Le parc naturel de la Serra da Estrela, experience de developpement rural integre

The population of the Serra da Estrela decreased through emigration making the existence of many mountain communities difficult living on agriculture and sheep and goat husbandry. The area of the park is large enough to include small towns with textile industries which attract also the mountain population. Along with new roads and social services an effort was made to increase the quality of the local cheese and promote its trade. The cooperation of the local population is the key of success whatever are the plans and investment decided by the administration. -English summary