Next Saturday, August 1, another International Day of Protected Marine Areas will be marked, and Portugal will join the celebration for the first time.
Created in 2021 by organizations in South Africa, it has since grown into a global movement supported by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The main objective is to raise awareness of the importance of protected marine areas in ocean conservation, in sustainable development, and in the well-being of human communities.
In Portugal, the celebrations will be carried out in a decentralized manner in Albufeira, Lagoa and Silves, the three municipalities encompassed by the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park – Pedra do Valado, the first marine protected area to be created in Portugal in the 21st century and also the first of community interest. Encompassing about 156 square kilometres, it protects one of the Algarve’s most important rocky coastal reefs, recognised for its high biodiversity and for the ecological, social and economic relevance it represents for the region.
The regional organization is led by AIMM – Association for the Investigation of the Marine Environment, with the support of the Blue Ocean Foundation. Among the partners are CCMAR – Centre for Marine Sciences of the University of Algarve, the Association of Fishermen of Armação de Pêra, the municipalities of Albufeira, Lagoa and Silves, and the Albufeira Marina. In a statement, AIMM said the initiative also counts on the adhesion of several maritime-tourism companies in the region.
“The celebration assumes special relevance at the national and international levels as it marks Portugal’s first participation in this international initiative dedicated to valuing and promoting protected marine areas,” says the coordinating organization.
Throughout the day on August 1, a number of activities will be promoted to publicize the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park – Pedra do Valado, its biodiversity, and the importance of its conservation.
In Albufeira, AIMM, together with other partners, will be present at the inauguration of the exhibition “Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park – Pedra do Valado”, scheduled for 11:00 a.m., at the P5 Exhibition Space, in the town centre of Albufeira. The opening will include a brief presentation by AIMM about the International Day of Protected Marine Areas and the importance of this area.
In Silves, AIMM, in collaboration with CCMAR and the Association of Fishermen of Armação de Pêra, will promote, at Fishermen’s Beach in Armação de Pêra, a scavenger-hunt with games and activities related to the Park. A demonstration is also planned by local fishermen of the fishing arts traditionally used in the region. The activities will take place between 9:30 and 11:00.
Finally, in Lagoa, AIMM will be present at Benagil Beach, where researchers from the organization will collaborate, throughout the day, in briefings directed to visitors of the Benagil caves who undertake the kayaking visit.
