Guincho-Cresmina Dunes Project
Ecological Restoration and Climate Resilience
Location: Cascais, Portugal
Area: 300 hectares
Ecosystem: Parabolic dunes
Protected Area: Part of the Natura 2000 network
Project Goals
Ecological Restoration: Restore the natural dunes dynamic and native vegetation.
Habitat Restoration: Focus on white and grey dunes, home to endemic species like Juniperus phoenicea.
Biodiversity Protection: Preserve habitats for species such as rabbits, partridges, foxes, and the Common Kestrel.
Challenges
Tourism Pressure: Uncontrolled access, trampling, littering, and wildfires.
Invasive Species: Removal and management of non-native plants.
Restoration Plan
Visitor Engagement: Development of interpretation centers and walkways.
Species Conservation: Seed banks for native plants and creation of new ponds for amphibians and birds.
Make a difference.
This project encompasses several key sustainability aspects:
Ecological Restoration: Focuses on restoring native vegetation and natural dune dynamics, which enhances biodiversity and promotes ecosystem health.
Carbon Sequestration: Through the replanting of native species and the establishment of seed banks, the project helps sequester carbon, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
Climate Resilience: By restoring natural habitats, the project increases the resilience of the ecosystem to climate change impacts, such as changes in temperature and moisture.
Community Engagement and Education: Involves local communities and schools in educational initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and sustainable practices.
Sustainable Tourism: By developing interpretation centers and walkways, the project promotes sustainable tourism, reducing the environmental footprint of visitors while enhancing their understanding of the local ecosystem.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the Guincho-Cresmina Dunes Project not only mitigates climate change but also supports long-term ecological and community resilience.
Credentials
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Contact Information
Email: contact@cascaisambiente.pt
Phone: +351 21 482 5000
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Location: Guincho-Cresmina Dunes, Cascais, Portugal
