Why the Oeste UGGP?
To host the 12th International Conference on Unesco Global Geoparks
The Oeste UGGP is the ideal venue for the 12th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks for two key reasons. First, because it’s the “best place in the world to teach the public about how ocean basins grow in response to plate tectonic processes and the myriad ways that process shapes the land and its inhabitants” (IUGS Evaluation Report of the Oeste UGGP application). Second, because it has unique strengths aligning with GGN’s objectives and the purpose of its Geoparks. These unique strengths are showcased in the highlights presented below.
The GEOLOGICAL DIVERSITY and NATURAL HERITAGE
Oeste UGGP possesses a variety of geological formations with significant scientific and educational value, from littoral cliffs to uplifted hills with limestone caves, and from sedimentary landscapes to an incredibly rich palaeontological content, all of it reflecting the geological history of the Atlantic ocean opening in this unique region. This makes the location a true open-air laboratory, ideal for scientific discussions and field visits.
CONSERVATION and SUSTAINABILITY
Oeste UGGP actively promotes the conservation of its natural resources, in line with UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment to the preservation and responsible use of natural resources will inspire discussions and exchanges of best practices among participants from across the globe.
STRATEGIC LOCATION and ACCESSIBILITY
Situated 30 minutes by car from Lisbon (the Portuguese capital), the Oeste UGGP offers easy and fast access to international airports (Lisbon and Oporto), bus, and train, making travel convenient for participants. The region also provides excellent accommodation and transport infrastructure to comfortably host all visitors. Portugal is the 7th safest country in the world, providing safety for the participants to come and visit the Oeste region and its wonderful natural and cultural heritage.
CONFERENCE and MEETING VENUES
The region has well-equipped conference centers and spaces suitable for large-scale events
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS and INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES
Oeste UGGP has experience organizing educational activities for all ages, including guided tours, workshops, and environmental awareness programmes. Such activities will enrich the conference participants’ experience, offering a practical and adaptable model for other geoparks.
BIG EVENTS EXPERIENCES
The Oeste region has long term experience in organizing international events, such as sport events like the World Surf League Portuguese stage, Big Waves International Competition, Caldas Ladies Open, Kempo World Championship, national and international conferences in several areas like environment, sustainability, education, wine and winards, music events, and literature events.
LOCAL CULTURE and CUISINE
The Oeste region is rich in cultural and culinary traditions, providing visitors with a complete and memorable experience. Activities like wine tasting and sampling local cuisine foster cultural exchange, an important pillar of UNESCO conferences.
Support for RESEARCH and SCIENTIFIC TOURISM
Oeste UGGP actively promotes scientific research and educational tourism, collaborating with universities and research centers. This commitment to Science aligns with GGN’s mission to foster scientific knowledge and sustainable development.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT and ENGAGEMENT
The region promotes integration between natural heritage and the local community, encouraging residents to take part in valuing and preserving their territory. This demonstrates the positive social impact geoparks can have, serving as an inspiring example for participants from other regions.
Contribution to SUSTAINABLE DEVELPMENT GOALS
Oeste UGGP aligns with SDGs, promoting a balance between economic development, environmental preservation, and social cohesion. This direct connection to the SDGs, positions Oeste UGGP as a model of innovation and sustainability for the global community. Also, the municipalities that integrate the Oeste UGGP are a national reference for their contribution to SDGs, not only due to their singular projects, but also for the projects’ huge impact, especially in Cadaval and Torres Vedras municipalities.
COMMITMENT and SUPPORT
The national, regional and local authorities, stakeholders and local communities, are committed to the proposal and whole-heartedly support the present application, guaranteeing its accomplishment, with the necessary economic and human resources, as indicated in the budget. Also the National sponsors support the application, such as Oeste Intermunicipality Community, Center Coordination and Development Regional Commission, Tourism National Office, and the support from the Portuguese Government, the Portuguese UNESCO Global Geoparks, other UNESCO networks, and UNESCO Chair on Geoparks, Sustainable Development and Healthy Lifestyles.
EXPERTISE and SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT
The Oeste UGGP has the scientific support of a group of experts and scientific institutions that will ensure the successful and professional organization of the 12th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks.
All these highlights demonstrate how well prepared the Oeste UGGP is to organize the 12th International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks, but also the capabilities and attractive resources the Oeste region has, and the way that all of this can aim to become the best International Conference on UNESCO Global Geoparks ever made.
Torres Vedras City
Conference Facilities & Venues
The conference will take place in the city of Torres Vedras – a city located in the Lisbon district of central Portugal. Torres Vedras boasts a rich history, vibrant traditions, and picturesque landscapes, making it a notable destination for visitors and a pleasant place to live. The city played a significant role during the Napoleonic Wars, as part of the Lines of Torres Vedras, a defensive system designed to protect Lisbon. Historical landmarks such as the Castle of Torres Vedras, with its Moorish origins, and various churches, including the Church of São Pedro, highlight its storied past.
Torres Vedras is particularly famous for its Carnival, often described as one of Portugal’s most traditional and lively. Featuring satirical floats, colorful costumes, and a festive atmosphere, the event draws large crowds each year. Surrounded by rolling hills and fertile farmland, Torres Vedras is situated in the Lisbon wine region. The area is renowned for its high-quality wines, and visitors can explore local wineries and enjoy wine tastings. While the city itself is inland, it is close to several stunning beaches, such as Santa Cruz, a favorite spot for surfers and water sports enthusiasts. Torres Vedras strikes a balance between preserving its historical charm and embracing modernity. With excellent infrastructure, schools, and local amenities, it’s a thriving hub for residents and an appealing destination for tourists.
