Terras Dentro – Associação para o Desenvolvimento Integrado

Terras Dentro – Associação para o Desenvolvimento Integrado was founded in Alcáçovas in 1991, brought into being by the local Junta de Freguesia, the Câmara Municipal de Viana do Alentejo and a group of residents committed to their region's future. More than three decades later, the association still works across the same territory, covering the municipalities of Alvito, Cuba, Montemor-o-Novo, Portel, Viana do Alentejo and Vidigueira. The association is recognised as a public utility entity, an accredited training provider (since 1998), a Non-Governmental Development Organisation (since 1999), an organisation equivalent to an Environmental NGO (since 2004), and a Private Social Solidarity Institution (since 2009). Its work spans five areas: social intervention, environment, rural development, education and training, and development cooperation. Among its projects are the Montado – Conservação e Valorização programme, which addresses the conservation of Alentejo's cork oak landscapes, and Include Rotas sem Barreiras, a transnational cooperation project. The association also coordinates a Grupo de Ação Local (GAL) under the Desenvolvimento Local de Base Comunitária (DLBC) framework, channelling local investment proposals from residents and small ventures in its six-municipality area. Other initiatives cover vocational qualification, such as the Qualificação do Pão Alentejano project on traditional bread-making, and support for local innovation through a Centro de Inovação. Governance rests with a General Assembly led by Manuela Fialho as President, Nazaré Toureiro as Vice-President and Paula Calca as Secretary, alongside a Conselho Fiscal chaired by Manuel Fialho. Based on Rua do Rossio do Pinheiro in Alcáçovas, the association continues to describe its mission simply: to develop, innovate, qualify and preserve its territory in a sustainable way.