Great Faia Brava- An impulse for Biodiversity and Rewilding in Vale do Côa and International Douro
ATN was created in 2000, leading to the establishment of Faia Brava a few years later as the first and growing privately owned nature reserve with a recently-obtained status of Private Protected Area (APP).ATN aims to put nature conservation into action and further develop the natural values of the area. ATN aims to enhance the Natura 2000 goals and species through active management, and doing so, also involves local communities to help and enhance the old mosaic landscape of the villages.
Regional
Portugal
Municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
Municipality of Pinhel
Municipality of Almeida
Municipality of Vila Nova de Foz Côa
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
LIFE Fincas-CONSERVATION OF THE WESTERN IBERIAN PENINSULA / 2012 - 2017
LIFE Rupis-CONSERVATION OF THE EGYPTIAN VULTURE AND THE BONELLI EAGLE IN THE DOURO RIVER VALLEY / 2014 - 2019
LIFE Wolflux- CONSERVATION OF THE IBERIAN WOLF 2019 - 2023
LIFE Aegypius Return-CONSOLIDATION AND EXPANSION OF THE BLACK VULTURE POPULATION / 2022-2027
Yes
Several Life Projects(LIFE Fincas, LIFE Rupis, LIFE Wolflux,LIFE Aegypius)
Yes
2022-12-31
As a representative of an organisation
Name of the organisation(s): Reserva da Faia Brava- ATN Type of organisation: Non-profit organisation First name of representative: Vanda Last name of representative: Brás Gender: Female Nationality: Portugal Function: Executive Director Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Avenida 25 de abril número 92 Town: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo Postal code: 6440-111 Country: Portugal Direct Tel:+351 966 299 552 E-mail:vanda.bras@faiabrava.pt Website:http://faiabrava.pt
URL:https://www.facebook.com/reservafaiabrava Social media handle and associated hashtag(s): #atnatureza #appfaiabrava #faiabrava #natureconservation #learninglabfaiabrava #endangeredspecies #rewilding
Yes
New European Bauhaus or European Commission websites
The ATN association- Faia Brava Resrve has been active as an Environmental Non-Governmental Organisation for 22 years. During this period it has been dedicated to the conservation of the natural heritage of the Ribacôa and International Douro region. Since its foundation, the different programmes directed towards the conservation of biodiversity have been accompanied by Environmental Education actions, not only with schools or with the population of the region, but also with the visit of students from all over the country and abroad. ATN is also a structure that promotes youth volunteering actions since its origin. On the other hand, being integrated as an NGO within the local structures, it has played an important role in raising the environmental awareness of the local powers, always trying to put the issue of biodiversity conservation on the table when important decisions on the management of the territory are to be taken. The RFB is incorporated in the Vale do Côa Special Protection Zone (SPA), an area known for its natural values. Speaking exclusively of vertebrates, there are 11 species of fish, 12 of amphibians, 11 of reptiles, 119 species of birds and 33 of mammals. Among these species, 48 have an unfavourable conservation status, three of which are Critically Endangered. The aim is to contribute to the three main aspects of the National Strategy for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity 2030 (ENCNB 2030), namely, a) Improving the conservation status of the natural heritage; b) Promoting recognition of the value of the natural heritage; and c) Encouraging the appropriation of natural values and biodiversity by society. The Faia Brava Reserve was the first private protected area in Portugal and a pioneer in this management model throughout the Iberian Peninsula.We currently manage around 2600ha of land solely for nature conservation,ecosystem restoration, protection of wild birds and measures with a direct impact on biodiversity.
