From the 2nd to the 16th of April, we will travel through central Portugal to point out the locations most affected by desertification – from fires to drought and lack of water –, the companies and processes responsible for it and build bridges with and between affected communities.

The Caravan thus takes 2 main themes along the way:

• Fire (associated with fires, eucalyptus trees, pulp companies, the remain that induces forest degradation) going from Navigator and Celbi from Figueira da Foz to Vila Velha de Ródão and Celtejo;
• and Water (drought, river degradation, pollution from major infrastructure, creation of numerous dams and reservoirs that cut the river and degrade it) as we descend the Tagus down to Lisbon. We will highlight CIMPOR Production Center in Alhandra, TrustEnergy Combined Cycle Plant in Pego, EDP Thermal Power Plant of Lares and several dams.

The route is divided into 3 sections:

Section 1: Figueira da Foz -> Vila Velha de Ródão [April 2nd to April 12th]
Section 2: Vila Velha de Ródão -> Vale de Santarém [April 12 to April 15]
Section 3: Vale de Santarém -> Lisbon [April 15th to April 16th]

You can participate in the entire route or in some of the paths.
Most of the time we will walk. Sometimes we will travel by public transport (free). Along the way we have several events, in particular Cirandas and Devia Haver Aqui.

Cirandas

Come discuss with us about the themes of the climate crisis in popular and cultural assemblies – Cirandas!

In the various locations where the Caravan passes, we will organize Cirandas in order to hear the perspectives of local organizations and communities on the climate crisis and its impacts and create bridges. This is the first time to build bridges and create bonds and alliances between the Caravan and the communities we pass through.

Devia Haver Aqui

We do not want to just point out the infrastructure that contributes to the climate crisis. We want to find solutions that don’t leave anyone behind!

“Devia Haver Aqui” (There should Be here) are open and wide-ranging debates that will take place in front of each infrastructure. In this we will understand the role of infrastructure and how fair transition for workers and communities can happen. Let’s discuss economic alternatives to the collapsing model and find solutions that put life at the center rather than profit.

Program for each day

Find out what we’re going to do every day!