Protected areas
Portugal has set up natural parks in order to preserve its heritage. Among the remarkable areas of the region are the following:
Ria Formosa Natural Park. Located in the south-east of the Algarve, it protects a whole stretch of coastline between Quinta do Lago and Cacela Velha, and protects remarkable ecosystems (lagoons, dune bar, islands). A habitat for many birds - including the Sultan chicken, the symbol of the park -, it is also home to marine species, including one of the largest populations of seahorses in the world (long-nosed and short-nosed seahorses), which you will be able to observe during excursions. This park is of great beauty and can be discovered by boat, along the canals, or by bicycle along the salt marshes.
Southwestern Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park (shared between the Algarve and the Alentejo). It protects a particularly wild coastal fringe of beaches, dune habitats and steep cliffs, sanctuaries for many birds (including storks, herons and flamingos).
Reserva natural do Sapal de Castro Marim. This is the oldest nature reserve in the country. It protects the ecosystems linked to the wetland of the Guadiana River (including the Castro Marim marsh), and is home to a great diversity of birds and aquatic species (crustaceans).
Cabo São Vicente. Located at the south-western tip of the country, Cape St. Vincent has all the characteristics of a finisterrae with its lighthouse and ancient monastery, hanging from the last ramparts of the Atlantic. Its cliffs are a unique place to observe the ocean but also the bird populations that pass through this magical place.
Ponta da Piedade. Considered by some as "the most beautiful beach in the world", it is located in the immediate vicinity of Lagos and is accessible on foot. Its cliffs shelter limestone caves, accessible by boat.
Source of Benémola. The site is rich in biodiversity. There is notably a flora linked to wetlands such as reedbeds and willows, but also a population of bats. It also contains the remains of ancient irrigation systems (norias).
Rocha da Pena. Located in the barrocal, this protected area contains, in addition to archaeological remains, remarkable geology and biodiversity (Brotero peony, carob tree, pharaoh's rat, bats, salamanders, Great Horned Owl, etc.).
Fountains of Estômbar. This is a municipal park, located on the left bank of the Arade River estuary. Apart from swimming in the lagoon formed by natural springs, you can also visit a tide mill.
A territory subject to forest fires
The hinterland is characterized by the presence of forest massifs. Most of the vegetation is of Mediterranean type (with the exception of the Serra de Monchique) and endemic species(Ophrys algarvensis, Rhododendron algarvense, Sideritis algarviensis, etc.) can be found there. Forest fires, which are increasingly devastating, are the result of various factors. One of these is the choice of species, particularly eucalyptus, a highly flammable species introduced for the manufacture of paper pulp. This species is present in the Serra de Monchique, where the fire persisted for nine days during the great fire of 2018. The lack of a real forest fire prevention system in the country can also be pointed out, along with an austerity policy that has undermined the forest service staff and privatized air assets (canadairs). However, initiatives are emerging in response to this situation. One example is the use of pastoralism as a preventive measure. Since 2018, more than 18,000 beetles have been clearing unmaintained areas. A pilot experiment has been carried out in the vicinity of Vermelhos. Cost of the operation: 25 € per cleared hectare. The New York Times magazine praised these "low-cost firemen" in its columns. Since 2017, scientists and NGOs have been warning of more unpredictable and violent fires. The frequency of occurrence of these extreme events or "mega-fires" is said to be linked to climate change.
Climate challenges and energy transition
Portugal used the oil crisis of 2008 as an opportunity to begin its energy transition. The main aim was to limit dependence on oil. The country has therefore deployed a truly proactive policy, based both on energy efficiency and the development of renewable energies (wind, solar, hydro). In March 2018, Portugal produced more than 100% renewable energy for a few days. In other words, the country produced more renewable energy than it consumed. Building on this success, Portugal has set itself the goal of achieving 100% annual electricity production from renewable energy by 2040. Although the country's greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 22% between 2005 and 2017, carbon energies (especially coal) are still well represented in the country's energy mix. Another challenge is the use of surplus renewable energy. As energy cannot be stored, the aim is to develop interconnection with the countries of the European Union (the EU has set a target of 10% interconnection between member countries by 2020) and Morocco (project under way). Portugal is also positioning itself as a major producer of lithium, which is used for storage batteries.
Tourism with multiple environmental impacts
The artificialisation of land accelerates erosion phenomena, contributes to the fragmentation of natural environments and the loss of biodiversity. The massive urbanisation of the coast for tourism purposes also puts pressure on resources (water, energy), generates waste and significant water discharges to treatment plants and then to the natural environment. We can therefore only invite the traveller leaving for the Algarve to a reasoned use of resources.
