A Rocha Portugal

From Cruzinha, its bird observatory and field study centre in the Algarve, A Rocha Portugal carries out scientific research to better understand and protect important species and habitats of high natural value. Coastal wetlands get particular attention, among them the Ria de Alvor and Lagoa dos Salgados. The organisation has been active in Portugal since 1983 and is part of the international A Rocha network, an environmental organisation founded on Christian values. It also promotes habitat conservation together with local communities, schools, government bodies and other environmental organisations. Its environmental education programme has been running for over 27 years. Schools and members of the public learn through fieldwork that complements the national science curricula, and the programme trains teachers in partnership with organisations such as Centro de Formação Rui Grácio and Ciência Viva. Throughout the year, students and volunteers from around the world stay at Cruzinha and take part in ongoing projects. They gain professional experience and further training in their fields of study, and they have the opportunity to live in an intercultural, community setting. Partners include universities such as Cardiff University and Universidade do Algarve, ringing associations, and regional bodies such as the Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente. The organisation's motto is “Crer, Cuidar e Transformar” (Believe, Care, Transform). With it, A Rocha Portugal wants to raise environmental awareness, encourage critical thinking about ecological citizenship and contribute to lasting change in how people think and act towards the natural world.