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Anciles is a small town nestled in the heart of the Benasque Valley, near the Ésera River in the southern Pyrenees, close to Posets-Maladeta Natural Park. Traditionally, the local economy was based on mountain livestock farming, but today tourism is the primary industry. As part of our Smart Village vision, we plan to introduce a remote biomass heating system and establish a photovoltaic community to enhance rural resilience. Additionally, we aim to improve digital connectivity, shared mobility options, and support extensive livestock farming with intelligent geolocation devices

Hilvarenbeek is a rural municipality in the Kempen region in the south of the Netherlands. To address several societal, economic and environmental issues a service organisation called ‘Tussenheid/Hilvarenbeek Smart Village’ (HSV) was created in 2014.

It brings together residents, the government and various organisations aiming to address these challenges. HSV focuses on sustainable local development and supports bottom-up community initiatives through connectors and platforms with local experts. The support is linked to financing, strategy, communication, entrance governments and matching volunteers.

Results

This approach has led to several successful projects, including repurposing of a church into a school, providing horse riding for disabled children, building houses with youngsters, energy-production with wind, water and sun, and promoting local digital communities and education programmes related to regional development. These initiatives are largely driven by dedicated residents who share their knowledge and experience with new projects.

Beyond these tangible achievements, the initiative has injected a deeper sense of local self-confidence, self-reliance and social cohesion, fostering a robust community spirit. The direct beneficiaries of these efforts number in the hundreds, yet the indirect influence goes throughout the entire community, benefitting approximately 15 000 residents.

The resulting projects have made a substantial contribution to the transition and rejuvenation of the rural area, concurrently increasing municipal government awareness and commitment. Notably, the approach garnered European recognition through the European Parliament (EP) programme ’Let the Stars Shine’, attracting a delegation from the EP and EU Commission to visit the village and witness the positive impact of the endeavours.

Its thousand-year-old castle preserves one of the oldest Mozarabic towers. It was a frontier town, the scene of several battles that marked the birth and independence of the Kingdom of Portugal. It received important royal privileges and was the site of a royal wedding in the 13th century. As a result of its long and rich history, it is home to a number of important interpretation centres that give it an important educational and cultural role, with a varied programme of events.
The Historical Village of Trancoso is still a land of Jewish legacy which, in addition to the countless marks, rituals and traditions that are still evident in this area, includes the Isaac Cardoso Jewish Culture Interpretation Centre, with the first replica of a Sephardic synagogue in Portugal; and the Bandarra House, the first monument with a cultural interpretation character.
The Historic Village of Trancoso has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

Sortelha is one of the most beautiful and oldest villages in Portugal, preserving its urban and architectural physiognomy unchanged from the Renaissance to the present day. Visit the streets and alleys of the village, surrounded by a defensive ring from which it rises and guarded by a lofty 13th century castle. The Historic Village of Sortelha has been the inspiration for several national and international film and television productions, making this village an asset of great importance for the development of cultural and creative industries, initiatives oriented towards sustainability, with particular emphasis on the social and economic, bringing the community as an active element of these productions.
With this track record, we hope to develop this village into a Film Friendly/Green Shooting destination/territory, to be replicated in the remaining 11 Historic Villages. Adding value to this positioning is the installation of the 1st Collective Self-Consumption Community in terms of energy in rural areas, aimed at green production and consumption, the latter registered 24 hours a day due to the fact that an energy storage battery has been anchored to the Self-Consumption Community.
This is an initiative launched by the private sector as part of its corporate social responsibility to provide people with a 50 per cent rebate on the cost of energy and exemption from any investment to access greener, cheaper and fairer energy.
The dynamism that has been fostered in this historic village has earned it the recognition of Best Tourism Village in 2023 by the World Tourism Organisation.
The Historic Village of Sortelha has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

