The partnership, created by the municipalities of Faro and Olhão to create this augmented reality tool, will put “cutting edge technology” at the service of knowledge and the preservation of this natural protected area, said a statement from the Faro City Council.

“This project consists of creating an interactive map of Ria Formosa, using augmented reality, which will allow the identification of points of interest, protected species, gastronomy, emblematic sites or cultural offers”, they explained.

This was one of the three projects at a national level chosen by Turismo de Portugal to obtain funding, within the scope of the second edition of the National Local Qualification Program for Tourism, the Câmara de Faro said. In line with the Tourism Strategy 2027, the ultimate objective of this new “application” is to “promote and boost” the Ria Formosa as a “unique ecosystem both nationally and internationally”.

The Chambers of Faro and Olhão made sure that the project favours “environmental awareness, knowledge associated with species, namely the seahorse, their preservation, as well as aspects related to the lives of fishermen and those who live in and around the Ria Formosa through augmented reality technology, which allows us to superimpose visual elements on our vision of reality.

“Visitors will be able to learn curiosities, schedule visits, request information, share on social networks, among other experiences”. The local authority in the district of Faro, who decided on the selected project pointed out the factors that led to the selection of its candidacy being its “cohesive nature”.

In addition, he says, “the differentiation and innovation of the proposal” and the “concern to ensure the economic valuation of this natural heritage” were taken into account, while guaranteeing “the environmental sustainability and maintenance of the local community’s way of life.” This project will now have the tutorship of a person in charge of Turismo de Portugal, who aims to fix the proposed idea and help the proponents in structuring the final development project”, he concluded.