“FAO World Heritage Site meets lithium mining?” That’s the question that hangs heavy in the air as we stand here in Covas do Barroso. This civil parish in northern Portugal is small but its story is big.
Covas do Barroso is part of the municipality of Boticas. It sits in the old district of Vila Real. In 2011 its population was just 262 people. They lived in an area of about 30 square kilometers. Covas do Barroso includes three villages. They are Covas do Barroso itself plus Romaínho and Muro.
The community gained worldwide attention in 2019. The local people opposed a planned lithium mine. Lithium is essential for rechargeable batteries. Europe’s largest lithium deposits are supposedly here. Savannah Resources wants to mine them. They are a multinational mining company based in London.
Yet, the area around Covas do Barroso earned a different kind of recognition. In 2018, the FAO declared it a World Heritage Site for Agriculture. Why? Because of the diverse pasture farming that has been practiced here for centuries. This farming actively promotes biodiversity.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, things have gotten tougher. Fewer tourists mean economic hardship. Lithium mining has become more appealing due to rising global prices.
Let’s step back in time for a moment. During the Middle Ages, Covas do Barroso comprised five settlements. They were Couto de Dornelas, São Salvador de Viveiro, Canedo, Cabanelas and São Martinho. Sadly, Cabanelas and São Martinho disappeared due to deaths from the plague.
The name Covas comes from its location. Surrounded by mountain hilltops, it looks like a ditch when viewed from Alto do Castro. The area’s history goes way back. Ancient castros have been found here. Archaeological discoveries include Byzantine coins from Emperor Ducas’s era.
Written records mention Covas do Barroso after the 12th century. It belonged to Montalegre municipality until 1836. Then it became part of Boticas. An attempt to transfer Covas do Barroso to Ribeira de Pena caused conflict.
The first primary school opened here in 1839. The headmaster earned 20000 réis each year. Electric light arrived late in 1966. This was thanks to a generator in Aguieira.
Covas do Barroso sits in the river valleys of the Serra de Dornela. It is 17 kilometers from Boticas. The parish borders Couto de Dornelas, São Salvador de Viveiro and Canedo.
So, as we stand here in Covas do Barroso. We see a place at a crossroads. Will the lure of lithium reshape this ancient landscape? Or will the traditions of sustainable farming endure? The future of Covas do Barroso depends on the balance between economic needs and ecological preservation.