Group of people sitting during the 5th SoilTribes project meet - up held at Castro Verde, Portugal

SoilTribes 5th Meet-Up

On 14 February 2026, the 5th Community of Practice (CoP) Meet-Up, organised by INOVA+. The event brought together members of the SoilTribes ecosystem and wider stakeholders to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and advance soil literacy.

The meet-up took place in Castro Verde, Portugal, as part of the Entrudanças Festival, and was delivered in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online participation.

50+ participants attended the session, including our Community of Practice members, consortium partners, and festival participants. The integration of the meet-up within a cultural festival created a distinctive environment, connecting soil-related discussions with community engagement and cultural expression.

Soil Literacy at the Core
At the centre of the meet-up was a clear focus: soil literacy as a key driver for sustainable soil management.

Participants explored practical ways to:

  • Enhance understanding of soil systems
  • Raise awareness of soil’s role in ecosystems and society
  • Encourage behavioural change towards healthier soil practices

Learning Through Exchange and Dialogue

The meet-up was designed as an interactive and participatory experience. Participants actively contributed insights from their local contexts, sharing challenges and identifying potential solutions.

Expanding Engagement Beyond the Network

The hybrid format, combined with the Entrudanças festival context, played a key role in expanding the reach of SoilTribes beyond its core network. By opening the discussion to festival attendees and a broader audience, the meet-up:

  • Increased the visibility of the project
  • Engaged new stakeholders
  • Strengthened connections between local communities and the SoilTribes ecosystem

The outcomes of the meet-up go beyond a single event. By fostering collaboration, strengthening soil literacy, and encouraging dialogue, the activity helped build informed, connected, and action-oriented communities.

Get Involved

SoilTribes invites individuals, organisations, and communities to become part of its growing ecosystem. Whether through participation in events, collaboration in projects, or engagement in knowledge exchange, there are multiple ways to contribute.