SOLIDARITY ECONOMY IN PORTUGAL GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLE MONTE-ACE
SUSTAINABLE AND SOLIDARITY ECONOMY: MONTE-ACE
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THE SUSY PROJECT BRINGS TOGETHER AND SHOWS YOU EXAMPLES OF THE SOLIDARITY ECONOMY, SO THAT PEOPLE INVOLVED AND INTERESTED IN SOLIDARITY-BASED INITIATIVES CAN NETWORK AND INTERACT, AND WE CAN SHARE AND OPEN UP THE IDEA OF THE SOLIDARITY ECONOMY TO MORE AND MORE PEOPLE. BY COLLECTING AND SHARING THESE EXAMPLES, WE AIM TO GAIN NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE SOLIDARITY ECONOMY. WE HOPE TO ENABLE REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION IN ORDER TO DISCOVER AND EMBARK ON MORE AND MORE FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES AND POSSIBILITIES FOR THE SOLIDARITY ECONOMY. AT THE SAME TIME – LIKE OTHER INITIATIVES IN THE SOLIDARITY ECONOMY – WE ARE BUILDING LINKS WITH POLITICAL DECISION MAKERS SO TO INCREASE THEIR SUPPORT FOR AN ALTERNATIVE WAY OF DOING THINGS. WE ARE A NETWORK OF 26 ASSOCIATIONS IN 23 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ENHANCING THE COMPETENCES OF LOCAL ACTORS THAT ARE ENGAGED IN THE SOCIAL AND SOLIDARITY ECONOMY, SUPPORTING A NEW PARADIGM OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER TO FIGHT POVERTY AND TO DIFFUSE AN EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE WAY OF LIVING.
This report has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the project team and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.
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Imprint: This publication is a result of the project ’’SUSY – Sustainable and Solidarity Economy”. The Good Practice portrait by the filmmaker António Fonseca can be found on www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJFbNgfMfcA Publisher: Instituto Marquês de Valle Flôr Authors: Catarina Maciel Facilitators: IMVF’s Unity of Global Citizenship, Riccardo Troisi (Fairwatch), Monica diSisto (Fairwatch) Foto credits: António Fonseca Portugal, 2016
INDEX 1. Description of the SSE Good practice .............................................................................................................. 4 1.1) Name, Organization and/or network responsible for the practice, Location, Sector. ...................... 4 1.2) Proposed activities ..................................................................................................................................... 4 1.3) Management model and stakeholders involvement.............................................................................. 6 1.4) Turnover and job creation/quality ........................................................................................................... 6 1.5) Social and ecological externalities ........................................................................................................... 7 1.6) Communication and advocacy.................................................................................................................. 7 1.7) Networking, affiliations and openness of the Good practice to the existing networks.................... 8 2. Evaluation of the Good practice ..................................................................................................................... 10 2.1) The Good practice’s economic and social impact and potential........................................................ 10 2.2) The transformative impact on the territory and beyond .................................................................... 11 2.3) Policy impact of the Good practice ........................................................................................................ 11 2.4) Sustainability of the practice .................................................................................................................. 12 2.5) Participatory space open to the territory .............................................................................................. 14 3. What can we learn from the described Good practice?.............................................................................. 14 4. Individual story ................................................................................................................................................ 17 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... 20 STAKEHOLDER MAPPING ............................................................................................................................... 20 Interviews .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
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SUSTAINABLE AND SOLIDARITY ECONOMY: MONTE-ACE 1. Description of the SSE Good practice
representative of the community and other
1.1) Name, Organization and/or network
agents of the territory)
responsible for the practice, Location,
Since 2002 Monte is a NGO for Development with
Sector.
the legal status of public utility. It’s also a Local Action Group (LAG)1.
MONTE is an Association, non-profit private
Monte develops its activity in Central Alentejo,
entity, aims to promote social and economic
covering 11 of the 14 municipalities of this
development and advocacy on rural regions,
region. The headquarters of ADREPES is in
particularly Central Alentejo. Monte was founded
Arraiolos. Besides the intervention in Portugal
in 1996 by a group of four local development associations:
Aliende
(Local
Monte has being developing cooperation projects
Development
in Guinea Bissau, in the region of Cachéu, and
Association from Montoito), ADIM (Association
also Cape Verde, in the region of Santo Antão
for the Defense of Monsaraz Heritage), ADMC
Website:
(Montes Claros Development Association) and
ace.pt/site/uk/home_uk.html
Trilho (Rural Development Association). These associations
were
challenged
to
find
http://www.monte-
1.2) Proposed activities
an
organization that could manage LEADER II
The basis of Monte’s work was the LEADER
(important component of EU Rural Development
program and the aim to promote initiatives and
Policy for over 20 years) in the region, so they
social and economic development in low density
decided together to create Monte. In 2010 other
areas.
