World Wetland Day is being celebrated at Lagoa’s Alagoas Brancas
In celebration of World Wetlands Day on Sunday, February 2, Alagoas Brancas in Lagoa will host a special event filled with engaging activities for all.
This event is part of the global calendar of celebrations highlighting the importance of wetland conservation. Alagoas Brancas itself is a shining example of successful wetland conservation, thanks to a movement led by local citizens and environmentalists which led efforts to save the area from the threat of development.
According to organisers, the event aims to provide an opportunity to “discover and appreciate the rich biodiversity of Alagoas Brancas”, while raising awareness of the crucial role that wetlands play in sustaining life on Earth.
Activities begin at 10am with a birdwatching session, inviting participants to observe and learn about the diverse bird species that can be found at Alagoas Brancas. Later in the morning, the activity “Aqui há bicho!” will focus on collecting and identifying macroinvertebrates, small organisms that serve as key indicators of wetland health.
In the afternoon, the focus will turn to controlling and removing invasive plant species that “pose a threat to this delicate ecosystem”.
Participation is free, but registration is mandatory. Interested individuals must fill out an online registration form by January 31 at 12pm.
The event is organised by Lagoa municipal council with the collaboration of environmental association Almargem, civic movement association Cidade da Participação, the Portuguese League for Nature Protection, the ‘Salvar as Alagoas Brancas’ movement and the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA).
In December, Almargem launched a dedicated website for Alagoas Brancas, providing detailed information about its unique flora and fauna.
