2025-12-16
Miguel Bandeira
This is a historical sketch evocative of the first 35 years of geography and geographers in democratic Portugal, presented at the opening session of the XII Iberian Geography Colloquium, Porto, (2010). In this text, we aim to highlight the main references that mark the evolution of this particular community of knowledge in the period corresponding to the establishment of the democratic regime in Portugal”that is, from April 25, 1974, until then”including some of the preceding references that help us better understand the context of its emergence. Through, above all, a review of the main analytical texts, an expression of self-awareness of the references and memories of its protagonists, especially academics and professors, we intend to offer only our reflective impressions, our experiential testimony from the periphery, regarding the interaction of its generational strata, the eternal dialectic between the "classics" and the "new"”a characteristic of all eras”of the elements that reveal the professionalization of the field of knowledge. Finally, some of the identity markers that contribute to its understanding.
2025-12-16
Bruno Fonseca da Silva, Lúcio Cunha, Marcelo Costa, Eugênia Cristina Gonçalves Pereira, Andrezza Karla de Oliveira Silva, Plínio Barbosa de Camargo
Desertification generally has adverse environmental, social, and economic consequences. However, areas lacking adequate social and infrastructural conditions face greater challenges in addressing the risks associated with desertification. Research evaluating the socio-environmental implications of the desertification process remains limited. In Brazil, the Cabrobó desertification nucleus is characterised by significant economic activities such as irrigated fruit farming and fish farming. Although this region has been the subject of several studies addressing the physical and natural impacts of desertification, investigations focusing on socio-environmental aspects, particularly vulnerability, are still scarce. Vulnerability mapping is a crucial tool for informing and improving public policy, particularly when it is based on census sector data. This study aimed to develop vulnerability maps of the desertification risk for the Cabrobó desertification nucleus. The analysis utilised census sector data from five municipalities: Cabrobó, Belém do São Francisco, Carnaubeira da Penha, Itacuruba, and Floresta, based on the 2010 census, the last provided by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). It was not possible to use more recent census sector data, as such data are currently unavailable. Social variables and environmental variables were included in the analysis. Indices were generated using Exploratory Factor Analysis and subsequently visualised on maps. The results revealed varying levels of vulnerability across census sectors, with social and rural socio-environmental vulnerabilities being particularly high. Strengthened collaboration between government and society is essential for improving regional conditions. The findings of this study may support the development of targeted social assistance policies for residents of the region.
2025-12-16
Joaquim Miranda Maloa, Everaldo Batista da Costa
The article analyzes the conditions of permanence of the territorial-heritage of Chiuaula market in Lichinga, Mozambique, as a synthesis of the rural-urban dialectic in the process of African urbanization. The Chiuaula market is understood as a territorial-heritage, a site of resistance against African urban-rural impoverishment and an expression of popular everyday life. The methodology is based on: i) bibliographic research on urbanization and the rural-urban dialectic in Africa; (ii) a review of the theory related to territorial-heritage from a decolonial perspective; iii) fieldwork to conduct semi-structured interviews and collect information on the commercial dynamics of the market (involving knowledge, products and vendors). It was found that the products sold at the Chiuaula market singularize the rural-urban interaction in terms of African urbanization; the establishment constitutes a relevant territorial-heritage, from the perspective of the vendors, who see the place as a source of mitigating material impoverishment and survival for around 864 families, in addition to strengthening social ties.
2025-12-16
Norberto Santos, Claudete Oliveira Moreira, Carlos Cardoso Ferreira, Luís Silveira
Empirical research on World Heritage Sites rarely combines, in a comprehensive way, tourism competitiveness, smart destination strategies, and the Delphi method within the framework of the quadruple helix model. This study seeks to address that gap. Methodologically, it employs the Delphi technique applied to the quadruple helix model, involving representatives from public authorities, academia, the private sector, and civil society. The process was conducted over three rounds and completed by 23 participants. This research identifies the main challenges associated with managing Coimbra as a tourist destination in the decade following the inscription of the University of Coimbra “ Alta and Sofia on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The focus lies on the impacts generated and the strategies required to foster adaptation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, in light of visitors’evolving expectations and the necessary adjustment of the city’s tourism offer. Findings reveal four major challenges: (i) defining strategic positioning and priorities across diverse sectors; (ii) enhancing urban competitiveness; (iii) stimulating industry, commerce, and the local entrepreneurial ecosystem; and (iv) leveraging the UNESCO designation to strengthen Coimbra’s international image. One limitation of the study stems from its focus on a single UNESCO-listed asset. Future research may broaden the panel by integrating other Portuguese destinations included in the World Heritage Sites. By analysing stakeholder perspectives on the inscription of the University of Coimbra “ Alta and Sofia on the World Heritage List, this study offers relevant contributions to the scientific community and destination managers.