local association integrates Mont’s associates
Monte was the regional manager of LEADER and
Vendas Novas – Porta do Alentejo.
also SP3 Rural Development Programme -
Besides
the
associates,
a
PRODER. These programs aim to give financial
Cooperation Council involving other organizations
support to rural development plans at different
that could be representative of all the community
levels. From individuals to associations and
like
municipalities. Henrique Sim-Sim refers that
municipalities,
Monte
create
universities,
local
organizations and regional public entities. This
Monte
process was mainly encouraged by Leader
promoting different activities such as local
program, because this program has a major
tourism (an area where the region had good
was
very
competent
at
this
level,
principle the cooperation and local governance (The
local
development
groups
should
be 1
http://www.monte-ace.pt/site/uk/BI_UK_2014_WEB.pdf and Marta Alter Interview 4
results), supporting innovative projects in the
(…) then we start to cooperate with
field of agri-food sector.
Spain, because we share the same
All over the years Monte grew and extended its
problems, rural problems. (…) That way
activity to other fields, participating in other
we
programs at the level of social development,
practices,
employment and training. Covering different
achieving scale. Then we enlarge the
aspects of local development in the region and
territory and start to develop some
abroad.
projects in PALOPs”4
The most representative domains of activity are local
governance.
These
domains
work
a
reflect
brand, on
significant
the
processes,
Cooperation projects:
the following: Organic Agriculture, Fair Trade, and
can
o
are
with other national territories (PROVE –
commercialization
of
fruit
and
translated in four strategic areas and projects at
vegetables from small local producers
national level:2
that in Arraiolos in named Cabaz do
Territorial
promotion
(local
Hortelão),
products
Development) – promoting handcraft and
o
With
countries
Citizenship5”
(PRODER; Skills
Development:
o
With Portuguese Speaking African countries
Santo Antão Regional Council
Social Innovation (Development Plan for
of Partners – Dissemination of
the Territory 2014-2020, Social Store,
LEADER
project;
Gender
building
of
domestic
Equality
and
violence,
fight
New
against
Deal
Capacity
local
knowledge
for
NGOs, transfer,
Employment – Project to promote youth
cooperation between different
employability
actors,
trough
agriculture
promotion and entrepreneurship)
business
Attending that cooperation is one of
platform
LEADER
adapted
methodologies
“Through
namely and
Portuguese an
with to
the
online contents national
context of Cape Verde
cooperation we learn together, so we
start to cooperate with other national territories that work in a similar context
3
European
Entrepreneurship
Center for Female Entrepreneurship)
2
other
“Becoming a Change Agent for Rural
Lifelong Learning, CREMP – Resources
typical
local based initiatives like tourism3 Entrepreneurship
the
gastronomy of each region
promotion, Summer School for Rural
promote
Guinea Bissau – With the support of a local team, Monte
4
2014 Activities Report and interviews Henrique Sim-Sim and José Veiga interviews
5
5
Marta Alter interview http://quapro.eu/
is
promoting
projects
to
a bottom-up approach, with a real diagnosis
develop rural areas, capacity
defined by the basis. The local governance is one
building of local agents and
of the major principles of Monte”7 and its added-
preserving
value in the territory.
and
restoring
natural resources from Cacheu region.
1.4) Turnover and job creation/quality Regarding internal activity of Monte:
1.3) Management model and stakeholders involvement The
members
of
Monte
are
5
private
The
board
is
composed
by
representatives of different organizations:
associations, each of them representing different
3
associates,
844
Administration Council and 3 at fiscal
individuals6. Besides this in its Legal Statutes
council. are men representing the 5
Monte has the figure of a cooperation Council
collective associates. Monte has also in
that is composed by several organizations public
the
(municipalities,
represented by a woman.
representing
a
total
universities)
of
and
private
(companies, other organizations).
on
General
board
a
Assembly,
5
Cooperation
on
the
Council
The technical team is composed by 16
It’s a very democratic process and the advantage
people (12 in Portugal and 4 in Guinea
of this process is that all of them have the
Bissau). The coordinator is a woman. The
territorial knowledge (In terms of needs and
gender racio is 68% of women. Most of
stakeholders) and have the facility to promote a
the team has between 25 and 46 years
real stakeholders engagement at different levels
(87, 5%). Most of the team is at Monte
of decision.
for more than 10 years, so the turnover is
Monte’s management model is very flexible. In
low and this is assumed as an added-
2014 Monte promoted a collective reflection in
value of the organization.
order to define the Central Alentejo Territorial Partnership
for
2014-2020
(59
participants
defining and signing the document) In order to pursuit its mission and develops projects
that
community,
suit
in
the
most
real of
the
needs
of
the
projects
the
association tries to engage local stakeholders and community.
