Protected areas
Portugal has set up nature parks to preserve its heritage. Some of the region's outstanding areas include:
Ria Formosa Nature Park. Located in the south-east of the Algarve, this sanctuary covers an entire stretch of coastline between Quinta do Lago and Cacela Velha, and protects remarkable ecosystems (lagoons, dunes, islands). Home to numerous birds - including the sultana hen, the park's symbol - it is also home to marine species, including one of the world's largest populations of seahorses (long-nosed and short-nosed), which you can observe on excursions. This beautiful park can be explored by boat along the canals, or by bike along the salt flats.
Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Nature Park (shared by Algarve and Alentejo). It protects a particularly wild coastal fringe of beaches, dune habitats and steep cliffs, sanctuaries for numerous birds (including storks, herons and flamingos).
Reserva natural do Sapal de Castro Marim. This is the country's oldest nature reserve. It protects the ecosystems linked to the wetlands of the Guadiana River (including the Castro Marim marsh), and is home to a wide variety of birds as well as aquatic species (crustaceans).
Cabo São Vicente. Located at the south-western tip of the country, Cabo São Vicente has all the makings of a Finisterrae , with its lighthouse and ancient monastery clinging to the last ramparts of the Atlantic. Its cliffs provide a unique vantage point for observing not only the ocean, but also the bird populations that pass through this magical spot.
Ponta da Piedade. Considered by some to be "the most beautiful beach in the world", it is located in the immediate vicinity of Lagos and can be reached on foot. Its cliffs are home to limestone caves, accessible by boat.
Benémola spring. The site is rich in biodiversity. It is home to wetland flora such as reedbeds and willows, as well as a population of bats. It also contains the remains of ancient irrigation systems (norias).
Rocha da Pena. Located in the barrocal region, this protected area is home to archaeological remains, geology and remarkable biodiversity (Brotero peony, carob tree, pharaoh's rat, bats, salamanders, great horned owl, etc.).
Estômbar Fountains. This is a municipal park on the left bank of the Arade River estuary. In addition to a swim in the lagoon formed by natural springs, you can visit a tidal mill.
A territory subject to forest fires
The hinterland is characterized by forest massifs. The vegetation is predominantly Mediterranean (with the exception of the Serra de Monchique), and endemic species can be found here(Ophrys algarvensis, rhododendron algarvense, Sideritis algarviensis, etc.). Forest fires, which are increasingly devastating, are the result of a number of factors. These include the choice of tree species, in particular eucalyptus, a highly flammable species introduced for the manufacture of paper pulp. This species is present in the Serra de Monchique, where fire persisted for nine days during the great fire of 2018 and now occurs every year. The absence of a genuine forest fire prevention system in the country can also be pointed to, along with an austerity policy that has undermined forestry service staffing levels and privatized aerial resources (canadairs). Faced with this situation, however, a number of initiatives are emerging. One example is the use of goats, also used in California, as a secret weapon in the prevention system. A pilot scheme has been set up in the vicinity of Vermelhos. Cost: €25 per hectare cleared. The New York Times magazine praised these "low-cost firefighters" in its columns. Since 2017, scientists and NGOs have been warning of more unpredictable and violent fires. The frequency of these extreme events or "mega-fires" is thought to be linked to climate change.
Climate challenges and energy transition
Portugal took advantage of the 2008 oil crisis to launch its energy transition. The main aim was to limit dependence on oil. The country therefore deployed a truly proactive policy, based on both energy efficiency and the development of renewable energies (wind, solar, hydro). For a few days in March 2018, Portugal produced over 100% renewable energy. In other words, the country produced more renewable energy than it consumed. On the strength of this success, the country has set itself the target of achieving 100% of its annual electricity production from renewable energies by 2040. Although the country's greenhouse gas emissions fell by 22% between 2005 and 2017, carbon energies (notably coal) are still very much present in the country's energy mix. Another challenge is the use of surplus renewable energy. As energy cannot be stored, it is necessary to develop interconnections with European Union countries (the EU has set a target of 10% interconnection between member countries by 2020) and Morocco (project underway). Portugal is also a major producer of lithium, used for storage batteries.
Tourism with multiple environmental impacts
Land artificialisation accelerates erosion, contributes to the fragmentation of natural environments and the loss of biodiversity. Massive urbanization of the coastline for tourism purposes also puts pressure on resources (water, energy), and generates waste and large quantities of water discharged into sewage treatment plants and the natural environment. Travellers to the Algarve are therefore urged to use resources wisely.
