On 7 and 8 October 2026, the 3rd Transnational Meeting of the ResilientES project took place in Tomar, bringing together all project partners at the headquarters of the Médio Tejo Intermunicipal Community, the partner responsible for organising the meeting and hosting the visit. Over the two days, several project-related activities were carried out, including a review of progress in implementing the activities outlined in the project proposal.
During the partners’ meeting, a brief overview was provided of Work Package 1 (WP1), which was developed with the involvement of all partners and has now been completed. WP1 comprised a series of key activities aimed at promoting the social and solidarity economy (SSE). These activities will serve as a foundation for implementing the activities planned under Work Package 2 (WP2) and have also contributed to strengthening cooperation between territories and identifying opportunities for sustainable development, particularly in rural areas.
CIM Médio Tejo presented the process of establishing a Third Place dedicated to the social economy in the region, outlining the key steps taken so far. Located in Constância, this space will soon open its doors to provide a meeting point for local stakeholders, fostering the exchange of experiences, collaboration and the development of social and solidarity economy initiatives. It is expected to contribute to the region’s revitalisation and strengthen social cohesion.
The transnational meeting brought together stakeholders from the organisations represented by the project partners, providing valuable opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas on promoting the social economy and strengthening the work of their respective organisations. Alongside these collaborative activities, participants also had the opportunity to discover inspiring examples of good practice in the social economy through visits to the following organisations:
The Vidas Cruzadas Association, based in Abrantes, is a Private Institution of Social Solidarity (IPSS) that plays an important role in promoting social inclusion by providing support services to people with diverse needs and social backgrounds. Featured in the ResilientES catalogue of good practices, the association stands out for its commitment to fostering inclusion and enhancing community well-being.
The Artelinho Cooperative, based in Sardoal, was founded in 1989 on the initiative of a group of 40 women. Its main objectives were to preserve the local tradition of flax cultivation and encourage people to remain in the region. Today, the cooperative specialises in the artisanal production of linen goods, helping to preserve local traditions and traditional craftsmanship. More recently, it has diversified its activities to include the production of traditional regional specialities, such as bread, tigeladas and other cakes, baked in a wood-fired oven. Through these activities, the cooperative continues to safeguard local heritage while promoting the region’s culinary traditions and flavours.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Rivers and Maritime Arts and Camões Garden, both located in Constância. The visit offered insights into the municipality’s rich cultural, historical and natural heritage, highlighting its close ties to the rivers and maritime traditions. Participants also explored the space dedicated to the memory of Luís de Camões, as well as the garden’s celebration of nature and local identity.
