Parque Natural da Ria Formosa
Visitantes
The Marim Environmental Education Center - CEAM, which also houses the headquarters of the Ria Formosa Natural Park
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Administrative Center
Visit to CEAM's administrative center and its permanent and temporary exhibitions. In this visit will be highlighted the models of the Ria Formosa Natural Park area and the tuna fishing in fixed frames so that the visitor gets to know the operation of the almadravas. By visualizing the miniatures of traditional fishing boats will be characterized some of the fishing gear of the Algarve and will emphasize the importance of fishing in the region, with special focus on Olhão. CEAM's viewpoint will reinforce the geographical contextualization of the barrier islands of Ria Formosa. From this privileged spot you can see Armona Island, Culatra Island (tip of the island and the village of Farol), the Marim Canal, Barra Velha and Ilhote S. Lourenço or das Ratas. The evolution of Barra Velha and the way the islands "almost overlap" will be highlighted.
Tuna Model
Not long ago, the Algarve coast was rich in traditional vessels of all kinds, which not only animated its proverbially calm and blue sea with its white sails, but also shook the numerous ports and moorings with the characteristic and colorful hustle and bustle. The different regional vessels were rapidly and inexorably disappearing as time went by. Only those who saw at sunset hundreds of "Balconies" coming from the sides of Santa Luzia crossing the Four Waters with their very high bastard sails, all together, as if combined, to cross the low and dangerous Nova bar at the same time. Tavira, you can imagine how suddenly and drastically lost it was, making the Algarve's cultural heritage poorer.
Origin and Evolution of Ria Formosa
This barrier island system originated about 11,000 years ago. Sea level has risen rapidly, flooding the sandy elevations formed 3000 years earlier, thus turning them into islands. Simultaneously the watercourses deposited in the lagoon large amounts of alluvial material, which is the source of the extensions of the marshes and islets that can be observed today. The islands and dune cords that develop there are extremely important in maintaining the lagoon and marshland.
Administrative Center Model
This model represents a highly sensitive lagoon system that has its internationally recognized importance. Ria Formosa is covered by the Ramsar Convention and the Berne Convention and was considered a wetland of world interest. It is also part of the Natura 2000 Network, as a Special Protection Zone (SPA) and a Special Conservation Zone. It is referred to as the Important Bird Area (IBA) and has recently been voted one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal.