The proposal to create the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park is under public discussion and could be realized by 2024. The protected area will help the marine ecosystem and the local community.
The creation of the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park is under public discussion after a meeting of Secretaries of State last Tuesday, June 6. The announcement of the approval was made by the Minister of Environment and Climate Action, Duarte Cordeiro, during a public session in which he reaffirmed the commitment made at the Oceans Conference in 2022. This natural park will be the first marine area to be protected in mainland Portugal in the 21st century.
The Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park covers the coast of Albufeira, Lagoa and Silves, with an area of approximately 150 square kilometers. The area encompasses the Pedra do Valado reef, which is one of the largest rocky reefs on the coast of Portugal and the most extensive in the Algarve. The main goals of this proposal are to encourage the preservation of the marine ecosystem, encourage sustainable practices in tourism and local fisheries, as the area is subject to pressure from these sectors. The interest of the community should also be highlighted, since the coast harbors a wide biodiversity, with 900 identified species, 12 of which are new to science, such as algae and mollusks, according to the results of the research of more than 20 that CCMAR has done.
The proposal of the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park was developed jointly between the Center for Marine Sciences at the University of Algarve (CCMAR/UALg) – the Oceano Azul Foundation and the municipalities of Lagoa, Silves and Albufeira. The project had the participation of fishermen, scientists, NGOs and other local actors, and was developed over more than three years, with scientific basis in CCMAR and the support of the Operational Program Sea 2020 for local economic development.
Environmental and local relevance
In a statement, the Oceano Azul Foundation highlights that “the classification of a marine protected area as the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park aims to protect, promote and enhance the Portuguese underwater natural heritage, as well as the economic activities that depend on it, ensuring the prosperity of present and future generations. In this way, besides taking steps to meet international commitments to nature conservation, the creation of the natural park also contributes to local development and involves community participation in local issues.
Having been approved by the Secretaries of State, the proposal goes forward for public discussion, allowing citizens and interested parties to express their opinions. At the end of the 30 days of debate, the opinions will be evaluated and a report will be prepared by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF). The proposal will then be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval, formalizing the creation of the park.
Then, compensation program contracts will be concluded; in them, agreements are established between the parties involved, such as municipalities, scientific institutions, and other entities, for the creation and management of the park. A special program that will cover the aspects for the conservation of the marine ecosystem, as well as the administrative rules and parameters, must be approved by January 2024. These steps ensure transparency, public participation and a solid foundation for the realization of the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park.
