In response to the June forest-fires, the General Council of Aldeias do Xisto (Schist Villages) Partners met yesterday in Figueiró dos Vinhos. We honoured the dead by talking about the life that animates us and the indomitable will to stay here. We refuse to be confounded by a moment’s bleakness that would consign us to black oblivion. The forest has always been our home. Our origin, our true selves, from where we first decided to raise families, build houses and work, where we sowed hopes and dreams - we will defend with our own hands. We appreciate the solidarity that comes from all over the country. We will resist the tired old denials. The fundamental message that has driven us for 20 years is more relevant than ever: the rural world is alive and it can show you another world!

In this defining moment we will respond as we have always done, starting at the base, from the inside out, confidently working with each other for the greater good. Our common cause is our collective home and we must make decisions. We are the Aldeias do Xisto Schist Villages. We demand responsibility from everyone for an integrated action focused on the relationship between community, tourism and forest, in each village, in each region. For tourism development focused on quality of life and habitat management. To improve safety and response to major risk factors. To be links for relationships between the people and the community of Pinhal Interior.
On the road of life we do not die, we are reborn.

Pay attention to our proposals and our promise for the future, to be fully realised into a joint action plan, built with the seriousness that the moment demands and honouring the Schist Villages' commitment to their region.

The head of ADXTUR - Schist Villages Tourism Development Agency, Paulo Fernandes.
Barroca, 30 June 2017