Nestled on the slopes of the Serra do Açor, this historic village built of schist is a symbol of harmonious adaptation to the challenges of the terrain. Declared an Asset of Public Interest in 1978, it is now in the process of being declared a National Monument, with the aim of preserving, protecting and disseminating traditional building techniques.
Its nativity scene architecture and surrounding landscape have proved to be attractive features for tourists from all over the world.
Because of its ancestral and current connection to the land, Aldeias Históricas de Portugal, in partnership with the Municipality, Parish Council and community, designed a project related to the farm to fork domain of the Green Deal, in close connection with the Mediterranean Diet of Portugal, recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 4 December 2013 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The project, entitled 'AHP Network | Farm-to-Fork Ecosystem-based Management', has a transversal nature in the 12 historic villages that make up the network (survey and mapping of native species), as it plans to experiment with the scientific and technological system for the protection and conservation of terraces and the introduction of native species as a means of restoring biodiversity, The use of traditional agricultural techniques, the promotion of sustainable production and consumption, the use of the levada system (communal irrigation system) as part of the process of water efficiency, among other added value in the context of sustainability. This project has been submitted for funding and the outcome is awaited.
The Historic Village of Piódão has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

The Monsanto inselberge forms a granite spur that rises to an altitude of 762 metres where a castle founded during the reconquest from the Arabs stands. Its natural beauty and rich heritage have made it the setting of choice for films and series, but also for a mobility and accessibility project based on people's enjoyment of public space, in line with the principles of the New European BAUHAUS, soon to be incorporated into a load capacity system to monitor tourist flows in order to achieve a harmonious balance between visitors and the destination area.
Its physiognomy takes the form of a granite archipelago that stands out as "island hills", which has earned the Historical Village the UNESCO designation of Geomonument within the NATURTEJO GEOPARK.
The Historic Village of Monsanto has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

This historic village, located on a spur of land, was originally inhabited by the Aravos, a Lusitanian people who were later conquered by the Romans, who founded a town here. Occupied by the Arabs, it was conquered by Ferdinand the Great in 1063. A new castle was built and defended during a period of endemic warfare, until the borders of Portugal were defined in the Treaty of Alcanices. It preserves its medieval citadel and is a place of great tourist interest, where some very important municipal events are held.
The Historic Village of Marialva has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

A medieval town dating back to the 12th century, Linhares da Beira has a unique architectural and artistic diversity, testimony to its dense and rich history. In 1169, it was granted a charter by King Afonso Henriques, although it had already been honoured by Ferdinand the Great in the 11th century. During the reign of King Dinis, the fortification was redesigned with an imposing keep leaning against the wall.
The history of the landscape and the ancestral community knowledge associated with this ecosystem, from which the village takes its name, inspired the creation of the Linum | Innovation and Creative Ecosystem for Value Co-Creation project. It is a multidisciplinary project that falls within the areas of specialisation of the Collective Efficiency Strategy of the Historic Villages of Portugal 2030 Network: 'Biodiversity/Sustainable Agriculture'; 'Cultural and Creative Industries'; 'Sustainable Tourism' and 'Sustainable Construction', focusing on the different stages of the flax production process: harvesting; processing; transformation (textile, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry; food industry). Based on an ancient practice (production and processing of flax) that has now disappeared, but of which there is still common knowledge (cultivation, spinning and weaving), the project aims to reactivate it, following the parameters of sustainability throughout the process and outputs, supported by the dynamics of innovation and the application of scientific knowledge already built up in some areas related to this new sector. The project has been submitted for funding and the results are awaited.
The Historic Village of Linhares da Beira has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

Among the modest houses, there are many remains of the ancient Roman city, the civitas Igaeditanorum. A temple at the top of the forum, some houses with courtyards and even a large public baths building have been identified in this meander of the river Pônsul.
At the end of the Empire, a city in transformation, walled in, adopted a new religion and two baptisteries from that remote period are among the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula. It has infrastructures for accommodation and spaces for museums and visits to archaeological sites, while important scientific research projects are underway.
The Historical Village of Idanha-a-Velha celebrates multiculturalism, which is reflected in its vast heritage, which shows the culture of different peoples dating back to the time of Ancient Rome, being part of the crossroads of trade routes in the Mediterranean. Because of its heritage and the importance of its history, this village has successively been the stage for the work of the Scientific and Technological System, which is also linked to research into the cultivation of olive groves and the soil, as it is an ancient ecosystem, in order to replicate the good practices still visible in the "farm to fork" system.
This work has been carried out through patronage which, in addition to private initiative, also includes the participation of the Municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, the community, local associations and the AHP-ADT.
The Historic Village of Idanha-a-Velha has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

