Volunteers clean up the Portuguese Coastal Route in Esposende
Around two dozen volunteers dedicated themselves to cleaning and marking the Portuguese Coastal Route in the municipality of Esposende, in an initiative organised by Via Veteris – Jacobean Association of the Ways of Esposende, with the support of the Municipality and the municipal company Esposende Ambiente.
The initiative took place in two stages, carried out on the 4th of January, along the route between Apúlia and Esposende, and on the 11th of January, on the section linking Esposende to Antas. During the work, the volunteers cleaned the trails, removed invasive species and debris, and marked the traditional yellow arrows and other signage. These interventions are crucial to ensure that pilgrims can navigate safely and smoothly along the route.
The Portuguese Coastal Way crosses a rich diversity of natural landscapes in the municipality of Esposende, making it one of the most sought-after routes for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. In addition to contributing to the comfort and safety of walkers, the initiative also promoted environmental sustainability and the cultural value of this itinerary, which continues to attract visitors from all over the world.
The volunteers involved committed to maintaining the surveillance and preservation of the route throughout the year, reinforcing the importance of community involvement in the protection of local heritage. Via Veteris emphasised that these actions are essential to preserving the integrity and authenticity of the Way, ensuring an enriching experience for all those who walk it.
The Municipality and Esposende Ambiente publicly thanked the effort and dedication of the participants, highlighting that the Way of St. James is a symbol of hospitality and respect that reflects the values of sustainability and cooperation between citizens and institutions. These entities reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to support initiatives that promote the environmental and cultural preservation of the region.
Source: Correio do Minho
