Movimento Estrela Viva

Movimento Estrela Viva was born in 2017, in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that struck Serra da Estrela, as a citizen-led response to the urgent need to protect, recover and valorise this mountain territory. It is a non-partisan, secular and non-profit informal movement bringing together citizens connected to Serra da Estrela and surrounding regions. Over the years, the movement has developed numerous actions related to reforestation, river preservation, combating invasive species, and environmental education. Beyond its environmental work, Movimento Estrela Viva also functions as a space for citizenship and community participation, promoting conversations, debates and projects that bring people closer to their land and mountain. Initiatives such as "Pontes para o Rio Alvôco" and the "Há vida na montanha!" talk series exemplify the breadth of the movement's activity. The movement regularly organises interpretive walks, such as "Caminhar para Preservar" in Vale do Rossim, where volunteers collect native Tramazeira (Sorbus aucuparia) seeds in partnership with the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), helping to safeguard a species at risk of disappearing locally. These seeds are delivered to nurseries for reproduction and future reforestation efforts. The group also mobilises quickly during wildfire emergencies, coordinating donations of food and supplies for firefighting corporations. Movimento Estrela Viva maintains an active presence at community events, such as the Arraial Social, where it shares its work and invites people to join its collective cause. Through partnerships with local associations, municipalities and public bodies, the movement continues to be a driving force for environmental stewardship and community resilience in the Serra da Estrela region.