The earliest occupation dates from the Muslim period, when a beautiful cistern was built in the centre of the village. The walls, with their characteristic circular towers, were built by King Afonso IX of León, while the church of Rocamador was a must for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, who had been coming here since the time of the Kingdom of León. Castelo Rodrigo was the scene of important historical battles, including the Battle of Salgadelas (1664), which is now being re-enacted in a high-profile event. The exemplary restoration of the Historic Village has included various facilities and infrastructure to facilitate visits, but also to improve the quality of life of residents and workers.
As part of its governance and networking model, the Association has created strategic thematic groups in different areas of specialisation and in correlation with the key areas of action included in the Strategy. Water efficiency is a strategic axis, and to this end the project 'Community-based urban water management | Harnessing water from alternative sources in the Historic Villages of Portugal (Cisterns of the Castles as an asset to increase water efficiency)' has been designed, taking into account the climate challenges and the vulnerability of the AHP network area to drought and desertification risks.
Although the Historic Villages were originally equipped with rainwater collection and storage systems, they currently have no functioning systems. This project aims to provide a viable response by valorising the historic storage structures (castle cisterns) and collection systems (wells, mines, etc.) that exist in the villages. An experimental pilot project is planned to assess the village as a whole and study the feasibility of storing and reusing rainwater for non-human uses that are essential to the management and quality of the urban and rural spaces immediately surrounding the village (e.g. irrigation and washing of public spaces, firefighting, cooling towers and, in the case of a network that may include private spaces - buildings, for the non-human consumption needs there). The implementation of the project in question is awaiting the outcome of the analysis of the application.
The way in which the village has managed to make everyday life more dynamic has earned it the title of Best Tourism Village 2021 by the World Tourism Organisation.
The Historic Village of Castelo Rodrigo has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

Located in the heart of the Serra da Gardunha, a Regional Protected Landscape, it was a defensive castle, but above all it served as a guarantor of the organisation of these territories during the consolidation of Portugal's borders.
It preserves a vast architectural heritage, with numerous elements linked to the abundant sources of pure water that inspired visionaries in times gone by (1916), who made Águas do Alardo their home, a small company that, throughout its history, has adopted truly inspiring management in the field of sustainability.
Thanks to the enterprising and courageous people who live here, the Association of Historic Villages of Portugal, in partnership with Renault Portugal and the Municipality of Fundão, has embodied a project of sustainable and inclusive urban mobility, an initiative that has proved to be highly innovative at national and international level for its principles (electric mobility, free use for residents, local businesses and tourists, shared governance and management model, intermodality ensured through transfers, contribution to decarbonisation, etc.). ), free of charge for residents, local businesses and tourists, shared governance and management model, intermodality guaranteed by transfers, involvement of the community as guardian of the project, contribution to the decarbonisation of the territory: https://aldeiashistoricasdeportugal.com/en/mobilidade-urbana-sustentavel/).
The way in which the village has managed to make everyday life more dynamic has earned it the title of Best Tourism Village 2022 by the World Tourism Organisation.
The Historic Village of Castelo Novo has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

It is an old town with a distinctly medieval character, made up of two distinct centres: the old town, with its original foundations, made up of a castle, a church ruin and remains of medieval urban planning, all surrounded by a 12th-century wall; and the new town, or Arrabalde de S. Pedro, protected by a wall built during the reign of King Dinis, with distinct Gothic features and severely damaged by the earthquake of 1755.
It has the distinction of hosting Portugal's oldest fair, which is still celebrated as a major event.
The Historic Village of Castelo Mendo has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

Land of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the navigator who discovered the Brazilian coast in the 16th century, it has an essentially Gothic castle, transformed into the palace of the Cabral family, and a church in Santiago de Compostela that deserves a long visit. Home to an important Jewish community, it has made its history and landscape the subject of its numerous museums, which has an important educational role in disseminating historical knowledge.The municipality of Belmonte has focused on intercultural dialogue as a differentiating element in its actions. Anchored in its history and heritage, the municipality has favoured a focus on cultural tourism, the promotion of entrepreneurship and the inclusion of the Brazilian and Jewish communities in its strategy. Born in Belmonte, the discoverer of Brazil, Pedro Álvares Cabral, has been an asset in bringing the two countries closer together, with positive repercussions for both sides. In the context of the Jewish community, the largest in Portugal, it has demonstrated the perfect coexistence of different religions, perfectly integrated into the social and economic life of Belmonte. In both contexts, Belmonte has encouraged new residents and businesses to settle around these two themes. The history that unites these different nations and religions is also told in the museums dedicated to this theme. Culture is at its best in symbiotic relationships, and Belmonte is a symbol of this inclusion.The Historic Village of Belmonte has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

