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
Municipality of Estarreja, local Parishes, Schools, local Environmental, Social and Cultural NGOs, citizens, farmers, among others.
Motivation of the pilot
The pilot case, named ECO – ESTARREJA COLABORATIVA E ORIENTADORA [Collaborative and Guiding Estarreja] was born from the identified need to have a collaborative and multi-disciplinary strategy for the territory’s natural values, one that includes the different interests and perspectives of its main actors. The majority of the territory is privately owned, often organized on a small-holding scheme, and land-owners, farmers, livestock producers, foresters, conservationists, hunters and fishermen, etc., have all been working towards their individual goals, which results on a negative impact on local natural values, specifically in the loss of habitats and associated biodiversity and ecosystem services.
We aim with this project to co-create a strategy for the preservation of the council’s natural patrimony, and to balance human activities with nature conservation, unlocking the potential of a true sustainable development for Estarreja. We also aim to improve the sense of belonging regarding natural areas in Estarreja, promote the relationship human-nature, and implement multi-disciplinary approaches to territory managent and planning.
Local governance profile
Coordination of the Municipality, collaboration of local parishes, environmental, social and cultural NGOs, amont others.
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
NbS will be co-created at a local level at each of the council’s parishes/towns, as well as in schools. The local-focus of the participatory sessions will allow not only the testing of small scale NbS, but also the the gathering of relevant data to build on council-wide solutions and frameworks.
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
1) 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.