Ana Margarida Silva, researcher at the Centre for Intercultural Studies (CEI, ISCAP-P.PORTO) and alumna of the Master’s Degree in Intercultural Studies for Business, presented the “ResiLand” project at the international conference “Pinching Policy-Makers & Green Diplomacy”, the closing event of COST Action CA21125 – A European Forum for Revitalisation of Marginalised Mountain Areas (MARGISTAR), held in Brussels on 7 and 8 September 2026.
The event aimed primarily to strengthen the links between science, public policy and territorial practices in the context of marginalised mountain and rural regions, ecosystem restoration and climate action. The initiative brought together researchers, policymakers, stakeholders and representatives of European institutions, fostering dialogue on ways of translating scientific knowledge into concrete and relevant solutions for the development and implementation of public policies.
As part of the event, Ana Margarida Silva presented the “ResiLand” project, which focuses on the resilience of rural communities in the face of wildfires. Her presentation highlighted the importance of moving beyond a predominantly reactive approach to wildfires by promoting strategies based on anticipation, prevention and preparedness, integrated with landscape management.
The event also provided an opportunity to examine challenges related to territorial marginalisation, climate resilience, rural development, and the need for more integrated policies that are responsive to the specific characteristics of different territories. The various contributions converged on the importance of recognising mountain and rural regions not only as vulnerable territories, but also as spaces for innovation and the development of new approaches to ecosystem restoration, climate action, governance and so-called “green diplomacy”.
The event also marked the conclusion of COST Action MARGISTAR, following four years of collaboration between researchers and stakeholders committed to strengthening the value, resilience and sustainability of marginalised mountain and rural regions. This closing event provided an opportunity to reflect on the Action’s main achievements and on the continuity of the networks and initiatives developed within its framework.
Ana Margarida Silva’s participation in the event thus contributed to strengthening the links between scientific research and policymaking processes, bringing visibility to knowledge produced in rural and mountain contexts and highlighting its relevance to building more resilient communities and territories.