13 July 2026
Palombar wins the "Betweien Edições" Children’s Literature Prize – 4th Edition – for a short story about the Pyrenean desman
Representing Palombar at the awards ceremony was Leonor de Carvalho, author of the winning work and a collaborator of the association, who was accompanied by Ricky Marques, also a collaborator of Palombar. Photo: DR.
On 7 July, Palombar – Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation received the "Betweien Edições" Children’s Literature Prize, an award won at the 4th edition of this competition organised annually by the Braga-based publisher in partnership with the Institute of Education at the University of Minho. The official award ceremony took place in Lisbon during the celebrations marking Betweien’s anniversary, as is the case every year. The publisher celebrated its 15th anniversary and brought together staff, partners and guests to mark its journey and reflect on the future challenges facing education and communication.
"Zé Tó and the mole who lives in the river" is the winning entry aimed at children and young people
During the ceremony, the prize was presented to Palombar – Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation, represented by Leonor de Carvalho, author of the winning entry, entitled “Zé Tó and the mole who lives in the river”. The author holds a degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Science Communication, and works with Palombar in the areas of communication and projects, developing content with an approach that is close to and sensitive to the local rural and natural heritage; she has previously written and contributed to other publications by the association. Also representing Palombar was Ricky Marques, who is likewise a collaborator of the environmental non-governmental organisation.
The illustration, layout and printing of the book were carried out by Betweien Edições, which will donate 500 copies of this work to Palombar. The book will come to life in the territory and amongst the children and young people who live there, as part of our environmental education activities and other initiatives.
A call to discover the Pyrenean desman, a small and fascinating endangered mammal, and its habitat
The story in this book, aimed at children and young people, is a call to discover the Pyrenean desman and its habitat. This small mammal is little known to the general public and to younger generations in particular; it is found only on the Iberian Peninsula and is threatened with extinction.
The book addresses topics related to nature conservation, biodiversity and the relationship between communities and riverside ecosystems, seeking to raise awareness amongst younger readers of the importance of preserving iconic species in natural habitats, such as this one.
An important tool for the conservation of the Pyrenean desman
This book also serves as an important tool for raising awareness amongst communities about the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), which is the focus of the new Iberian LIFE SAVE DESMAN project. Palombar is a partner in this project, which is set to launch in 2026 and will focus on the conservation of this species and the rivers and streams that sustain its survival.
A reflection on the role of entertainment and education in creating transformative experiences
At the event marking its 15th anniversary, "Betweien Edições" brought together staff and people involved in its various publishing projects, inviting Daniel Oliveira, presenter and programme director at SIC, for a discussion on the role of entertainment and education in creating transformative experiences. For the publisher, educational content can and should be communicated in an entertaining and engaging way.
This celebration also provided a relaxed setting for exchanging ideas on the potential of creatively exploring current issues, such as environmental conservation and society’s active participation in promoting it.
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Palombar will continue to focus on environmental literature
For Palombar, children’s literature is a key tool for sparking curiosity, imagination and environmental awareness from an early age, helping to shape citizens who are more attentive and committed to protecting nature.
With this new publication, the association reinforces its commitment to producing educational content aimed at children and young people; this is Palombar’s third work aimed at children and young people, following the publication of "The Secret Diary of the Bonelli’s Eagle" (2020) and "The Wolf Who Wasn’t Bad" (2022).
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The award presented to Palombar recognises the work the association has been carrying out for over 25 years in the field of environmental education and raising awareness amongst younger generations about nature conservation, biodiversity and the appreciation of rural areas.
Winning this award represents not only recognition of the literary and educational quality of the work submitted, but also of Palombar’s mission to promote environmental education and the appreciation of Portugal’s natural and rural heritage.
Palombar will continue to focus on environmental literature, through the creation and publication of books and other content aimed at all generations, because only by working together and being aware of our transformative role can we preserve the natural world that allows us to live on a balanced and healthy planet.
"Zé Tó and the mole who lives in the river" is the winning entry aimed at children and young people
During the ceremony, the prize was presented to Palombar – Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation, represented by Leonor de Carvalho, author of the winning entry, entitled “Zé Tó and the mole who lives in the river”. The author holds a degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Science Communication, and works with Palombar in the areas of communication and projects, developing content with an approach that is close to and sensitive to the local rural and natural heritage; she has previously written and contributed to other publications by the association. Also representing Palombar was Ricky Marques, who is likewise a collaborator of the environmental non-governmental organisation.
The illustration, layout and printing of the book were carried out by Betweien Edições, which will donate 500 copies of this work to Palombar. The book will come to life in the territory and amongst the children and young people who live there, as part of our environmental education activities and other initiatives.
A call to discover the Pyrenean desman, a small and fascinating endangered mammal, and its habitat
The story in this book, aimed at children and young people, is a call to discover the Pyrenean desman and its habitat. This small mammal is little known to the general public and to younger generations in particular; it is found only on the Iberian Peninsula and is threatened with extinction.
The book addresses topics related to nature conservation, biodiversity and the relationship between communities and riverside ecosystems, seeking to raise awareness amongst younger readers of the importance of preserving iconic species in natural habitats, such as this one.
The Pyrenean desman, a little-known mammal with unique characteristics, which you can explore in this new book from Palombar. Photo: David Perez/Wikimedia Commons
An important tool for the conservation of the Pyrenean desman
This book also serves as an important tool for raising awareness amongst communities about the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), which is the focus of the new Iberian LIFE SAVE DESMAN project. Palombar is a partner in this project, which is set to launch in 2026 and will focus on the conservation of this species and the rivers and streams that sustain its survival.
A reflection on the role of entertainment and education in creating transformative experiences
At the event marking its 15th anniversary, "Betweien Edições" brought together staff and people involved in its various publishing projects, inviting Daniel Oliveira, presenter and programme director at SIC, for a discussion on the role of entertainment and education in creating transformative experiences. For the publisher, educational content can and should be communicated in an entertaining and engaging way.
This celebration also provided a relaxed setting for exchanging ideas on the potential of creatively exploring current issues, such as environmental conservation and society’s active participation in promoting it.
Daniel Oliveira, presenter and programme director at SIC, was invited by "Betweien Edições" to this event to share his thoughts on education and entertainment. Photo: DR.
Palombar will continue to focus on environmental literature
For Palombar, children’s literature is a key tool for sparking curiosity, imagination and environmental awareness from an early age, helping to shape citizens who are more attentive and committed to protecting nature.
With this new publication, the association reinforces its commitment to producing educational content aimed at children and young people; this is Palombar’s third work aimed at children and young people, following the publication of "The Secret Diary of the Bonelli’s Eagle" (2020) and "The Wolf Who Wasn’t Bad" (2022).
"Zé Tó and the mole who lives in the river" completes Palombar’s trilogy of books focusing on different and iconic species of Portuguese wildlife, aimed at children and young people.
The award presented to Palombar recognises the work the association has been carrying out for over 25 years in the field of environmental education and raising awareness amongst younger generations about nature conservation, biodiversity and the appreciation of rural areas.
Winning this award represents not only recognition of the literary and educational quality of the work submitted, but also of Palombar’s mission to promote environmental education and the appreciation of Portugal’s natural and rural heritage.
Palombar will continue to focus on environmental literature, through the creation and publication of books and other content aimed at all generations, because only by working together and being aware of our transformative role can we preserve the natural world that allows us to live on a balanced and healthy planet.