“A
strategy
to
promote
local
association
developed
specific
policies to balance professional / family
development needs to organize the territory with
6
The
7
Article 5, Legal Statutes 6
José Veiga interview
lives as well as equitable income between
1141 people that benefit from CLDS (Local
women and men.
Partnership for Social Development), 1 volunteer
The team is multi-task and from different
network, 1 network of entrepreneurial women,
academic areas. 13 of the team members
415 PROVE fresh baskets per month, 1 local
are high qualified (3 people have a
development strategy for 2014-2020 with 59
master in different areas from Regional
local organizations
Planning, Human Resources or Local
Cape Verde: 1 association of local producers
Development). Besides this there is a
developed
clear bet in human resources qualification
in
Santo
Antão
(63
members),
capacity building of local agents in the field of
attending to the participation in a national
Communitarian
program of capacity building of social
Tourism
(17
technicians),
capacity building action for farmers (53 people)
NGOs and also the hours of training (379h).
Guine
Bissau:
environmental
education
at
different levels (Support to chance the way of
1.5) Social and ecological externalities
production
of
food
in
markets,
support
Monte’s supports different local organizations
applications to National Programs to Protect
and projects, promoting the creation of new
Environment, projects in schools and capacity
jobs, an entrepreneurial spirit and the recovery
building of teachers).
of local activities like tourism, handcraft and
1.6) Communication and advocacy
agriculture. The main social externalities of Monte are concerned with job creation or
“We
recovery as well as the investment in the
communication. We always try to involve social
territory preventing for instance the migration of
media and in all projects have some budget to be
youth.
used in communication”9 information.
developed by Monte in 20148 in the framework of
237 created
huge
attention
to
the
Indeed
communication
is
a
fundamental issue at different levels
SP3 PRODER:
o External communication and transparency – Monte has information about the
projects
approved
an
In terms of research we can validate this
Attending to some of the results of the projects
187
give
;
projects and also internal issues in the
jobs
website (Different documents like the
in
Annual Reports, Strategic Planning for
Central
next 3 years or Work Plan for 2016 as
Alentejo region,
well
8
9
2014 Activities Report 7
as
the
Marta Alter Interview
human
resources
and
organizational development – internal
or domestic violence or unemployed
training).
people training12
o Monte
follows
different
approaches/instruments promote
people
participation Projects
in
and
order
to
the
Forums,
of
advocacy
one
Pedro
Council,
one of the distinctive mark of Monte’s
Projects
work as well are the advocacy projects in
Public Discussion)
some relevant issues in the field of social
o In specific projects communication had an
economy such as local short marketing
added-value:
chains.
o Projects concerning prevention of domestic/relationship
Promotion
among
of
new
consumers:
attitudes
Responsible
violence.
consumption more engaged with local
“We try to do some advocacy in
resources; Consumers awareness of the
this is a very difficult area to work
ecological impact of their consumption
in small contexts, so we had to
and
find different strategies. We use
economy. This process in integrated in
theater but we also tried to
PROVE project. Monte was one the
involved local social media. During
entities that disseminate the process and
two years we had a monthly
is working in some thematic groups about
program in the radio with different
this.
