A general diagnosis was initially prepared to identify the main issues to deal with in the process.

The need for external consultation was recognized in order to make a rigorous and independent work. University of Aveiro was chosen due to its expertise in the field.

Municipalities and not NGOs usually coordinate local Agenda 21 processes. So the first step was to convince local municipalities and to create a steering group, representing the municipal decisions-makers and all the political parties.

In order to raise awareness and motivate the public to collaborate, a letter was sent to every home and “outdoors” were used.

In October 2003 a participative workshop was promoted with approximately 100 participants. “Future for Mindelo” was the motto. A vision for the future and key priorities were discussed.

An extensive diagnosis was then prepared leading to a Sustainability Report. Questionnaires to the population were of main importance.

In October 2004 a second workshop was organized with the motto “Mindelo in Action”. Actions needed to fulfil the vision were discussed.

Following the conclusions, a Local Action Plan was prepared, comprising planned measures, goals and indicators, persons responsible for implementation, priorities and required resources.

The Town Council finally approved the Action Plan in April 2005 and it is now under implementation.

In 1957, the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve became the first protected area for nature conservation of dunes and migratory birds in Portugal . It consists of a mosaic of dunes, wetlands, forest and agriculture fields. In the last decades it has suffered a major building pressure. From 1958 to 2000, land for urban and industrial use has grown from 4 to 26% of the total area.

In the present, the Mindelo Ornithological Reserve is an area with an undefined and ineffective protection status, but continues to be a place with a significant natural and social heritage that should be protected.

Its future was under controversy and created a significant conflict in the community. The Local Agenda 21 allowed consensus to be built around its protection.

Actions defined to deal with impacts from agriculture also created a common ground for environmentalist and farmers to work together.

Negative points relate to difficulties in implementing some of the actions that depend directly on the municipality.

Further information is available in www.amigosdomindelo.pt