Nature Conservation
Climate change
Community
Creating spaces for nature
Rewilding
In Faia Brava land abandonment can be turned into nature restoration areas through the restoration of natural processes like large-scale grazing, reforestation, and perhaps the return of predators like lynx and wolf (or in other areas more room for hydrological processes). The rewilding strategy can also contribute to new economic initiatives, as is the case in the Côa valley.We consider rewilding as a promising strategy for the restoration of natural processes and values in the Faia Brava reserve and the Greater Côa Valley with large-scale grazing as a core measure. In addition, it also supports natural reforestation, complemented locally through accelerated reforestation, fire prevention and the management of important cultural habitats like olive yards and cereal fields.Our ambition is to develop a 2500 ha connected Nature Reserve internally connected through 15 km of the river Côa as its back bone. And externally with other nature areas in the Greater Côa valley, also through the river and the land-based connected habitats. Ecosystem restoration will strengthen the reserve against the threats of wildfires and promote the water retention capacity. It will also contribute to the international recognition and visibility of the area. By enlarging and connecting Faia Brava with the private properties we aim to provide maximum space for natural processes, and so support the strength of the isolated undisturbed character.We aim for more biodiversity, with special attention to the conservation of Natura 2000 target species, focused on the birds of prey and their prey species:
o Protect Bird Directive/Natura 2000 species: Egyptian vulture, Bonelli’s eagle, Black stork, Black Wheatear and Black vulture
o Create space for threatened mammal species: wild cat, and in the future Iberian wolf and Iberian Lynx
o Increase the population of core prey species: doves, rabbit, partridge
We like to involve local farmers and others when possible, in management and/or land purchase for nature/biodiversity together with ATN. We do not wish to compete with current agricultural practices unless a piece of land is of high strategic value. We rather see a connection between the natural areas and the surrounding agricultural areas. Transition zones from agricultural landscapes around the villages to the wilder nature in the remote areas. We look for possibilities for farmers to work in ATN property. And for farmers to produce biodiversity on their land. We believe that our approach can bring more nature, new inspiration and human life to this remote area and bring integrated solutions for the big challenges and practical management issues.Almost everywhere in the reserve, human presence is recognizable: neolithic paintings, terraces, walls, stone bridges, old wells, oil mills, and houses. We aim to respect the most important elements in the landscape, as they tell the story of the landscape history. The ecosystem approach and rewilding build on this past, while respecting it. Where possible old-style elements are used in the design of the new structures, such as the stone-wall entrances of the reserve.Stories on historic use of the landscape are integrated in our visitation programmes.We wish to enable any visitor to experience a unique Faia Brava experience. Every experience is personal but if one would have to give words to it, we could say it consists of at least entering into a rock-based environment, discovering rests of former civilization (stone walls, Neolithic drawings,
terraces, fruit trees), seeing the circling birds of prey and vultures, being taken by the superb view through the Côa valley, enjoying the flowers, grazing herbivores and singing birds, and having the feeling to be somewhere special. In short, our unique selling point is: “Old stone age landscape where
you can experience earth forms, river gorges and rare birds of prey”.
We wish to enable any visitor to experience a unique Faia Brava experience. Every experience is personal but if one would have to give words to it, we could say it consists of at least entering into a rock-based environment, discovering rests of former civilization (stone walls, Neolithic drawings, terraces, fruit trees), seeing the circling birds of prey and vultures, being taken by the superb view through the Côa valley, enjoying the flowers, grazing herbivores and singing birds, and having the
feeling to be somewhere special. In short, our unique selling point is: “Old stone age landscape where you can experience earth forms, river gorges and rare birds of prey”.Faia Brava is more and more welcoming and accessible, mainly for hiking. Then there should be enough paths and routes which can be done on foot to have a first impression. If the visitors want more, they can book an arrangement with a Faia Brava ATN guard or safari with a jeep, where they discover most of the reserve, with several great views, see vultures, and perhaps, have a good lunch served at a table under an old Cork oak or with view on the Côa. And if they want, even more, they can stay overnight in the reserve in one of the Faia Brava shelter tents and see the stars in the dark. .In our volunteering programme we want to encourage young people from all social and economic backgrounds to come together around a common goal, namely in actions for biodiversity conservation or climate change mitigation actions in the FRB (planting, deforestation, cleaning of ponds and trails, reconstruction of walls and shepherds' shelters using natural construction techniques, nursery work, etc.). Each year, we hold two work camps to raise awareness of the issues at stake, while offering the opportunity, in a context of great cultural and social multiplicity, to discover similarities and differences between each other and eliminate potential social prejudices.