people
to
talk
about
the
also
contributing
for
the
local
14
1.7) Networking, affiliations and openness
10
thematic”
of the Good practice to the existing
o Monte developed a project of
networks
capacity building of social media in the field of communication for
Monte is recognized by its role in the field of
development and ethical issues in
local governance but also for the promotion of
11
the media o In
field
Krupensky Pedro Krupenski13 refers that
organizations
(Cooperation
Showroom,
o Although Monte didn’t recognize a role in
the
field
of
the work in cooperation and networks. “Monte communication
and
knowledge transfer/sharing Monte has developed
different
material
covering
various thematic such as local governance 12
https://issuu.com/monteace/docs/manual_mirabal_net; https://issuu.com/monteace/docs/guia_formacao_desem pregados; https://issuu.com/monteace/docs 13 President of Portuguese Non-Governmental Development Organizations (NGDOs) Platform 14 http://www.minhaterra.pt/wst/files/I12296RESOLUCAOXARX65X2015.PDF
10
Marta Alter Interview http://www.monte-ace.pt/site/PlanoFormacao_CursoRadar.pdf 11
8
has at least three or four levels of participation:
very committed with this network
local, regional, national and transnational”15
since the beginning”17 o A Minha Terra is a private non-
Local Level – Knowledge of the territory,
profit
its agents and needs, working together (Local
Councils
for
Social
53)
structures
of
affiliate and an active partner, collaborating
with
development
National Level
of
the different
activities.18 Rural
Nacional
(National
o ANIMAR - Portuguese Association
Rural Network) join agents of rural
for Local Development constituted
development located in Portugal.
by 82 collective associations and
It works as a platform for the dissemination
and
information,
experience
knowledge,
to
sharing
facilitate
110 individuals. This network bet
of
the sharing of knowledge and
and
practices among its associates,
the
develop sharing and cooperation of actions to be implemented in order
de
rural areas. Monte is one of its
such as the Directory of
LDAs Networks from Alentejo o Rede
(Associações
solutions for the development of
the
Agriculture and Fishery from Lisbon area;
Development
and aims at the implementation of
Regional : Working with the municipalities government,
Local
Desenvolvimento Local - ADL),
Alentejo; Villages Assemblies regional
of
Associations
in different CLAS in the region of Central
and
public
2000 by a large group (currently
Intervention/Action) – Monte participates
with
interest. It was established in
with the community and local actors: CLAS
organization
to
improve
promoting
local
initiatives,
dissemination
products
the
and
cultural
implementation of programs and
potential
policy and the qualification of the
of
experiences,
and
communities,
measures of rural development
employment for
economic
based
on
resources,
the
culture,
heritage and local staff.
intervention of those involved in
o Portuguese
rural development16. “Monte is
Development
Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGDOs) Platform is a private non-profit 15
17
16
18
Henrique Sim-Sim Interview http://www.rederural.pt/index.php/en/rede-ruralnacional/who-are-we/introduction
organization
that
José Veiga Interview Information from A Minha Terra (Colected on the 1st phase of the project) 9
represents a group of 68 NGDOs,
more interesting for the development of our work
registered
and we are committed with them”19
Foreign
in
the
Affairs.
represents
Ministry
The
and
of
Platform supports
2. Evaluation of the Good practice
Portuguese NGDOs at a national and
international
contributing
to
2.1) The Good practice’s economic and social impact and potential
level,
strengthen
the The most important contribution recognized by
intervention of the civil society in the
areas
Cooperation,
of
all the interviews, from beneficiaries to the
Development
Humanitarian
regional entities was the role of Monte in
and
enhancement of endogenous resources (human,
Emergency Aid and Development
natural and financial). This has an economic
Education.
impact, that most of times is difficult to quantify,
International Level
but also a social impact, promoting the territory.
o EUROACE Network – network of LDAs from Extremadura (Spain)
“Monte was one of the booster of projects to
and Portugal (Alentejo Region and Center Region). create
to
promote agriculture recovery and stimulating
A euro-region
promote
youth interesting in the agriculture”, promoting
knowledge
the competitiveness of low density territories and
transference
new opportunities to young people. “Nowadays
o European Anti-Poverty Network is
local
the largest European network of national,
regional
and
products,
endogenous
resources
are
important assets of Alentejo, bringing qualified
local
youth to the territory in order to promote a more
networks, involving anti-poverty
sustainable development.”20 Projects like PROVE
NGOs and grassroot groups. as
or New Deal for Youth Employment have an
well as European Organisations,
economic impact but mainly social
active in the fight against poverty and social exclusion. Monte is the
One of the major impact of Monte’s activity,
responsible for the coordination of
specially as regional manager of some programs,
this network in Evora Region since
is the fact that it gives new opportunities to small
2014.
actors that otherwise would be excluded of communitarian
The role of Monte in all the networks is “to
funds.
