MAP Position Note (Alqueva, Portugal) - Empowering rural areas in multi-level governance processes

The Alqueva region is located in the Alentejo province of Portugal and has recently undergone significant changes in terms of governance and rural development. The region is characterized by its vast expanses of arid land and a sparse population, which has historically made it difficult to attract investment and development, this has somewhat changed in recent years with the construction of the Alqueva dam and its irrigation perimeter.

One visible trend change in the region is the increasing focus on multi-level governance processes as a means of empowering rural areas. This approach recognizes the importance of involving multiple levels of government, as well as civil society and private sector stakeholders, in decision-making processes that affect rural areas. In the case of Alqueva, this has led to greater collaboration between local, regional, and national actors, as well as a more participatory approach to governance.