“With passionate people working at the crossroads of Nature-based Solutions, policy, and community engagement, the consortium is piloting solutions that can be an inspiration across Europe and beyond.” 

-Isabel Feirrera, Principal Investigator TRANS-lighthouses

The TRANS-lighthouses project came together in Portugal from May 18-22 for their 7th consortium meeting. Hosted by the Municipalities of Barcelos and Estarreja, the event brought together 40 people from all 17 partner organizations across Europe.

This gathering focused on key aspects of the project's work, including the socio-political dimensions of Nature-based Solutions, the project´s ontology and legacy, citizen science and inclusive participation approaches.

What makes these meetings special is the mix of people around the table. There were practitioners working directly with communities, public officers leading local programs, elected representatives shaping policy, NGO leaders advocating for change, and academics bringing insights and evidence from research. Having people from different countries and backgrounds, supporting each other as change makers, ensures that the solutions will work across a wide variety of socio-political settings.

One of the most memorable moments of the meeting was hearing testimonials from local youth who have participated in the Barcelos and Estarreja pilot projects. Their stories  showed how the work is making a real impact and reminding us why it matters to involve people of all ages in these initiatives.

^{Text: Angelica Lundgren & Isabel Ferreira
Photo: Jorge Araújo}