Monte
promote
the
creation of new jobs, support innovative projects.
contribute to the network, because the network
“Created employment in the territory, support
gives us a lot. Be in a network represents an added-value because we share and we learn. In
19
each network we look to the areas that can be
20
10
Marta Alter Interview Henrique Sim-Sim Interview
different companies to grow or consolidate,
territory: youth returning, youth staying, more
qualified the territory and support territory
qualified youth in the territory, new business and
development (…) But the capacity building of
The most relevant role of Monte in the territory is
people contribute to the qualification of the
to keep the rural world alive and dynamic,
community and with impact in the origin, in the
maintaining people in their villages, in their
families”21
mountains, but having acess to some support to maintain themselves in these places (…) Its not
“The social impact of Monte is stronger, because
about economic viability but maintain a living
this association encourages the self-organization
landscape, because there will be no rural world
of local agents. That territorial animation helps to
without people, if no one lives there. If we lose
consolidate initiatives”22
this all the tourists lose the interest.”24 This vision of Monte wok is real important as this
2.2) The transformative impact on the territory and beyond
issues are so relevant that the Portuguese Government decided to create last month a new
Transformative impact in the way they look at
structure to reflect about the desertification and
the territory terms of as intervention that is act
promotion of low density territories.
closed with the people, it’s part of local actors and its their self-organization that is relevant.
The transformation of mentalities and local
Monte is disruptive in the way the organization
awareness were shared by almost all the
looks to the territory, It creates disruption in
stakeholders. Mainly concerning the way people
some territories and dynamics, adding value. A
look at their territory, improving the partnership
work with the most vulnerable, developing
and a communitarian approach. We can analyze
common strategies with the women, youth, the
these impacts on PROVE.
unemployed working deep in the field of qualification, crossing interests. Monte has strong competences and strong networks, hard skills
2.3) Policy impact of the Good practice
but also relational skills, qualifying itself but also its territories. That makes the difference in the
In what concern with policy impact the analysis is not obvious.
territory.23
Attending that most of Portuguese policies are
Local Pacts for Employment or the Project New
defined at a central level it’s difficult for an
Deal for youth unemployed are contributing to a
organization or its stakeholders to clear identify
new economic and social dynamics in the
areas in each they did the difference and had a real policy impact.
21
Henrique Sim-Sim Interview José Veiga Interview 23 Henrique Sim-Sim 22
24
11
Alberto Pirata
28
However almost all the interviewees referred that
with Barca Report
Monte contribute for sure for some changes
have shown that they can be successful in
together with others. The principal contribution
developing
was in the field of rural policies:
integration and institutional cooperation. This
new
local initiatives, as LEADER, ideas,
promoting
policy
integration has a significant impact at regional “Monte and other LDAs are responsible for the
level: “Originally this kind of organization were
release of a set of initiatives and policies like
created to ‘implement’ an approach of local
rural entrepreneurship. This was a concept that
development that would converge to integrate
policy-makers didn’t use. (..) However with the
the public policies at a local level and that can be
development of different projects in the field of
done with small grants, because they should only
handcraft or local products that started to be
operate in the failures of the policies”29. The role
regulated at a communitarian level and the
that Monte and other ADLs in the territory was
Protected Designation of Origin25, LDAs open this
not clearly this but their activities contribute to
field. (…) Not directly Monte but attending to the
policy integration. Monte also recognize this role
networks in which Monte’s participate, this association
influenced
positively
internally: “The intervention that Monte and
these
other entities as ours do, in this kind of territories
discussions at a political level”26 At this level we
where the support/grants are not enough. The
can considerer the impact of PROVE Project in which
Monte
participate
actively
and
central politics doesn’t take into account the
that
specific local needs I believe we are making the
contribute for change at a policy level in terms of
difference mainly because we are trying to
the short marketing chains with new regulation
adapt, adjust and integrate the policies. We try
at a national level.
not only to share our knowledge but also
Monte is also recognized as an organization that
influence the politics of our region, having a
promotes local governance. And that for sure has
close interaction with the municipalities in order
impacts at a policy level. “Monte introduced a
that our opinion can be taken into account in the
new way to be in the territory. Open, competent,
formulation of new programs and policies”30
innovative, in relation with others. This has been transferred not only for local organizations but
2.4) Sustainability of the practice
also for municipalities and regional entities”27
Attending to the circumstances of this kind of
At local level is particular relevant the importance
organization the sustainability has to be analyze
of policy integration. This approach is recognized
at different levels:
at high level (European Commission). According 28
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/archive/policy/future /pdf/report_barca_v0306.pdf, pp 126 29 José Veiga Interview 30 Inácia Rebocho Interview
25
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/ 26 José Veiga Interview 27 Henrique Sim-Sim Interview 12
Organizational
level:
Monte
as
LEADER
an
manager of some regional funds - At this
sustainable,
level
support in order they can grow
the
organization
is
always
Government.
