AMAL will manage a new PADRE with 27 million to enhance rural areas in the Algarve

The application of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community ( AMAL ) to the Algarve 2030 Regional Program was approved, guaranteeing a budget of around 27 million euros from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to implement PADRE II – Endogenous Resources Development Action Plan , between 2025 and 2027.

Focusing on low-density areas, the plan will fully encompass the municipalities of Alcoutim, Aljezur, Monchique, São Brás de Alportel, and Vila do Bispo. This new phase builds on the work begun under PADRE I (2014-2020) and aims to revitalize and enhance local resources, fostering territorial cohesion and population retention.

PADRE II is structured around five strategic axes: Nature Conservation and Biodiversity; Smart Villages Network; Cross-Cutting Measures; Resource and Territorial Enhancement; and Training and Governance. Interventions range from structural projects to training initiatives, with a focus on the introduction of digital technologies in rural areas.

The program's management will be shared among several entities. AMAL will assume the strategic and operational coordination of axes 2 to 5, in collaboration with the Intermunicipal Council and the Algarve 2030 Management Authority. The axis dedicated to nature conservation will be managed by the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission ( CCDR ).

Cross-cutting projects managed by regional partners are also planned: Vicentina will be responsible for the Local Markets Network; the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) for tourism promotion; the In Loco association for the Serrana Motorhome Network; and the Terras do Baixo Guadiana Association (ATBG) for the READY project.

Comprising 16 municipalities, AMAL's mission is to strengthen regional identity and promote the integrated development of the Algarve region.

Photo: Bruno Filipe Pires