Algarve's €27.2 Million Boost for Rural Development: PADRE II Plan Signed to Revitalize Low-Density Areas

The Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve (AMAL) and the Managing Authority of the Regional Program of the Algarve 2021-2027, represented by CCDR Algarve, have signed a contract for PADRE II - Action Plan for the Development of Endogenous Resources 2025-2027. This initiative is backed by a substantial allocation of €27.2 million from the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). The signing ceremony took place during the Intermunicipal Council meeting on Friday, September 26, marking the final session with the current composition of Municipal Presidents.

Focus on Rural and Low-Density Territories

PADRE II targets rural and low-density areas, building upon the previous Action Plan for the Development of Endogenous Resources (2014-2020). Its primary goal is to promote the valorization and dynamization of these territories, fostering economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and local capacity building. The plan aims to encourage population retention and strengthen territorial resilience and cohesion.

Five Strategic Axes of Action

The plan is structured around five key axes:

1. Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity: Focused on preserving natural habitats and promoting biodiversity.
2. Creation of a Network of Smart Villages: Emphasizing the use of new technologies to leverage transformation opportunities in rural areas, including initiatives for occupation and employment.
3. Transversal Measures: Ensuring the reinforcement of best practices from the previous period (PADRE I).
4. Structural Interventions for Each Territory: Based on anchor elements of endogenous resources to drive foundational changes.
5. Capacity Building and Governance: Aims to build competencies and management capabilities among stakeholders involved in the plan.

Coordination and Leadership

Strategic and operational coordination of PADRE II is the responsibility of AMAL, facilitated through the articulation of the Intermunicipal Council of CIM with the AG Algarve 2030 (Managing Authority) and the managers of Transversal Projects.

Optimism from Leadership

José Apolinário, President of CCDR Algarve and the Steering Committee of the Managing Authority (AG) of the Regional Program of the Algarve 2021-2027, expressed confidence in the plan's success. He highlighted the strong collaboration between AG and AMAL and the effective cooperation of all municipalities over recent years, stating, "PADRE II will be another program that has everything to go well, considering the always very good articulation between the AG and AMAL and the cooperation and collaboration that all municipalities have achieved over the last few years."