Under a sky full of stars, which dazzled all those present, the Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto project General Cooperation Protocol was signed on 8 July, in Fajão, Pampilhosa da Serra.

24 signatories endorsed this protocol and a total of 35 attended this event. Joining ADXTUR - Schist Villages Tourism Development Agency, leader of the Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto Project, are 20 of the partner Authorities, the Ministry of Defence, the Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of the Central Region, the Central Portugal Tourism Board, the Intermunicipal Community of the Central Region, the Dark Sky Association, the Astronomical Observatory of Porto University, and the Telecommunications Institute of the University of Aveiro.

Strengthening strategic connections, generating economic and social opportunities, developing exclusive tourism services, safeguarding the natural and man-made heritage and promoting quality of life are some of the central guidelines of this protocol.

“Idealism and hope allow us to dare and transform ostensible weakness into a resource. The blanket of darkness, commonly associated with the region's problems, are now transformed into an opportunity and the outline of a new strategic plan" said Paulo Fernandes, President of ADXTUR. He also added that "the Central Region distinguishes itself by its ample diversity, a fact that the Aldeias do Xisto have been able to harness and which is evident today on this stage”.

According to Pedro Machado, president of Turismo Centro de Portugal,"this is an extraordinarily unique work for this region whose contribution has meant that, even at a time of great difficulty, the interior has stood up to more established tourist destinations, and even had superior results in some cases". He added that "the weather, silence, safety, and natural conditions being ideally suited to the Dark Sky product are factors that can help reinvent these regions".

Skill sharing for agents

Within the scope of this Protocol, the partners also undertake to work together in the construction, promotion, and commercialisation of specialised and integrated services that capitalise on the region's full potential and also commit to work together for the organisation of events and stargazing parties with national and international reach.
To this end, the involvement and awareness of agents in the field, cataloguing the tourism offer, specialising it and adapting it to the specific characteristics of astrotourism, is essential. We recall that in June they began training seminars for public agents, which will soon be extended to the private sector.
In parallel, intervention in public lighting is also planned, with a view to control light pollution, contributing to the preservation of the sky's visibility, transparency and darkness in this region, which two years ago was recognised as a Starlight Tourist Destination by the Starlight Foundation.
Dark Sky Aldeias do Xisto Project is led by ADXTUR - Schist Villages Tourism Development Agency in partnership with the Alqueva Dark Sky® Association and is co-promoted by the Intermunicipal Community of the Coimbra Region. Completing the network of initial partners are the Institute of Telecommunications at the University of Aveiro and the University of Porto’s Faculty of Sciences.

Signatories

ADXTUR
Dark Sky Association
Turismo Centro de Portugal
Intermunicipal Community of the Coimbra Region
Pampilhosa da Serra Council
Alvaiázere Council
Arganil Council
Castanheira de Pera Council
Castelo Branco Council
Covilhã Council
Figueiró dos Vinhos Council
Fundão Council
Góis Council
Lousã Council
Miranda do Corvo Council
Oleiros Council
Oliveira do Hospital Council
Pedrógão Grande Council
Penacova Council
Penela Council
Proença-a-Nova Council
Sertã Council
Tábua Council
Vila de Rei Council