On January 19 the University of Aveiro carried out a capacity building course on Aveiro natural and cultural heritage bringing together 35 traditional boat operators. The aim of the course was to build capacity and provide material on natural and cultural heritage that support the guided tours on traditional boats at the urban canals of Ria de Aveiro. Topics related to the history of the city of Aveiro and the role of traditional activities in its socio-economic and cultural development, the cultural (tangible and intangible) heritage of Aveiro and the natural heritage of the Ria de Aveiro were addressed.

The capacity building course will include guided visits to Aveiro museums, as soon as possible, and a booklet about the Ria de Aveiro natural and cultural heritage.

Being the tours in traditional boats – such as moliceiro and mercantel – one of the main tourist attractions of the city and a privileged place to convey information, the PERICLES project intends, with this course, to contribute to the dissemination, appreciation and preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the Ria de Aveiro.