Nature conservation depends on the people supporting it. This has been the basis of the creation of the ATN and still is our vision. By investing in a broad network of civilians we counteract the weakness of lack in financial support, and institutional embedding, we offer young people a unique experience in nature to stay connected. This will be of vital importance for nature conservation and the support for Faia Brava ATN.This will be of vital importance for nature conservation and the support for Faia Brava ATN.● General communication and public relations-Be more visible among the general public in Portugal, ,Develop a visible and professional corporate identity● Stakeholder management and public affairs- Improve cooperation with the municipalities of Figueira and Pinhel and CCDRC, as well as ICNF as strategic partners in regional development;To Improve the relations with and involve local stakeholders (village-communities, farmers, hunter-organizations, ) and other associations.● Build a Greater Faia Brava Community of landowners● Visitor management and interpretation-Build a professional visitor-managemento Issues to be elaborated: Zoning and accessibility, fees, investments in special (welcoming) places, interpretation, human resources● Education-further explore opportunities for education for school children and students from the region as well as universities and other researchers● Inclusion of volunteers- we structurally organize participation of volunteers to help in the organization,
monitoring and management of nature. There is a lot of work to do.
All of these require better structuring, setting guidelines, and step-by-step improvements.
Since the creation of the Faia Brava Reserve we have worked with different stakeholders including: FUNDACION NATURALEZA Y HOMBRE,STICHING NATURA IBERICA,PARQUE ARQUEOLÓGICO DO VALE DO CÔA zona norte do Vale do Côa,PALOMBAR,VCF,VAN HALL LARENSTEIN UNIVERSITY OF APLLIED SCIENCE AND OTHER SEVERAL UNIVERSITIES,VIRIDIA,FUNDAÇÃO BELMIRO DE AZEVEDO,ICNF,MUNICIPIOS E FREGUESIAS das áreas de implementação de novas reservas,1% FOR THE PLANET.All these stakeholders have helped ATN to grow in its mission. They are strategic partners for the implementation of various projects.
With this relationships we see growing attention to natural and cultural heritage. We see a trend of land abandonment and the growing socio-economic consequences that come along with it. The solutions to these challenges will lie in the future of agriculture, but also in natural areas and tourism with a focus on nature and cultural heritage. In this context Faia Brava will be developing the Faia Brava Nature Reserve towards the next stage, aiming to create a more robust nature reserve in the northern part of the Côa Valley. This nature reserve not only protects its natural values but will also play a role in supporting the socio-economic future of the region. To enhance this development, a regional brand (like a Parque Natural, or a new style National Park), both public and private, could be critical to tell the Story of the Greater Côa Valley, but also to stimulate initiatives and attract visitors and support for Faia Brava and her surroundings. We can tell the stories of the stone-age paintings, the old Côa boundary between kingdoms in the middle ages, and the recent rewilding and nature stories. Such a brand will help Faia Brava and the region to be more known and visible across Portugal.This relationships with the stakeholders can be a combination of archaeological, cultural and ecological values, which can be enhanced and be the basis for nature conservation, the economy of tourism, and agriculture
We have recently started the Faia Brava Learning Lab with simple facilities for learning and education and research In Quinta de Pêro Martins, both for researchers (fieldlab), and primary and secondary schools and teachers (field-lessons). Therefore, programmes will be drawn and funding proposals for the future will be made. We aim to have a certified education centre by the end of 2024. The centre is meant to a meeting point for researchers, students, staff members and teachers and volunteers/locals to share experiences.For the younger students, we will carry out sports activities in an outdoor environment as part of the introduction to hiking, artistic activities on the use of natural paints and field drawing, activities to identify wild fauna and flora; dynamization of an educational syntropic/biodynamic garden. For older students, the actions will include 1) Natural sciences: Quiroptera activity; mammals activity; terrestrial birds activity; reptiles and amphibians activity; nocturnal birds activity; necrophagous birds activity; construction of a herbarium; wild animals anatomy and