PROMOVE is a programme of the “la Caixa” Foundation, in partnership with BPI, aimed at the strategic development of low-density territories and cross-border regions. Its mission is to test and scale innovative, sustainable and transformative solutions that contribute to strengthening economic, social and environmental cohesion while opening new pathways for territorial development and opportunities. Through innovation-based solutions focused on the qualification of human resources, the protection of heritage and the strengthening of local economies, PROMOVE seeks to reduce territorial asymmetries, combat depopulation, enhance endogenous resources and promote new development perspectives based on knowledge and sustainability. Its purpose is to highlight the role of local communities and how they can shape more resilient territories, highly competitive and capable of competing internationally.
The project developed by the Dark Sky® Association, approved under the PROMOVE programme, supports the mission of consolidating and expanding the internationalisation of a unique destination whose key resource is the night sky. The Dark Sky® Alqueva territory is certified as a Starlight Tourism Destination, being the first of its kind in the world and also the first cross-border destination, integrating 11 municipalities in the Alentejo region of Portugal and 13 Spanish municipalities. Since its creation, the initiative has been recognised as a global example of environmental protection, generating significant added value at economic, social and cultural levels across its area of implementation. Within this vast cross-border territory, the sky above us carries extraordinary potential: it is a heritage of identity, a unique scientific resource, an international tourism asset and an opportunity to attract and retain talent, create employment, attract investment and increase scientific literacy. This project aims to strengthen, develop and increase the competitiveness of this pioneering model, involving political and institutional stakeholders in order to ensure the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the territory.
Internationalisation and Market Diversification
Increase the global visibility of the destination by attracting markets with higher purchasing power and reducing dependence on traditional tourism segments.
Qualification and Expansion of the Official Dark Sky® Alqueva Partner Network
Environmental Education and Protection of the Night Sky
Acquisition of High-Quality Astrophotography
Scientific Instrumentation for Sky Monitoring
Installation of advanced equipment at the Official Dark Sky® Alqueva Observatory (Cumeada) designed to measure:
Investment and Expected Impact
With a total value of 196.650,00 € over 36 months, the project represents a strategic investment whose impact includes:
Promoting the Future Through the Night
With the support of PROMOVE, Dark Sky® Alqueva enters a new phase of consolidation, establishing itself as an international model of sustainable development, where the night sky becomes a strategic resource for knowledge, tourism and local communities.
Protecting the dark is illuminating the future.