“Nowadays
the
o Valorization
give
them
of
endogenous
sustainability of this organizations is not
resources: natural resources and
easy for different reasons: economic and
economic activities as well as
social conjuncture, when organizations
human
launch new projects they are always
building of local agents assures
dependent of grants and financial aids.
part of the sustainability of the
And these grants have specific goals. The
processes), promoting the social
sustainability of this organization is also
sustainability of the territory and
affected by new political cycles, new
people (Projects like New Deal for
agents”31
Employment
The
organization
is
aware
of
developed
this
resources
or in
(capacity
the
Cape
projects Verde
or
Guinea)
an organization that is always trying to
o Knowledge transfer at different
innovate and develop different strategies.
levels and direction: from other
And this is a field in which Monte is also
territories but also to other agents
investing, trying to use new tools like the
trough
social impact bonds (in partnership with
methodologies and a practice of
the private sector of the region). Besides
evaluation (external and internal)
this “when Monte doesn’t get the grant,
the
definition
of
Governance level: One of the added-value
they try to develop the initiative in a
of Monte is the local governance “rural
different way more related with reflection
communities can organize themselves
or stakeholders engagement”
32
and Local governance – That will never finish. The Government requires that
Projects level: o Built in a bottom-up approach and
Monte, as a LDA, be representative of all
answering to real needs, clearly
local agents and can have that legitimacy,
identified
in order their program can match the
in
participatory
collective interests and needs”33
diagnosis and taking into account the target-group. As a manager of
32
and
and consolidate their action;
dependency. And Monte is recognized as
31
Monte
support initiatives that are clearly
from
PRODER
association developing social projects and
dependent of external grants, mainly
and
Henrique Sim-Sim Henrique Sim-Sim interview
33
13
José Veiga
2.5) Participatory space open to the territory
o
Member of the Portuguese Network for Sovereignty and Food and Nutritional Security. www.realimentar.org;
Monte follows all the principles of a democratic
o Relevant stakeholder in a network of
organization attending to its foundation, an
ADLs (Local Development Associations -
association of collective organizations. So the internal processes are all very participatory. Besides the involvement of the Cooperation Council not only in the definition of the strategy but mainly in the field of the local plan and strategies for the territories. One
of
its
principles is
participation and
proximity and Monte is recognized by all the interviews as an organization that is based on local
governance.
Indeed,
Monte
aims
to
promote an integrated development, through
http://www.animar-dl.pt/) with different
participation and placed based intervention,
interventions/campaigns in the field of
involving different stakeholders. In most of their
social economy and local development -
projects the beneficiaries identified their needs and help to identify the solutions.
Work
Some
or
New
Deal
for
Active
o Monte participated as a representative of
3. What can we learn from the described Good practice?
a
working group of the CamĂľes Institute of
Attending to the results of the interviews as well
Cooperation and language to promote a Cooperation
sectoral on
Food
as the research about Monte we can identify
Portuguese Security
Citizenship
2.pdf)
LDAs:
of
Rural
ace.pt/site/Flyer_web_2013-04-24-ps-
some interventions together with other NGOD or
strategy
da
(http://www.monte-
concerns advocacy Monte is being developing
Platform,
Bases
o One of the promoters of the project
the added-value of this organization. In what
NGDOs
de
Economy)
This is recognized by different stakeholders as
Portuguese
“Lei
national regulation in the field of Social
Youth
Employment
the
of
Economia Social� (The most important
examples like CLDS (Local Contract for Social Development)
Group
clearly the main results of this practice at
and
national and international level:
Nutrition for sustainable development, 14
o Contribution to SSE – Principles and
urban) and reinforce the economic
projects developed o Empowerment
and social dynamics in a bottomof
communities
up
approach
(Promoting
based on the enhancement of
endogenous
endogenous resources and trough
products and tourism)
a real involvement of communities
resources,
local
o Crossing two major areas: cooperation for
in their own development;
development and a practice of regional
o Social and economic inclusion of
SSE
most vulnerable, the ones that are
o Attending that this was one of the
marginalized and don’t benefit
main points of this study its
from public policies.
important to emphasis the role
o Promoting rural entrepreneurship
that Monte is having at this level,
and the recovery of economic
inspiring
dynamics trough innovation and
because this area is assumed as
territorial animation
natural
o Developing projects in cooperation
other
organizations
development
of
the
organization by almost all the
with others, involving other in
stakeholders
decision-making, supporting them.
interviewed.
