Terras de Santa Maria municipalities celebrate 40 years of cooperation

The Association of Municipalities of Terras de Santa Maria (AMTSM) celebrated its 40th anniversary with a ceremony in São João da Madeira. The event honored former mayors from Oliveira de Azeméis and reviewed the cooperative achievements of the six member municipalities: Oliveira de Azeméis, São João da Madeira, Vale de Cambra, Arouca, Santa Maria da Feira, and Espinho.

Joaquim Jorge, President of the AMTSM and Mayor of Oliveira de Azeméis, emphasized that political differences are set aside to address shared regional challenges. Key collaborative successes include a material recovery park, an intermunicipal kennel, and a wastewater treatment system serving four of the six municipalities.

Looking forward, the association identified several critical areas for future cooperation, including mobility, water and sanitation, waste management, health, digital transition, green economy, and the ability to attract and retain residents in this industrial region.