Rios e Ribeiras
Rivers and Streams - Conservation of biodiversity and riparian ecosystems
2024 - 2025
Rios e Ribeiras
The main objective of the "Rios e Ribeiras" project is to promote the recovery and conservation of native biodiversity and riparian ecosystems in Portugal, with a special focus on the north of the country, through the development of sub-projects such as STOP|VISON.
This project is promoted by AEPGA (the Association for the Study and Protection of Donkeys), in partnership with Palombar and the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. The STOP|VISON sub-project is implemented by Palombar and financed by the Environmental Fund - Ministry of Environment and Energy.
The overall objectives of the "Rios e Ribeiras" project are:
The STOP|VISON sub-project has the following goals:
The project's area of intervention is the Peneda-Gerês Special Conservation Area (SPA) and the Serra do Gerês SPA, which are part of the Natura 2000 network.
Why is the American mink a problem?
The American mink is a species native to North America (United States and Canada). It was introduced in Portugal and is included in the National List of Invasive Species (LNEI). Through a broad initiative coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), of which Palombar was a part, the American mink was also added to the List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern, effective from August 2027. It poses a threat to the country's biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems.
The American mink preys on native species and competes with native predators such as the European polecat (Mustela putorius) and the otter (Lutra lutra). Its predatory impact is most harmful to several native species of mammals and birds, some of which are highly endangered, such as the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), the Mediterranean Water Shrew (Neomys anomalus) and the Southwestern water vole (Arvicola sapidus). It also preys on endangered fish species such as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).
Controlling this species is vital to promoting the recovery and conservation of native biodiversity and riparian ecosystems in Portugal.
Website www.rioseribeiras.pt
Coordination Palombar
Area of intervention Natura 2000 Network
Funding Environmental Fund – Ministry of the Environment and Energy
This project is promoted by AEPGA (the Association for the Study and Protection of Donkeys), in partnership with Palombar and the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança. The STOP|VISON sub-project is implemented by Palombar and financed by the Environmental Fund - Ministry of Environment and Energy.
The overall objectives of the "Rios e Ribeiras" project are:
- To promote the improvement of riparian habitats to ensure the conservation of native species (ecological restoration).
- To encourage good agricultural practices to reduce pollution of rivers and streams.
- To eliminate obsolete barriers.
- To provide environmental education.
- To control invasive alien species that threaten the survival of native fauna.
The STOP|VISON sub-project has the following goals:
- Ensure active control of the American mink (Neogale vison) in the Lima River basin and improve its ecological status.
- To promote the habitat of aquatic and semi-aquatic species listed in the annexes to the European Union's Birds and Habitats Directives.
- To raise awareness among local populations about the negative impacts of the American mink on native fauna and to actively involve them.
- To increase knowledge about the distribution and population estimates of this species in the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
The project's area of intervention is the Peneda-Gerês Special Conservation Area (SPA) and the Serra do Gerês SPA, which are part of the Natura 2000 network.
Why is the American mink a problem?
The American mink is a species native to North America (United States and Canada). It was introduced in Portugal and is included in the National List of Invasive Species (LNEI). Through a broad initiative coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), of which Palombar was a part, the American mink was also added to the List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern, effective from August 2027. It poses a threat to the country's biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems.
The American mink preys on native species and competes with native predators such as the European polecat (Mustela putorius) and the otter (Lutra lutra). Its predatory impact is most harmful to several native species of mammals and birds, some of which are highly endangered, such as the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), the Mediterranean Water Shrew (Neomys anomalus) and the Southwestern water vole (Arvicola sapidus). It also preys on endangered fish species such as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).
Controlling this species is vital to promoting the recovery and conservation of native biodiversity and riparian ecosystems in Portugal.
Website www.rioseribeiras.pt
Coordination Palombar
Area of intervention Natura 2000 Network
Funding Environmental Fund – Ministry of the Environment and Energy