“We are growing together, looking
and
partners
o “They start with actions in their
for new solutions for a common
own
territory (…) learning together and
cooperation is like an extension of
this way of work is so consistent,
their intervention in a field that
so natural, that it’s easy for us to
they know well. It’s a win win
cross strategies and projects” o Monte
was
34
and
doing
relation. They implement projects
and
together with local organizations,
consolidate under the LEADER
they are not located there and
program as this approach is real
their main concern is the capacity
important because inspired the
building of local NGOs”35 When
local/regional development (This
Monte developed the first project
methodology was transferred to
in Cape Verde was to disseminate
urban
a
context)
created
territory
and
most
of
LEADER
experience.
The
LEADER principles are the same of
approach was exactly the same
the ones of SSE: improve the rural
than in Portugal and based of
territories (more vulnerable than 35 34
Hermínia Ribeiro Interview (1st phase), Networking for Development Platform
Inácia Rebocho Interview 15
capacity building of local agents in
development in quite different
order
own
areas from the ones that they
endogenous resources. Then they
develop in Portugal (renewable
started to work in Guinea and
energy). Experiences like Monte
maintain the approach but went
are very few and this practice can
deep with a local intervention in
inspire other organizations in both
the promotion of local resources,
directions,
mainly
developing projects in cooperation
to
promote
natural
their
resources
in
Cacheu region, helping the local
or
agents
practices
to
promote
dynamics
and
economic economics
preserving
the
organizations that
bringing
they
have
the and
disseminate in Portugal, in a win-
competitiveness but maintaining and
organizations
win relationship.
natural
o Knowledge transfer
resources36. The principles, the
o One of the major points stated by
knowledge is the same because is
all the stakeholders is the way as
deeply dependent of the local
Monte transfers knowledge from
needs.
other territories to Alentejo, being
o Although
this
approach
seems
a mediator of knowledge from
very clear and simple at the
Europe to the region, codifying,
national
huge
working and preparing all the
impact because as identified in the
knowledge to be disseminated and
Premises chapter in Portuguese
transferred to other region with
context
different
context
has
there
developing
a
are
NGOD
characteristics
like
37
projects
in
countries
and,
o The knowledge transfer is also
mainly, citizenship awareness or
very important at a community
advocacy in Portugal (And in the
level: “When we talk about rural
last two or three years we have
development is very important to
some
organizations
enhance the knowledge related
developing small experiences of
with the rural promotion but also
SSE
the intergenerational knowledge,
development
of in
this
Portugal),
or
Guinea or Cape Verde
local
organizations promoting SSE and
Indeed
developing
values and the image of the
cooperation
for
is
important
that
the
territory, that is distinct from 36
http://spore.cta.int/en/blue-economy/environmentalconservation-ensures-food-security.html
37
16
Henrique Sim-Sim interview
others, can be incorporate and
new challenges. The organization
valued by the ones that live here
never
but also by others.
innovate.38 Projects trying to fix
o Qualification of territories and people
youth in the territory were highly
o Different stakeholders referred this
stopped
innovative
to
and
reflect
inspire
and
other
as the major input of Monte to its
organizations in different parts of
territories. Not only related with
the country.
the fact that this organization is high
qualified
put
this
Monte’s work is the bridge that
to
the
they try to promote between the
territory. But promoting a real
needs of the vulnerable territories
qualification of the territory trough
and the tools and policies created
sharing knowledge.
to supported that needs. “Monte
qualification
For
and
o Another differentiating factor of
available
instance
Resources
in
CREMP
Center
for
Entrepreneurship
where
capacity
of
building
–
knows the territory, the local
Female
needs but also know the tools, the
the
grants
potential
that
promote development
by Monte but also encouraging
making
the
partnership”39
qualification,
sharing
between
potential
knowledge entrepreneurs
and
business
this
sustainable the
region,
process
in
In Monte we identified two individual stories that
o Innovation is
recognized
an
are
organization
constantly
improving
translate
the
different
form their territory, assuring not just productive
their
processes but mainly projects with social viability and the involvement of the community in their
solutions for old problems, like
own development.
youth unemployment, or looking partners
and
support the activities of two small associations
approach in order to find new
new
relevant
approaches and projects of this entity. Monte
as having a deep
knowledge of the territories and
for
in
to
4. Individual story 40
women o Monte
available
a
entrepreneurs is promoted directly peer
are
or
methodologies. During the last 20 38
months, Monte had the capacity
Henrique Sim-Sim interview Inácia Rebocho Interview 40 Full interview recorded, filmed and transcribed (Attachments) 39
to regenerate itself and look for 17
Dupla Personalidade Association
they also have support sharing equipment and
The story of the project in small steps: Alberto is
human support. “We have some support from
a youth that was supported by Monte at different
the
phases of his life, first as a children/teenager
association like our need a different support,
when he went to Monte just to use the internet
more human, helping us to reflect and to grow,
(Monte’s resource center was very important for
to pursuit our aims and our activity. And in
youth because they just have internet at school
Monte we found that space and support”.
