RUSTIK, in collaboration with the Granular and Down to Earth projects, held it second regional workshop on October 9, 2025 in Sober, Galicia (Spain). This event brought together a
wide range of participants—from researchers and practitioners to local and regional policymakers—to explore collaborative approaches to rural sustainability and development.
The workshop responds to pressing, interconnected challenges faced in Galicia and many rural areas across Europe, including depopulation, land abandonment, and increased wildfire risks. These issues require systemic responses and a stronger integration between science, community actors, and governance structures.
Focus of the Workshop:
The session explored the Living Labs and multi-actor approach as tools to support multilevel governance and evidence-based policymaking. Through structured, participatory exercises, the goal was to identify what is working, what gaps remain, and how these methodologies can meaningfully contribute to regional development strategies.
Field Visit: Aldea Modelo Francos de Proendos (Sober)
As part of the workshop, participants took part in a field visit to Francos de Proendos, a small village in the municipality of Sober (Lugo) designated as a “Model Village” (Aldea Modelo) by the regional government of Galicia in January 2022.
What is a “Model Village”?
The Aldea Modelo initiative, led by AGADER and the Xunta de Galicia, is designed to revive abandoned rural land, promote sustainable land use (agriculture, extensive grazing, agroforestry), and create natural firebreaks to reduce wildfire risk.
Key facts about Francos de Proendos:
- Covers 16.81 hectares, of which 12.87 hectares are usable.
- Includes 119 land plots belonging to 70 different owners.
- Land is integrated into the Galician Land Bank, allowing local producers to lease it for sustainable use while owners retain ownership and receive an annual payment.
- Target uses include extensive livestock farming, short-cycle vegetable production, and woody crops like fruit trees.
Cultural and Environmental Context
In addition to its innovative land use model, Francos de Proendos also holds rich cultural heritage, such as the Romanesque Church of Santa María de Proendos (12th century), which features reused Roman materials and 16th-century wall paintings.
Why Visit Francos de Proendos?
The field visit offered a unique opportunity to:
- Understand how multi-actor governance and community-based land management work on the ground.
- Explore how Living Labs can serve as real-life platforms for aligning scientific, community, and policy interests.
- Witness practical efforts to revitalize rural areas through integrated environmental, social, and economic strategies.