An ancient medieval castle, it was for centuries the first line of defence for portuguese territory, and its defensive structures have undergone successive modernisations throughout its history. A jewel of military bastion architecture, it has a hexagonal plan made up of six bastions corresponding to the same number of towers. It has turned its military history into an important lever for the dissemination of history through interpretation centres and commemorative events, including a military research centre, and is currently a benchmark for equestrian tourism. The preservation and conservation of the material heritage is one of the town's priorities, with digitalisation being used to improve knowledge and dissemination of history. With the aim of boosting the local economy, the 'Digital Neighbourhoods' project is being implemented to help the micro-enterprises to take advantage of the digital age. The Historic Village of Almeida has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.

The Association of Historic Villages of Portugal, founded in 2007, is a private non-profit association that brings together public and private entities to work on the local development of the Network of Historic Villages of Portugal (NHVP), which includes Almeida, Belmonte, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Novo, Castelo Rodrigo, Idanha-a-Velha, Linhares da Beira, Marialva, Monsanto, Piódão, Sortelha and Trancoso. The 12 Historic Villages of Portugal are located in the central interior of Portugal, near to the border with Spain, and are spread over 10 municipalities.
The Association has adopted the principles of sustainability and innovation in developing the Collective Efficiency Strategy for each programme period, focusing on the enhancement of endogenous resources, with the NHVP as the guiding principle of the strategy. Economic, social and territorial cohesion is an objective, supported by the challenges of digital and energy transition. The fibre optic infrastructure of the 12 Villages, the adaptation of accessibility and inclusion, sustainable and inclusive urban mobility, the creation of collective energy self-consumption communities, the classification of the 12 Historic Villages as a National Monument, our commitment to the Covenant of Mayors and the New European BAUHAUS are some of the projects/actions that demonstrate our commitment to sustainability. These areas are classified as heritage sites and therefore require the search for innovative and sustainable solutions in terms of rehabilitation/preservation of the tangible and intangible heritage. The path taken has been recognised, certified and evaluated nationally and internationally, demonstrating a move towards carbon neutrality.

The municipality of Saint Marcel, which is part of the Plaine of Aosta, in Aosta Valley (Italy) has experienced a 16% population growth dynamic over the past 20 years (1131 residents in 2001 and 1312 residents in 2021), a dynamic that has not necessarily resulted in a consolidation of the local community dimension, in fact the municipality's main problem remains its identity as a ‘dortoir’ area with respect to Aosta. The morphology of the municipality with the lack of a village centre, and an industrial area in the lower area and a residential area in the upper area accentuates the difficulty of being a community. The socio-economic context that characterises the area is the result of a complex reality typical of Alpine regions with low population density: desertification of productive and social activities, non- capillary public transport means, scarce propensity to create initiatives in the field of development, society and culture, associative dynamics that have lost awareness of their role as catalysts of community development processes and aimed at responding to individual needs

There are two main strategic lines of development in which the municipal administration is investing linked to achieving a balance of energy autonomy on the one hand and food autonomy on the other. This path is to be achieved through dynamics that facilitate and consolidate community participation, thanks also to the role that the hybrid community space A currently being structured at the village castle will play in the process.

Oliete is a vibrant example of a Smart Village that has proven how community-based initiatives can turn into entrepreneurial stories able to revert the depopulation trend and build a promising future.

Leveraged in the strong social and relational capital that Apadrinaunolivo.org has developed throughout a decade, Oliete is making territorial innovation and regenerative tourism bloom. Since 2014 a pioneering Smart Agro initiative that started giving a digital identity to the olive trees and building an international network of solidarity, the town has been able to revitalize its ancient olive groves and gardens, reactivate the olive oil value chain and create local jobs and opportunities. Oliete has experienced a decade of community-based innovation, led by local and well-rooted entrepreneurs.

The Program ‘Despertadores Rurales Inteligentes’ is now a lighthouse for entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and social cohesion among local authorities, residents, digital nomads, remote workers and other change agents from the Spanish territorial innovation ecosystem.

Within Aragón, Oliete stands out as a model of sustainability, creativity, and intelligent rural communities​​​​.

In the heart of Kicevo, North Macedonia, lies a beacon of hope and progress: the Association for Belica Community Development (ABCD). Nestled within the tranquil landscapes of rural Belica, this community-driven organization is dedicated to the sustainable development of our cherished village.