municipalities,
some
grants,
but
an
and at Monte they have the opportunity to use the internet for other things and to be with
This group is working, together with Monte,
friends in a different space), then as an
some social issues through theater. Like gender
association
of
violence. Monte develops a project to support the
internship. The story shared here is about the
victims and in that project Dupla Personalidade
support that Monte gave to his organization.
participate developing some work in the field of
Alberto and other teenagers had a theater group
community theater. This kind of partnership and
in School and they decided to create a youth
support helps the entity to develop it’s activity
association in order to organize small theater
and gain some space in their community.
performances.
Alberto
leader
and
This
then
in
association
terms
Dupla
regards that Monte give particular
Personalidade aims to promote arts, culture and
attention to the needs of the local community.
sports through different initiatives; promote
“Monte is like a factory of new agents in the
youth; promote citizenship and solidarity in the
region, involving youth in the processes in order
community. The diversification of some of their
they recognized they are needed and a resource
activities was due to the work that they develop
for the development of their own territory”41.
with Monte.
Indeed, Alberto shared that thanks to the support of Monte they were able to pursuit some training in professional theater. All over the years 41
18
Alberto, Dupla Personalidade Association
Liga dos Pequenos e Médios Agricultores de
“Although this project assured small agriculture
Montemor-o-Novo
production, it’s impact is higher than that, attending that it contributes to occupy usefully
Another project and organization that was
some people, to help people to overtake some
supported by Monte was
difficulties,
for
instance
Liga dos Pequenos e Médios Agricultores de
loneliness,
or
some
Montemor-o-Novo (Association of small and
contributing
medium farmers of Montemor-o-Novo). The
intergenerational exchange”42
to
unemployment,
financial
the
family
or
constraints, income,
project was born in 2012 mainly because the community wanted a space to produce some goods for their own consumption. Attending to this
need
the
municipality
gave
to
this
association a large property in order they can manage and distribute some land plots to different people. The organization of this process was only possible with Monte’s support. Trough PRODER they get the financial support to manage the land and also to implement an irrigation system.
The main role of Monte in this process was indeed to understand the relevance and social feasibility of the project, because “in a project like this we can’t expect economic feasibility, profit but only social issues. That support, the understanding of the project impact was the major element that allowed the development of this project”43.
That way was possible to promote community gardens. This way the community assure their own
fresh
products
and
plants
as
well
neighborhood improvement, sense of community and
connection
intergenerational
to
the
share
of
environment
and
knowledge
and
experiences. 42 43
19
Alexandre Pirata, interview Alexandre Pirata, interview
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION STAKEHOLDER MAPPING
HIGH PROFILE
LOW POWER
Cidadania e Território ISCTE ANIMAR EAPN Observatório de Lisboa UCP – ES Universidade de Évora
CIMAC Fundação EDP
HIGH POWER
Rede Intermunicipal FCG Plataforma ONGD
LOW PROFILE
20
UCCLA CASES Camões IP CCDR–A Seg. Social – CPD CCDRLVT
Interviews With the contributions of the following stakeholders:
For the selection of the Good Practice: o Network of rural associations: Luís Chaves and Luís Pedroso (Federação A Minha Terra); o Non Governamental Development Platform: Pedro Kruspensky (ONGD Platform) and Hermínia Ribeiro (Networking for Development: From Town Twinning to More Efficient
Cooperation), o SSE sector: Eduardo Figueira (ANIMAR) and Cátia Cohen Cases and Jorge Nunes (Informal Network: Cidadania e Território)
For the evaluation of the good practice we interviewed o Representative of Local/regional Authoraties: José Veiga (Directory of Agriculture from Alentejo Region) o Expert of a Regional Network: Henrique Sim-Sim (Mission Structure for Social Innovation in Portugal) o Beneficiaries: Alberto Santos (Dupla Personalidade Association), Alexandre Pirata (Manager of Liga dos Pequenos e Médios Agricultores de Montemor-o-Novo) o Responsible for the organization: Marta Alter (General Director of Monte) o Worker: Inácia Rebocho
21