The birth of As Corcerizas had its origin in an initiative for stimulating Ourense’s mountains as a part of the cultural association “Amigos de los Milagros y San Mamede”, a local entity covering the municipalities Vilar de Barrio and Baños de Molgas. Among his priorities it emphasized the promotion of economic, natural and anthropological values of the Sierra San Mamede, the result of developing a project in 1995 with the aim of boosting the mountain ecosystem; the collaboration of Community Forestry of Arnuide and the City Council of Vilar de Barrio, entities claiming the facility and surrounding land, being essential.

After many efforts, in 2000 we received the approval of the project by the European Union (ESF) and the involvement of distinct public administrations (INEGA, AGADER, Department of Youth and Solidarity, Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Ministry ) for the rehabilitation of the old forest house, converting it into a hostel, and the construction of two new facilities, with the aim of turning them into a center of attraction for visitors and achieving a better development of the territory in which it is immersed.

For the definition and implementation of the project of As Corcerizas the advice and support from Amigos da Terra, were essential, as it has been the managing entity since the beginning of activities in 2002. It fought firmly so that the buildings were constructed under criteria of sustainability and that the final destination of the equipment, in addition to the hostel, was an Environmental Education Center.

The first three years of management were almost exclusively dedicated to the set-up of the equipment, with the realization of specific activities.

The educational programs for children and weekend activities for adults were launched in 2005. Since then the project has evolved towards environmental education and training for the adult community, however at the same time continuing to work within the child and youth sector.

As Corcerizas becomes a model for practical application of the principles of sustainability, demonstrating the viability of bioconstruction and renewable energies in Galicia and incorporating new insights and methodologies as an effective way of educating for the mitigation of climate change.

The Council of the Province Ourense becomes the transferee entity of the facilities and Amigos da Terra continues to develop an educational project continually growing, increasingly valued and recognized by society. State and international projection starts, holding events, conferences and seminars.

Amigos da Terra signs an extension with the Council of Ourense for managing facilities of As Corcerizas until 2022, so that the project will involve 10 years more of opportunities for proactive changes in society.

Start of the consolidation phase with the beginning of a community which energizes and develops new ways to strengthen and expand the educational project of Amigos da Terra.

As Corcerizas wins the contest of Hostelling International Sustainability Fund, aimed at improving the natural heritage through reducing carbon emissions. It is also awarded at state level by the CONAMA Foundation (National Environment Conference) in the area of energy and climate change, with an award honoring the best local initiatives for sustainability.