‘PARQUE NATURAL COSTA VICENTINA: STUDENT PROJECTS’

CERES International ProjectVale de AmoreiraAljezur, southwest Portugal

Centre for Education, Recreation and Environmental Sustainability

Structure of the presentation

o Introduction

o Key areas for student projects

o Student Project Week format

Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina (PNSACV)

o Portugal’s largest protected coastal zone (IUCN category V)

o Part of the Nature 2000 network and IBA (Important Bird Area)

o Includes a 130km long and 2km wide Marine Protected Area

o One of the richest regions of Europe in terms of aquatic and terrestrial animal and plant biodiversity

PNSACV Algarve, PortugalPNSACV

Algarve, Portugal

Importance of research for conservation management in the PNSACV

The management plan for the Parque Natural is a compromise of sometimes conflicting interests:

Biodiversity conservation vs.o Agriculture and aquaculture intensification

o Touristic developments

o Resource exploitation (mining, fishing)

Information about local biodiversity hotspots and conservation priorities informed by global agendas is imperative for effective management.

Importance of research for conservation management in the PNSACV

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here? “

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to, said the Cat.

"I don’t much care where--" said Alice.

"Then it doesn’t matter which way you go," said the Cat.

(Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll)

Importance of research for conservation management in the PNSACV

o Information gathered by multidisciplinary research is crucial for authorities to make informed, science based decisions to conserve biodiversity.

o Very little research has been carried out in the PNSACV.

o Information gathered by student projects can make a significant difference to protect the natural beauty of the Parque Natural in the long term.

Key areas for student projects:

o Biology: marine, freshwater, terrestrial

o Earth Sciences: geology, geography

o Outdoor recreation: watersports, adventure sports

Biology Projects: Rocky shore ecology

Biology Projects: Estuaries

Biology Projects: Cetacean conservation

Biology Projects: Fisheries and aquaculture

Biology Projects: Pollution

Biology Projects: Ephemeral systems

Biology Projects: Streams and reservoirs

Biology Projects: Garigue and macchia

Biology Projects: Invasive species

Geology Projects: Tectonics

Geology Projects: Carbonates

Geology Projects: Sedimentology

Geology Projects: Palaeontology

Geology Projects: Hazards

coastal cliff retreat

rock falls

landslides

Geography Projects

tourism

water management

agriculture

rural change

Outdoor Sports Projects: Water sports

surfing

kite-, windsurfing

diving

kayaking

coasteering

Outdoor Sports Projects: Biking

Outdoor Sports Projects: Rock climbing

Project Weeks and Science Camps are organised by CERES International, a not-for-profit organisation committed to field-based education, environmental research and low impact outdoor recreation.

Project Weeks / Science Camps

CERES works together with local researchers on specific projects:

Universidade do Algarve

Universidade de Lisboa

Universidade de Évora

AIMM

Mare Ilimitado

Project Weeks / Science Camps

Annually three Project Weeks offer students the opportunity to complete a module assignment or an individual project while contributing to science and conservation research.

Science Camps running for several weeks enable students to synergise a scientific contribution worthy of a degree with contributing to applied conservation outcomes and forging important contacts. Interested students please contact CERES for details.

7 – 14 days

up to 12 weeks

Student Project Weeks: indicative itinerary

First day:

oPick up from Faro airport, transport to CERES lodge, Aljezur

oIntroduction to the project and the area, presentation of staff and team members, detailed information about safety measures

oExploratory tour to gain an overview of study sites

oDinner

oRound table presentation of projects topics with CERES staff

Student Project Weeks: indicative itinerary

Day two - six:

oBreakfast

oPresentation of individual project progress: group feedback

oTransport to study site

oField work

oTransport to CERES Lodge (optional drive to town for shopping)

oProject work /data analysis (support from CERES staff)

oDinner

Final day:

oBreakfast

oSummary session, debriefing

oTransport to Faro airport

Student Project Weeks: indicative itinerary

A cost contribution of €199/ person and week includes:

oAirport transfer, all local transport to study site and town

o7 nights accommodation in the CERES Lodge (5 dormitory rooms, self-catering facilities, WiFi etc.)

oIndividual support regarding site selection, experimental design, and data analysis from CERES staff (after consultation with university project supervisor!)

oEmergency support and first aid equipment

oAccess to basic field equipment…limited to 18 students / project week

Student Project Weeks

Application process:

oThoroughly discuss a project idea with your supervisor

oContact CERES via email with a project proposal

oCERES accepts a maximum 18 project student for each week

oSelection criteria are the potential benefit of the proposed project for the PNSACV, recommendation from your project supervisor and the feasibility of the practical execution within the time frame

Student Project Weeks

Dates: Autumn half term, Christmas/spring break, Easter break

‘….see you in Aljezur’

all pictures in this presentation © CERES International. For copies please contact axel@ceresinternational.org

CERES International Vale de Amoreira, Aljezurwww.ceresinternational.orgaxel@ceresinternational.org