From April 24 to 27, 2026, members of the European Rural Development Network (ERDN) joined international partners in Porto for the Soil Festival and SOILSCAPE Bilateral Meeting. Set against the backdrop of the historic Parque de Serralves, the event served as a vibrant platform for exchanging knowledge and advancing the EU Mission: A Soil Deal for Europe.
A Symphony of Collaboration
The meeting opened on April 24 with a unique musical welcome. Performer Ulrike from Germany led participants in an interactive session of song and dance, using Tingsha bells to create a “rhythmic bond” among the group. This spirit of collaboration continued through a “Speed Dating” ice-breaker, where partners shared their professional passions.
A significant portion of the day was dedicated to the Open Call winners. We reviewed innovative projects to engage the public from Portugal and Germany, including:
- Theatrical performances designed for public squares.
- Youth workshops focused on soil microbiology.
- Musical compositions inspired by environmental data.
Exploring the 18-Hectare Living Lab
Guided by our host, Patric, we embarked on an extensive tour of the 18-hectare Serralves Park. The park is a remarkable “living lab” featuring diverse landscapes:
- Water ecosystems: Ponds and aquatic trails.
- Biodiversity: A rose garden, herb gardens, and a “wild” section dominated by ferns.
- Unique Infrastructure: The famous Treetop Walk among cork trees.
- Agriculture: Pastures dedicated to traditional Portuguese livestock breeds.
The BioBlitz 2026 Experience
Our visit coincided with the BioBlitz 2026 festival, allowing us to witness science communication in real-time. A standout experience was the Cactophonie Workestra by João Ricardo Oliveira, where music was performed using cacti. Additionally, a soundwalk with Nikki Lindt allowed us to “draw sounds” after listening to the internal movement of sap in trees and the subterranean vibrations near streams.
Participants also had the opportunity to test ecological games developed during the 2026 Hackathon in France, which utilize gamification to deliver rigorous soil science to younger generations.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
For ERDN, these two intensive days were more than a meeting; they were a reminder that soil health is a shared European heritage. We return with fresh motivation and a deeper network of partners ready to advocate for sustainable land use across the continent. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Portuguese “Soil Orchestra” for their hospitality and flawless coordination.
