A Woman and Oysters

Silvia Padinha

Algarve

Sílvia Padinha became the face, voice, and driving force behind the fight for the Culatra Island community’s right to remain on the land their ancestors once called home.

It was a lifelong battle. But now, with their homes finally legalised, the Residents’ Association is focused on an even greater goal: transforming Culatra Island into a fully self-sustainable community by 2035, rooted in its identity and local resources.

“We are a pilot project, and who knows? Perhaps our experience can be replicated elsewhere,” says Sílvia.

An oyster farmer, Sílvia has given visibility and purpose to a once-forgotten fishing community, isolated on a barrier island facing Olhão. Today, the focus is on circular economy and energy transition, paving the way for a better future in harmony with the Ria Formosa.

Related Categories

Florentina—known to all as Tininha—starts her day at five in the morning. Such is the rhythm of t...
Reading Time 1’
Kubidoce is an artisan pastry shop of great renown in Olhão, Algarve, celebrated for the quality ...
Reading Time 1’
Reading Time 1’
In some parts of the country, a bica is an espresso. In the Algarve, bica is the name of a fish. ...
Reading Time 1’
The São Brás de Alportel Costume Museum tells the social and cultural history of the region throu...
Reading Time 1’
Ângela Rosa is a farmer and activist. Her parents were in construction, but she chose a differen...
Reading Time 1’