The Conference Center
Conference Facilities & Venues
The Conference Center, officially known as ExpoTorres, is ideally located in the heart of Torres Vedras, with convenient access to all major regional roadways. Spanning a total area of 70,000 m², including 9,500 m² of covered space, ExpoTorres offers excellent accessibility for both visitors and exhibitors. Throughout the year, ExpoTorres and the city of Torres Vedras host a wide range of events, including: Trade fairs and themed exhibitions, such as the São Pedro Fair, during 11 days, with more than 250,000 visitors Cultural events, including performances, art exhibitions, and seasonal markets, such as Torres Vedras Festivals, during 11 days, with nearly 100,000 visitors Torres Vedras Carnival, a 6 days event, with more than 700,000 visitors There are also spaces to set up stands for trade fairs and local exhibitions.
The venue offers spacious, well-equipped areas designed to accommodate a wide variety of events. Key features include:
- Large halls for exhibitions and trade fairs Auditoriums for conferences, presentations, and meetings;
- Support facilities such as dining areas, parking, and spaces for auxiliary activities;
- The modern and functional architecture ensures flexibility, making it suitable for events of all scales and formats;
- Free wifi access and parking spaces for public and private transport for more than 1,000 vehicles;
- An Ecumenical space dedicated to all participants who wish to have a place for their reflections and prayers;
- The Conference Center is a versatile venue, with two big pavilions available for this event.
It serves as one of the region’s key hubs for cultural, social, commercial, and business events, standing out for its modern design and adaptability.
The entire surrounding area will be occupied by Geofair, which is set to host more than 100 stands, as well as an area where local producers will offer gastronomic experiences.
Oeste UGGP Sustainability Initiatives
SDGs
The 2030 Agenda, adopted by the United Nations in 2015, is a global action plan to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. It is structured around 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides a framework for sustainable development at local, regional, and national levels.
This report examines how municipalities in the Oeste UGGP – Bombarral, Cadaval, Caldas da Rainha, Lourinhã, Peniche, and Torres Vedras – have been integrating these goals into their policies and initiatives, highlighting the most significant SDGs in the region. Therefore, we found that not all objectives for sustainable development are covered in this document, which does not mean that there are no associated initiatives.
We also highlight the fact that the municipalities of Cadaval and Torres Vedras stood out in this area, being recognized nationally by the sdgs Local Platform.
Zero Hunger
The Oeste region is a leader in promoting sustainable agriculture, leveraging its strong agricultural sector. We highlight: Bombarral and Cadaval excel in supporting local farmers, especially in fruit production (e.g., Rocha pear and apples), through markets and training programmes. Torres Vedras has developed initiatives to combat food waste and promote food education.
Good Health and Well-Being
The region prioritises health infrastructure and activities to encourage healthy lifestyles: Caldas da Rainha is renowned for its thermal hospital, contributing to health tourism. Torres Vedras runs mental health support programmes targeting schools and communities.
Quality Education
The Oeste UGGP municipalities implement a set of measures aligned with this sgd's indicators, through local education policies, and concrete measures, developed individually by each school group. Highlights include: Lourinhã uses its palaeontological heritage, led by the Museum of Lourinhã, to promote environmental education among schools and tourists. Peniche offers vocational training for young fishermen, emphasizing sustainable fishing and marine conservation.
Clean Water and Sanitation
There are projects being developed in the area of saving resources, such as water. Here, Torres Vedras has stood out: Municipalities like Torres Vedras have been implementing wastewater reuse systems for agriculture and urban green spaces.
Affordable and Clean Energy
Energy transition is a regional priority, evident in energy transition projects related to the energy supply of public buildings, adopting electric public transport, and replacing municipal fleets with electric vehicles, among others. Highlights include: Torres Vedras is investing heavily in solar energy and energy efficiency measures for municipal buildings. Bombarral has explored opportunities to install solar panels on agricultural properties.
Sustainable Cities and Comunities
Urban mobility and sustainable city planning are key focuses for the municipalities: Caldas da Rainha has developed pedestrian zones and cycling paths to reduce car traffic. Torres Vedras is a frontrunner in green public transport and soft mobility programmes.
Responsible Consumption and Production
The Oeste UGGP territory is actively promoting sustainable consumption. This involves initiatives like local composting, door-to-door waste collection, circular economy projects, and fostering local supply chains. Specifically, Peniche champions sustainable fishing and the blue economy, while Torres Vedras focuses on combating food waste.
Climate Action
Climate change mitigation and adaptation are central to the region's policies: Torres Vedras is recognised for its Climate Action Plan, including food management and waste management measures. Lourinhã, Peniche, Cadaval e Caldas da Rainha supports reforestation projects and biodiversity conservation.
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Oeste UGGP municipalities are committed to peace and SDG 16, actively promoting gender equality, non-discrimination, and human rights. This includes refugee reception, women's programs, and social justice initiatives.
Partnerships for the Goals
The cooperation between these municipalities led to the creation of the Oeste Geopark, which recently received recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This international accolade highlights the excellence and uniqueness of the region's natural and cultural heritage, achieved through joint efforts to promote sustainable development.