National Nature Conservation Day - July 28th

The National Nature Conservation Day, instituted by the June 29th Council of Ministers Resolution no. 73/98, is commemorated today, July 28th, and aims to honour the associative movement for environmental protection through one of the its most prestigious institutions, the Portuguese Nature Protection League, by creating an annual occasion for careful contemplation on the topic of nature conservation.

When compared to other countries, Portugal offers a great diversity of landscapes, geological heritage and biodiversity, wherein a large number of endemicities and relics stand out, from a biogeographical and/or genetic standpoint.

All this heritage, found in a territory profoundly shaped by centuries of human presence and activity, constitutes a differentiating factor, adding value to and affirming our identity and sovereignty on both a European and global stage.

Biodiversity, characterized by genetic diversity, as well as that of species and ecosystems, supports the provision of goods (such as oxygen, food, medication, clothing, building materials, pesticides) and services (such as water purification, climate regulation, flood control, pollination, soil fertilization, etc.), now shown to be essential for human well-being, poverty mitigation, risk prevention and efficient economic operation.

Thus, the subject of nature conservation involves each and every individual! Only by joint efforts between central and local administration, NGOs, associations, private owners, companies, academia and citizens will we achieve such good results as the Iberian lynx, imperial eagle and Iberian cyprinid conservation projects, all of which are endemic species.

It is time to celebrate our Portuguese living Natural Heritage.

We will be at the Arrábida Natural Park, which also celebrates its 41st anniversary today, and at the Porto Tourist Office at the São Bento railway station promoting and publicizing our protected areas and natural values.

Remember that there’s still time to participate in the public discussion on the proposed revision for the National Strategy for Nature and Biodiversity Conservation, available at the Participa.pt website.

Join us!

Further information: www.icnf.pt