forensic biology activity; learning to measure biodiversity; 2) Sports: Pedestrianism and orientation activities; 3) Visual Education/Arts: Introduction to scientific illustration activities; Introduction to nature photography; 4) Agriculture: Activities will be developed: Schematization of a biodynamic vegetable garden; Construction and maintenance activities of an educational vegetable garden using the syntropic agriculture technique; Soil and composting activities; 5) History: visits to the cave paintings of the FRB with reference to the Palaeolithic fauna and to the climatic changes of the post-maximum glacier; 6) Philosophy: discussions will be promoted on the theme existence or not of climate change and its anthropogenic origin, regarding the dichotomy science versus conspiracy/beliefs; 7) Music and Physics activities will be promoted recording nature sounds such as echolocation
We stopped the regression and increased the area covered with native forest by 30%-50(Therefore, the measures are: pruning (with care) to accelerate the growth of tree canopies and locally planning reforestation plots.), increasing its structural complexity and increasing the diversity of vertebrates (of high conservation status) by 10%; 2. We maintained the breeding population of various rupicolous species (Neophron percnopterus, Aquila fasciata, Apus melba, Oenanthe leucura) and increased the breeding success by 20% for Neophron percnopterus and Aquila fasciata; 3. We maintained the agricultural biotopes/ecotones located on the slopes of the Côa Valley, increasing the diversity of threatened vertebrates by 10%;4.We increased the number of ATN members (1000 members, 20% of whom reside in local municipalities) and increased the number of supporters/visitors to the APP FB (average of 2000 visitors/year);5.We fill knowledge gaps on population dynamics and threat factors. Our Ecosystem restoration will strengthen the reserve against the threats of wildfires and promote the water retention capacity. It will also contribute to the international recognition and visibility of the area. By enlarging and connecting Faia Brava with the private properties we aim to provide maximum space for natural processes, and so support the strength of the isolated undisturbed character.We aim for more biodiversity, with special attention to the conservation of Natura 2000 target species, focused on the birds of prey and their prey species. Our aim is to restore the ecosystems of the Côa valley with its habitats and species. Our basic philosophy is that natural processes are a powerful driving force that should be accommodated as much as possible. All work that nature itself can do, should not be mimicked by man. Rewilding is a powerful concept emphasizing this principle. Rewilding has to do with connectivity, trophic complexity and diversity.
Faia Brava is an essential element in the regional development strategy. There is a focus on agriculture, cultural heritage and nature conservation, as pillars for socio-economic development. Four natural areas among which Faia Brava are described as the cornerstones for the functional areas where a multisectoral approach should
create new perspectives. We focused on providing an alternative for land abandonment by purchasing parcels and transitioning them to a more natural state. We paid extra attention to biodiversity and target species and we aim to continue that strategy. Faia Brava ATN will be developing the Faia Brava Nature Reserve towards the next stage,aiming to create a more robust nature reserve in the northern part of the Côa Valley. This nature reserve not only protects its natural values but will also play a role in supporting the socio-economic future of the region.To enhance this development, a regional brand (like a Parque Natural, or a new style National Park), both public and private, could be critical to tell the Story of the Greater Côa Valley, but also to stimulate initiatives and attract visitors and support for Faia Brava and her surroundings. We can tell the stories of the stone-age paintings, the old Côa boundary between kingdoms in the middle ages, and the recent
rewilding and nature stories. Such a brand will help Faia Brava and the region to be more known and visible across Portugal. This brand
can be a combination of archaeological, cultural and ecological values, which can be enhanced and be the basis for nature conservation, the economy of tourism, and agriculture.To further connect Faia Brava’s development with the region’s socio-economic needs, Faia Brava ATN aims to cooperate with local farmers, villagers, and stakeholders to contribute to the natural and cultural heritage through nature-oriented management and private landowners inside the Greater Faia Brava reserve.
