Associação Vita Nativa

Founded in 2018 in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park in Olhão, Algarve, Associação Vita Nativa is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit association for environmental conservation. It was established by a group of professionals with backgrounds in nature conservation and environmental management, united by the need to provide an active and coordinated response to pressing environmental challenges identified in the region. Vita Nativa promotes the study and conservation of nature, works to raise awareness of Portugal's natural heritage, and advocates for the active protection of ecosystems and the services they provide. The association operates through a multidisciplinary and dynamic team committed to bringing fresh perspectives and practical approaches to a wide range of environmental issues. Its activities encompass biodiversity monitoring and inventorying, sustainability projects, environmental education programmes, and community engagement initiatives such as creative writing sessions in natural parks and events celebrating nature. The association also engages in habitat conservation efforts within ecosystems like the Ria Formosa and collaborates with partners including Forum Algarve and has received support from the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. Vita Nativa organises its conservation work through thematic nuclei — for instance, the Núcleo Tejo focuses on inventorying species and monitoring ecosystems in the Tagus basin. The association is open to new members, volunteers, and institutional partners who wish to contribute to the protection of Portugal's natural environment.