The project "The 5 Elements and youth inclusion for rural development" took place in Portugal,
from 21st September to 30th September 2011.
Today a common phenomenon affecting the Portuguese demography is the migration from
the small cities or villages to big economic centers leading in general to the demographic
desertification, and in particular the aging and the less number of youth in these locations
within the country. In order to counter these trends, and according to the Council of Europe
priority 4.1, this project aimed: 1st, to address what are the fundamental issues leading to
this problem and 2nd, participation of young people (transnational and locals) in debates,
visits and workshops. Youngsters should achieve, by experiences trade, and using the non
formal education method, some solutions and proposals to be applied in further projects. Also
pushing forward policies and governance in order to develop their home regions and improve
opportunities for the young locals.
This will increase the inclusion and active participation of young people in the town / region
giving them an active role in reversing the trend of migration to urban centers.
These activities gathered young people and experts in the addressed issues. Debates between
participants were followed by workshops where we expected new ideas, proposals and even
some practical solutions and/or actions to increase the potential of the regions, promoting
rural young people social inclusion.
This project understands environment and the issues for sustainability as means of rural
people fixation. Currently rural areas present fewer opportunities, which is really disappointing
for young people wanting to keep their "roots" rather than migrate to urban centers in search,
sometimes a false quality of life. The strategy linked to the environment and to sustainable
development aims to motivate young people to settle in the region maintaining a way of
life with quality bringing development for people and land/region. In such way new policy
instruments could be developed in the benefit of young people and next generations.
