The 'ConnectNatura - Improving Connectivity Conditions for Wildlife between Natura 2000 Network Areas' is a project of Palombar - Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation that aims to preserve species that are strictly and partially scavengers, listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive and that have an unfavorable conservation status in Portugal, in particular the cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus), the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) and the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).

The intervention area of the project are two Special Protection Areas (SPAs) of the Natura 2000 Network, classified under the Birds Directive, located in the north of Portugal, namely the 'Serra do Gerês' and 'Montesinho / Nogueira' SPAs. These two SPAs are also inserted in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

The SPAs covered by the ConnectNatura project are also part of the National Network of Protected Areas (RNAP), with National Park status, in the case of Serra do Gerês and Natural Park with regards to Montesinho.

Within the scope of this project, the conditions for feeding and social acceptance of those species will be improved, in order to reverse negative population trends and promote the return and/or settlement of these birds in these territories, which constitute areas of historical presence.

ConnectNatura also aims to reinforce affinity between populations/population centers by creating corridors between areas of the Natura 2000 network and to restore ancestral trophic chains.

Website www.connectnatura.pt
Partner Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests
Territory Natura 2000 Network 
Funding Environmental Fund - Ministry of Environment and Energy Transition