On June 5, during World Environment Day, the Beira Baixa Intermunicipal Community signed the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact in Castelo Branco. This event marked the commitment of eight municipalities to enhance the sustainable food system agenda, joining a network of 280 cities globally.

Municipalities including Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Oleiros, Penamacor, Proença-a-Nova, Sertã, Vila de Rei, and Vila Velha do Ródão are now on board! João Lobo, President of CIMBB and Mayor of Proença-a-Nova, signed the protocol and emphasized the collaborative effort led by Castelo Branco. Leopoldo Rodrigues, Mayor of Castelo Branco, played a crucial role in advocating for the pact among other CIMBB municipalities, ensuring their swift acceptance and commitment. He emphasized the importance of sustainable initiatives continuing in Castelo Branco and the broader Beira Baixa region.

The Milan Urban Food Policy Pact was highlighted as a key opportunity for global recognition and national resilience. The signing aligns with the goals of the FUSILLI project, which promotes sustainable urban food systems. The Milan Pact, while non-binding, encourages cities and regions to take serious, actionable steps towards sustainable food systems, a necessity given the expected rise in urban populations worldwide. Joining this global network allows the Beira Baixa municipalities to collaborate with other Milan Pact signatories in Portugal and around the world.

Kicking off in the best way possible, this official session had the crucial testimony and support of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, represented by its secretary Filipe Ferreira. The Lisbon Metropolitan Area is one of the signatory entities of the Milan Pact in Portugal and co-coordinator of the Urban Agenda for Europe-Thematic Food Partnership.
Portugal now has four signatories to the Milan Pact: the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Funchal, Torres Vedras, and CIM Beira Baixa. Thank you, FUSILLI, for bringing this opportunity to Castelo Branco and its region Beira Baixa!

Inês Brandão, CATAA

Leopoldo Rodrigues, Mayor of Castelo Branco

Cristophe Espirito Santo, CATAA