The Municipality of Alandroal will be part of the European project CANSTAR – Consolidating an Atlantic Network of Sustainable AstroTourism Destinations, an initiative that aims to promote sustainable astrotourism in rural regions, through the enhancement of natural and cultural heritage and the reduction of light pollution.
Coordinated by ADRAL – Alentejo Regional Development Agency, the project involves five Portuguese municipalities, as well as entities from France, Spain and Ireland, establishing a transnational cooperation network focused on the promotion of sustainable astronomical tourism.
Through this project, the Municipality of Alandroal plans to invest around 60 thousand euros in the acquisition of equipment for astronomical observation, such as telescopes, and in the promotion of promotional activities associated with the destination. The investment will have a financing of 43 thousand euros, corresponding to 75% of the total amount.
“Our participation in this project reinforces the municipality’s strategic commitment to sustainable development, based on natural resources and the environmental quality of the territory”, says the municipality.
The municipality of Alandroal is part of the Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve, internationally recognized for its night sky observation conditions. In recent years, the municipality has promoted events related to this theme and implemented heritage rehabilitation projects with specific concerns for light pollution mitigation.
“The dark sky is a differentiating resource that enhances the territory, contributing to the attraction of visitors, tourists and potential investors”, adds the municipality.
Photo: Lisboa Secreta
