International seminar on Safety on the Camino de Santiago
The Teatro Villafranquino in Vilafranca del Bierzo, Spain, will host the 1st International Seminar on Safety on the Camino de Santiago this Friday and Saturday, March 7th and 8th, bringing together experts from various countries, representatives of institutions, and law enforcement agencies. The event will address the challenges and strategies to ensure the protection of pilgrims, promoting the sharing of experiences and best practices.
Safety on the Camino de Santiago is an increasing concern as the number of pilgrims grows. Issues such as theft prevention, proper signage, support in medical and weather emergencies, and the preservation of heritage require effective coordination between authorities, associations, and volunteers. Additionally, the isolation of certain sections of the route can make rescue efforts difficult in case of accidents, making it essential to develop measures to enhance the protection of walkers. There is also growing concern about the safety of women on the Camino, with recent reports of harassment incidents, which has sparked a debate on the measures that should be taken to ensure a safe environment for all.
Among the seminar participants, particular mention is made of Gonçalo Nuno Correia Zambujo Serrão, Lieutenant Colonel of the GNR, representing Portugal. He will participate in the round table discussion on international security on the Camino alongside representatives from French and Italian law enforcement agencies.
Participation in the seminar is free, but subject to prior registration as seating is limited. Registrations can be made here.
PROGRAM
Friday, March 7th
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Opening session with local authorities and representatives from law enforcement and tourism.
12:00 PM – 12:20 PM
Inaugural Conference: “The Camino de Santiago: History and Significance” by Javier García Turza (University of La Rioja).
12:20 PM – 12:50 PM
“Jacobean Security Plan of the Civil Guard” by Miguel Cañellas Vicens, Lieutenant Colonel of the Civil Guard.
12:50 PM – 2:00 PM
Round table: “Preservation of the Camino: Cultural Heritage”.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
“Security Updates: Prevention of Theft and Loss” by Esteban Manuel Fernández García (Sergeant of the Civil Guard).
4:35 PM – 5:05 PM
“The Camino de Santiago and its Legal Framework: Norms and Legal Challenges” by Teresa Carballeira Rivera (University of Santiago de Compostela).
5:05 PM – 5:25 PM
“Signage and Road Safety” by Antonio Hidalgo Romero (Lieutenant Colonel of the Civil Guard).
5:25 PM – 6:10 PM
Round table: “Landscape and Natural Heritage on the Camino de Santiago”.
6:10 PM – 7:10 PM
Round table: “Sustainable Tourism and Safety”.
7:10 PM – 8:00 PM
Round table: “Hospitality and Welcome on the Camino: Creating Safe Environments”.
Saturday, March 8th
9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
Round table: “International Experience Exchange on Camino Security”, with the participation of Lieutenant Colonel Gonçalo Nuno Correia Zambujo Serrão (GNR, Portugal).
9:50 AM – 11:00 AM
Conference: “New Technologies on the Camino: Useful Apps for a Safer Experience”.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Coffee break and networking.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Conference: “Accessibility on the Camino de Santiago”.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Round table: “The Role of Associations in the Safety and Preservation of the Camino”.
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Lunch break.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Conference: “Protection of Cultural and Historical Heritage”.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Round table: “Comprehensive Security on the Camino: Coordination Between Law Enforcement and Local Entities”.
6:00 PM – 6:15 PM
Presentation of Conclusions.
6:15 PM – 6:30 PM
Closing session with local authorities and representatives from law enforcement.
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It is expected that this seminar will result in conclusions that translate into effective measures, making the Camino de Santiago even safer than it already is, in all aspects, without losing its identity.
Source: Diário de León
