Last week, we were in Portugal at the Charneca Landscape Observatory (Observatório da Paisagem da Charneca) in the Municipality of Chamusca for the second Autumn School of the TOPIO project.

Nine project partners from six European countries met again for four days filled with lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions. The discussions focused on the project’s main themes: landscape mapping and monitoring through geoinformatics, digital twin technologies, participatory methods for the management and protection of the natural environment, and the importance of empowering citizens in decision-making processes related to the landscape.

Putting citizen engagement into practice, the Autumn School also included the workshop “Transformações em Curso no Território da Chamusca”, with the participation of more than 20 representatives of the local community. The workshop explored how residents perceive and experience landscape changes over time, highlighting how transformations shape their connection to the place.

Beyond the lectures, during the second and third days, we travelled around the wider Chamusca area, crossed by the Tagus River and designated as one of the project’s case study sites. Along the way, we passed through eucalyptus forests, cattle pastures, and the Relvão Eco-Industrial Park, before stopping at the Castelo de Almourol, a historic castle built on the Tagus that played a key role during the Reconquista in the 12th century.

The day ended in the heart of Chamusca town, where we enjoyed the sunset over the Atlantic horizon, a perfect moment to reflect on land uses, landscape transformations, and their significance for people as observers, visitors, workers, and residents.

The Autumn School concluded with the partners’ meeting on the final day, where our hosts from the Charneca Landscape Observatory surprised us with a TOPIO cake featuring the project’s logo.

The next TOPIO Autumn School is scheduled for 2026 in Italy.