“The Ria Formosa Natural Park Co-management Plan will allow the development and consolidation of a participatory, collaborative and articulated management model, for the period 2024-2027, contributing to the conservation, protection of biodiversity, ecological restoration and enhancement of this protected area, promoting its natural and cultural values and improving the efficiency of interactions between the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), the municipalities that make up the PNRF and the remaining entities that form the Co-management Commission”, explains AMAL in a statement.

The program states that it is necessary to “strengthen coordination and articulation between these entities, citizens, visitors and other public and private entities linked to the Park, through projects to promote and enhance natural and cultural heritage”.

The program is based on pillars such as the valorisation and promotion of the territory; raising awareness among locals and visitors about the importance of the site and improving communication between those responsible and visitors to the protected area.

To prepare the document, the Co-management Committee of the Ria Formosa Natural Park counted on the collaboration of technicians from the entities represented in the Committee and that are part of the Support Structure, as well as other entities whose operations cover the PNRF area.

The document was written by technicians from the various entities that represent the Commission and are part of the Support Structure. The document was also enriched by the contribution of the local population, who were present in five participatory sessions and prepared two questionnaires.

The PNRF Co-management Committee is made up of representatives from the following entities: Faro City Council (CMF), Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), University of Algarve (UALG), Portuguese Confederation of Environmental Defence Associations (CPADA), Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) and Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Algarve).