Community social characterization
The Municipality of Estarreja is located in the Center-North
coastal area of Portugal, close to Ria de Aveiro Lagoon, population of 26 224, population density of 242.4 hab/km2. 63% of its population is between 15 and 64 yo, and 24% is over 65 yo.
Governance in the pilot case
Democratic and inclusive process in three phases:
1) should focus on communicating the area’s main natural
and cultural values;
2) common vision;
3) defining methods.
Motivation of the pilot
To co-create and implement a local classified area, that will be
governed through innovative and inclusive approaches. Although
part of the focus area is included in a Natura 2000 site, there is a lack of a management strategy that ensures a sustainable development of the territory, involving all its stakeholders.
Local governance profile
Coordination of Municipality and horizontal partners
– landowners, farmers, livestock producers, public entities,
schools, environmental NGO, Universities, local businesses,
population, media.
Target group
Families, landowners, farmers and livestock producers, local students, general population.
Existing NBS applications and initiatives
The main NBS already implemented in the focus area of this
pilot is BioRia, a Nature Tourism and Environmental Education project.
Small scale NBS testing
Co-creation of a new classified area, with the ultimate goal of
developing a strategy for the area that balances the interests
of local stakeholders and biodiversity conservation.
Leverage resources for NBS
1) Local farmers and livestock production associations; 2) NGO’s
with established environmental projects; 3) Universities; 4) Local
tourism businesses; 5) Hunters and Fishermen Association;
6) Local media; 7) Inst. for the Conservation of Nature and
Forests); 8) Regional Direction for Agriculture and Fisheries.
Challenges raised during the preparatory meetings
Joining and involving different stakeholders, conflicts with
landowners, how to link with local industry.
Environmental Challenges
The intensification of agricultural activities and land-use change; the brackish water intrusion affecting not only landscape and ecosystem functioning, but also agriculture and cattle production; water and soil contamination from past and current large industrial complex; private character of the territory, often in a smallholding scheme.
Who owns the land?
Mostly private ownership, often smallholding.
Social Challenges
Lack of environmental awareness of the main stakeholders.
Gaps in knowledge regarding integrative or regenerative agriculture. Youth disconnected with nature.
Possible local partners, associations, initiatives and champions to be engaged
Environmental and social NGO’s, Universities, schools, landowners, farmers, cattle productors, beekeepers, hunters and fishermen associations, local businesses, private companies, media partners, among others.
Economic Challenges
The maximum yield and profit approach in farming leads to
intensive or impactful practices, invasive species have negative impacts on primary and secondary economic activities;
wild animals as agricultural pests.