the project’s long-term legacy.