Large-scale grazing is a cornerstone of our rewilding strategy. Therefore, a herd of Garrano horses and Maronesa cows have been grazing in the Faia Brava Reserve since 2008 and 2015 respectively. Both breeds are regional and are used to the local conditions. The aim of grazing with these animals is to restore biodiversity. Through their grazing behaviour, the animals create short vegetation in places they visit most often. These short vegetation patches create habitat for a wide variety of species, including insects, spiders, birds, flowers and shrubs.We work in the restoration of the Mediterranean forest.The development of mature forests is considered to have a broad positive impact and be an effective strategy to mitigate the impact of climate change because trees:
● increase organic matter content in the soil, water storage capacity and mitigate the highest temperatures, and● strengthen the natural Mediterranean montado
type forest ecosystem, which is resilient to heat and extended periods of drought.Over the last decade several measures have been taken, such as formation pruning, sawing acorns and planting trees.Create Fire stopping corridors. Fire-stopping corridors are being created all along the borders of the Reserve. The aim is to create a minimum stretch of 2 km a year, and more when funding allows it, and keep cleaning it every year afterwards/ The total border of the Faia Brava part of ATN is now 23 km.
With the large-scale grazing by large herbivores the goal is to create and maintain a diversity of wooded, open and half-open land. To achieve this, we will monitor the vegetation development and manage the number of cows and horses on an annual basis. Secondly, we choose a new focus on forest restoration.In the long term, we aim to have 30% - 50% of the area covered with trees. Therefore, the measures
are: pruning (with care) to accelerate the growth of tree canopies and locally planning reforestation plots.
In order to achieve the objectives proposed with the conservation strategy, the ATN intends to create a network of reserves at regional level, which can be complemented with other (smaller) areas that function as ecological corridors between them. The purpose of this network of reserves is that it functions itself as an ecological corridor between the 4 large natural areas of this region: Montesinho, Douro Internacional, Malcata and Serra da Estrela. In each of these new reserves, the intention is to replicate the management model implemented in the Faia Brava Reserve, combining nature conservation with new sustainable business opportunities, such as eco-tourism. The creation of new reserves, dedicated to nature conservation, can be done through the purchase of land by ATN, or by external investors, through long-term leases, establishment of collaboration agreements with land owners and managers, transfer of rights of use, etc. The optimal locations of these new reserves will be defined by combining three main factors: "the minimum viable area of each new reserve (a), "the average width of the surface of the reserve (l) and "the maximum distance between two reserves (d). For the first factor, the minimum area of a new reserve was set at 300 ha. This area is large enough for new reserves to function as refuge (or sanctuary) areas for the species concerned, and as "stepping stones" between large natural areas. On the other hand, it is a suitable size for land acquisition or the establishment of partnerships, given the existing property regime in the region.The Faia Brava Reserve will be the central and core point of this regional reserve network and the expansion of the network will have this reserve as the starting point. The location of new reserves will be in areas relevant for the conservation of natural values, either because they still maintain a high degree of conservation or because they allow for an effective implementation of ecological restoration actions.
Let's approach this point with a SWOT analysis:Strengths-1. Côa Landscape with cliffs and little disturbance2. Presence of emblematic rupiculous bird species
3. Variety in habitats present in the area 4. Position in the Côa valley with UNESCO world heritage status, alternative development to the Côa dam that was stopped.5. Private land ownership of 1500 hectares by a nature NGO and associated private landowners, aiming at nature conservation.Weaknesses-1. Lack of water availability due to granite and steep slopes2. Lack of institutional articulation namely related to financing of conservation practices3. Remote position in NE Portugal means a less attractive working and living environment for most professionals 4. Côa valley still relatively unknown as a place to be for nature and culture 5. Nature conservation including the rewilding concept is not always recognised by the local people.Opportunities-1. Growing attention in society to natural and cultural heritage and associated tourism and regional development 2. Recognition of rewilding as an innovative nature and landscape strategy leading to the return of iconic species, such as red deer, Wolf and Iberian lynx 3. Growing attention by businesses and institutions to Carbon Capturing in managed land as a strategy to compensate carbon emissions 4. Growing awareness of the urgency of desertification combat and availability of associated budgets 5. Growing interest of the business world to invest in biodiversity.Threats-1. land abandonment and the growing socio-economic consequences that come along with it 2. Increasing risk of wild fires 3. Increasing periods and severeness of droughts due to climate change 4. Growing of urban life creates a greater distance to nature.
