Vila Nova de Famalicão was present at the 13th National Meeting of Resilient Cities and Towns with the presentation of the innovative ‘Mobile Civil Protection Laboratory’, which was part of the ‘Good Practices for Resilience’ panel, together with projects from the municipalities of Lisbon, Mafra and Albergaria-a-Velha.

Vânia Marçal, Councillor for Civil Protection, represented the local authority at the event, which took place between 9 and 11 December in the municipalities of Almada, Seixal and Sesimbra, highlighting the importance of national recognition for the project developed by the municipality of Famalicão. 

‘The Mobile Civil Protection Laboratory is a fundamental tool for bringing children closer to the topics of safety and prevention. By taking these experiences to the field, we are laying the foundations for a more prepared, informed and resilient community. It is very gratifying to see this work valued at national level and we are motivated to continue investing in risk education,’ reiterated Vânia Marçal.

The ‘Mobile Civil Protection Laboratory’ was born from the transformation of a command and communications vehicle into a mobile awareness unit aimed at children.

This innovative laboratory on wheels is equipped for interactive activities, allowing children to participate in scientific experiments that simulate natural phenomena – such as storms, tornadoes or tsunamis – and to play games and do self-protection exercises that promote safe behaviour and foster a culture of resilience from an early age. The initiative also strengthens the link between the community and the Municipal Civil Protection Service.

The 13th National Meeting of Resilient Cities and Towns, organised by the municipalities of Almada, Seixal and Sesimbra, is a space for sharing and reflection among local authorities committed to building safer, more inclusive and sustainable territories. As part of the international initiative Making Cities Resilient 2030, in line with the Sendai Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals, the inter-municipal meeting promoted cooperation between municipalities in the area of resilience.

By attending, Vila Nova de Famalicão reaffirmed the commitment it has made since joining the United Nations Resilient Cities Programme in 2024, reinforcing its focus on innovation, awareness raising and the promotion of local resilience.