Odemira, the largest municipality in Portugal, has one of the lowest population densities in Europe. Over the last two generations, it has lost more than 70% of its inhabitants due to significant agricultural shifts and limited economic opportunities. This decline has left an ageing population dispersed over a vast area, affected by isolation and social exclusion. It has one of the world's lowest birth rates and a dramatic suicide rate (three times the national level). The shrinking population has resulted in neglected land, decaying infrastructure, and the loss of traditions, knowledge, and culture.

For Holis School 2019, we partnered with CLARA to explore future scenarios for their recently established Center for the Rural Future, a rural creative hub in a repurposed old brick factory founded by Mariana and Diogo Dias Coutinho. Their sustainable development strategy was based on three crucial components:

• Integrating the local community of Odemira, embracing their skills, perspectives, and traditions
• Supporting the local economy by building on the heritage of the region
• Attracting and engaging new visitors and creative professionals to stimulate dialogue, innovation, and new opportunities.

Participants were tasked with designing functions and activities alongside business models to help the center revitalise the region's economic and social fabric.