EVOA – Espaço de Visitação e Observação de aves/ Tagus Estuary Birdwatching and Conservation Area
Region
Europe
Country
Portugal
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
BioWet
About
Name of organisation
Companhia das Lezírias, S.A.
Funding support
Companhia das Lezírias, S.A.; Brisa – Auto-estradas de Portugal; EU Funds
Number of staff
5
Number of visitors per year
20,000 (predicted as of 2013)
Overall aims of the centre
Contribute to the Protection of wild birds
Implement habitat management measures which are appropriate to the needs of the birds
Promote and disseminate the existing biodiversity and services provided by this wetland
Description of the centre
EVOA is situated in the Natural Reserve of the Tagus Estuary (RNET), which is included in the Natura 2000 network since 1980 and is recognized as a wetland of international importance (Ramsar Site).
Since April 2013, the visitor can enjoy the wild birds, mostly in three freshwater wetlands, with 70 ha, created by the project and managed for birds. The necessary tranquility and convenience for visitors are guaranteed through hidden trails and hides that are strategically located.
The Visitor Centre offers a pleasant visitor experience. It support visitors to get to know the birds, the estuary and the lezíria and to participate in various interactive activities. In addition to the exhibition area – EVOA, where the world meet the Tagus, the centre has a multi-purpose auditorium and a cafeteria where visitors can enjoy the space and the beautiful scenery.
EVOA has programs of interpretive guided tours and birdwatching appropriate to different audiences and ages. It also provides other recreational and educational activities and special access conditions.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
Guided-visits and a range of environmental education activities for schools, adapted to age and different thematics.
Contextualize and raise awareness among visitors for unique aspects of this protected area, its birds and its natural and cultural values.
Top three successes
– Management and creating 70 ha of lagoons;
– Key stakeholders engaging: farmers, national and regional authorities, environmental associations;
– Environmental education programme and teachers formation action;
Top three challenges
– Engaging international birdwatching visitors;
– Improve access to visitor center – 12 Km of dirt road, only by car ;
– Increase energy efficiency – nowadays works with fuel generator;
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Using audio-visual tools; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Setting up a new visitor centre; Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Project planning.
The conception and construction of the ponds and other EVOA infrastructures followed the guidelines of WWT consulting
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