‘parque natural costa vicentina: student projects’ ceres international project vale de amoreira...
TRANSCRIPT
‘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 [email protected]
CERES International Vale de Amoreira, [email protected]