The community comes together to restore the “Fonte Filipe Levada”
On Saturday, 14 March, the “Casa Mateus” café in “Amendoeira” (Querença, Loulé) was too small to accommodate the gathering of more than thirty landowners whose land benefits from the “Fonte Filipe Levada” (Fonte Filipe irrigation channels).
The meeting, organised by In Loco Association and the Algarve’s University, was a community involvement activity of the Interreg Euro-MED WatHer project, which studies and promotes Water Heritage Systems (WHS) as effective solutions for sustainable water management.
During the afternoon, landowners and technical teams shared knowledge, memories and concerns. The main difficulties currently faced were discussed, as well as the enormous potential of this centuries-old system. It became clear that, beyond its heritage and cultural value, the Fonte Filipe irrigation channels represent a practical resource that is highly valued by those who live on and work the land.
The community demonstrated significant participation and a willingness to act
The significant turnout and active involvement of the landowners demonstrated two fundamental things:
Recognition of the value of this traditional irrigation system;
The community’s clear desire for the Fonte Filipe Levada to become active and functional once again.
For the In Loco Association and the University of the Algarve, this enthusiasm is the best sign that we are on the right path for the community participation in the project.
Next steps
The WatHer project is now proceeding with an in-depth study of the Fonte Filipe irrigation system, which will serve as a pilot case in Portugal. The information gathered at this and other meetings will be essential for drawing up an action plan that will enable, in the near future, the restoration of this water heritage system and the gradual productive revitalisation of the area served by the “Fonte Filipe Levada”.
To actively involve the community and all those interested in enhancing the area and its ecological and cultural values, we will be organising various hands-on volunteering activities on site. Initially, the work will focus on clearing a first small patch of weeds (Arundo donax) that is currently hindering the system’s operation and compromising the restoration efforts.
It will be an opportunity to get your hands dirty, learn by doing, and strengthen this network of people who want to see Fonte Filipe territory alive and active once again.
Anyone who is curious, keen to help, or simply wants to learn more about this WHS is welcome. We will soon be sharing more information about the date of the next activity and how to take part.
About WatHer
“Water Heritage in European Rural Mediterranean. Re(dis)covering water heritage systems to face climate challenges – learning from our past.
WatHer is a project funded by the Interreg Euro-MED programme, bringing together partners from eight Mediterranean countries. Its aim is to study, restore and promote Traditional Irrigation Systems as viable and sustainable, ecosystem-based solutions to tackle water scarcity and climate change.
In Portugal, the project’s partners are the In Loco Association and the University of the Algarve, with support from associated partners such as the Municipality of Loulé, the Parish Council of Querença, the Almargem Association, APA-Algarve and CCDR Algarve.
WatHer team contacts at IN LOCO: wather@in-loco.pt | +351 289840860 | +351 969986469
