Birdwatching was the key to Vila do Bispo’s success in the annual 'Council of the Year’ awards, beating national competition and local entries from Monchique, Vila Real de Santo António and Aljezur into first place.
The Sagres Bird Watching Festival with nature activities organised in the Vila do Bispo's council area gave this western Algarve council the winning number of votes at the event held in Braga last night.
"This national award distinguishes the Birdwatching Festival, which is unique in Portugal, and proves that it is worth betting on nature tourism," said a euphoric council spokesman.
Last year, the national winner was the city of Lisbon, with Tavira winning an honorable mention and coming first in the Algarve regional section.
The president of the jury José Mendes, the vice-chancellor of the University of Minho, said the organisation is "absolutely delighted" with this second year’s competition which attracted entries from 80 qualifying councils.
Promoted by the University of Minho through its UM-Cidades project, the 'Council of the Year' competition has the objective of recognising and rewarding best practice in projects implemented by municipalities that have a significant impact on the council area, the local economy and society, and that promote growth, inclusiveness and the current buzz word - 'sustainability.'
The Algarve saw applications from Aljezur for the ‘Historical-Cultural and Environmental Circuit of Aljezur,’ Monchique for its project to prevent houses burning to the ground, and Vila Real de Santo António for a social work project.
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