Within the scope of the R&D project “LEADER Approach - Governance Models and their Impact on Territories”, funded by Universitas / ISEC Lisboa, research is being carried out into the work of the Integrated Rural Development Association of the Montemuro, Arada and Gralheira Mountains (ADRIMAG), based in Arouca. The study is part of the UNESCO Chair “The City that Educates and Transforms”, led by ISEC Lisboa and working group 4 (GT4), coordinated by Prof. Elizete Jardim, which focuses on local development and governance.

Researchers Ana Oliveira, Elizete Jardim and Madalena Corte-Real from ISEC Lisboa conducted a field trip to Arouca, during which they conducted interviews with local players to gain a deeper understanding of ADRIMAG's impact on the territory.

The results of this visit were published in Gazeta Rural, issue 468, on January 15, 2025, and also published by the Minha Terra Federation, a partner in the project. This study aims to contribute to the analysis of the impact of LEADER governance approaches on rural communities, promoting sustainable development and the active participation of local populations in changes in their territory.

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