At ABCD, we believe in harnessing the collective power of our community to create a regenerative, climate-resilient future. With unwavering dedication, we strive to preserve the delicate balance of our natural ecosystems while nurturing a thriving, close-knit community.

For the past 17 years, ABCD has been at the forefront of transformative change, focusing on enhancing and restoring our village's infrastructure. From revitalizing age-old landmarks and reconstructing village streets to expanding educational facilities, our efforts have breathed new life into the heart of Belica.

However, our work goes beyond bricks and mortar. We are committed guardians of our cultural heritage, organizing traditional events that celebrate our rich customs and traditions. Our dedication to environmental stewardship is equally strong, as shown by our collaborative efforts to implement sustainable practices and safeguard our natural resources.

Despite the challenges we face, the indomitable spirit of our association shines brightly. With over 300 dedicated members, both locally and abroad, ABCD stands as a testament to the power of collective action. While only a small number are actively engaged on-site, the ripple effect of our shared passion and dedication is felt far and wide.

In 2023, we reached a significant milestone by partnering with the Macedonian Ecological Society to launch the groundbreaking Green Community Belica project. This collaboration, supported by esteemed partners and international funding, propelled us towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Embracing innovation and progress, ABCD embarked on a transformative journey by installing a 20KW photovoltaic system on our school building. In our pursuit of environmental harmony, traditional wooden stoves were replaced with energy-efficient air conditioners, and a state-of-the-art weather monitoring station now reflects our commitment to data-driven decision-making.

Our vision extends beyond physical infrastructure. We aim to transform our school building into a vibrant educational eco-center, serving as a hub for knowledge exchange and community empowerment. Through workshops and outreach initiatives, we seek to instill a deep respect for nature and inspire future generations to become stewards of our planet.

Our efforts have garnered widespread recognition and support, igniting a spark of hope within our community and beyond. With each passing day, we forge new alliances, exchange ideas, and lay the foundation for a brighter future.

At ABCD, we stand on the threshold of a new era, driven by passion, determination, and a shared commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of prosperity and sustainability. Together, we are working toward a future where Belica shines as a beacon of resilience, unity, and boundless possibility.

Torup, situated on a peninsula between sea and fjord 60 km to the North West of Copenhagen, with its 372 inhabitants, is a hub of many diverse initiatives and activities, including a music hall, Torup Booktown with second-hand books and cultural events, Farmers' Market, Repair Cafe, common village dinners, a commuter-hub with common office space, alternative transport, a local council, a Tools&Talents bank, and Folkeuniversitetet, i.e. a local branch of the Danish University Extension.
Such initiatives build on a strong local tradition, which has resulted, inter alia, in a parent-initiated school and kindergarten, a common meeting house, an intensely restored railway station, and a utility building containing a café, a bakery, and an organic shop. Instrumental to some of these developments were a group of people, who moved in to form a community based on organic principles, 35 years ago. Over the years, this particular part of the village has turned into a highly attractive enclave.

The above-mentioned examples build on local initiatives and local competences. This also applies to the recent major step in terms of expanding the village with 80 new eco-homes over the next few years: new houses are being built, and families have moved in.
To this end, a group of locals established a fund, Torupfonden, to acquire the land, rather than leaving this to outside investors. This has resulted in a new part of the village, including a smart, sustainable, and common heating system; an innovative common sewage treatment system; and separation of rainwater for household use. Civil society takes the lead.
In short, we respect and build on the LEADER principles in terms of our approach to locally driven sustainable rural development. With this backdrop, Torup obtained the 2019 Danish National Village of the Year award, and Torup is one of the very few Warm Zones in Denmark, i.e. a village which is growing.

In Boekel Ecovillage we will provide sustainably in our daily needs. By doing so, we contribute solutions for all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , in collaboration with our environment. That is why we have also received the EU SDG Award for SDG 11!

What we have created in Boekel is a district of 36 climate-adaptive and climate-positive rental homes of which 4 informal care homes and two houses for refugees, with opportunities for our own food supply , our own energy supply , ecological water purification and sustainable businesses .

We have built the ecovillage together with the contractor and our nature architect Huub van Laarhoven who designed the houses in three circles based on principles of Sacred Geometry. Ecodorp Boekel is made possible in part by the European Regional Development Fund, the government and the province of Noord-Brabant in the context of OPZuid.