Vila Boa do Bispo
First carbon-neutral Freguesia (community) in the northern region
Description
The village of Vila Boa do Bispo is a parish council in northern Portugal within the Marco de Canaveses municipality that is experiencing issues related to climate change (forest fires, heavy rainfall, lack of potable water) and energy poverty. Under the Smart Rural 27 project, the village is attempting to address these challenges by focusing on Smart Community-Building, Sustainable Governance and the Circular Economy. The municipality has launched the VBBZERO strategy in an attempt to transform the town into a carbon-neutral community, and is implementing several key initiatives to this end, such as OMNIA – a knowledge and skills development initiative in which innovative green entrepreneurship models are adopted for NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) in support of the circular economy, and DESUWOW – supporting the Development of professional Skills for the use of Urban solid Wastes and Organic Wastes in agriculture.
Technology
The OMNIA Project is built around an e-learning platform hosting knowledge and practical skills courses for NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) related to the green and circular economy. Users can benefit from a personalized learning experience, and the ability to choose a plan, select lessons and improve their academic performance, and access to the Omnia Network – a user-friendly platform supporting networking and collaboration. The platform is host to interactive discussions, and features a tagging system for the organization of topics with particular focus on entrepreneurship.
Target
Vila Boa do Bispo targets civil society organizations, the private sector and the local community, inviting them to work together and to identify each other’s needs. The main targets of the strategy are local residents, primarily young people and entrepreneurs, who can benefit most from an increased awareness of sustainable and circular economies.
Impact
Vila Boa do Bispo is seeking to become the first carbon-neutral Freguesia (community) in Portugal, and to create a system in which everything is integrated within a circular model (from clothes to construction materials). In addition, it aims to enhance tourism and the local culture, promote sustainability, improve transportation, advance education, and support entrepreneurship and job creation. The OMNIA project is seeking to attract the involvement of at least 180 participants and 30 partners.
Partners
University of Aveiro, Coopérnico, local Fire-fighter Association, the Social and Sports Associations and the House of People
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
