Faia Brava – Associação de Conservação da Natureza is a Portuguese environmental NGO with over 25 years of history, pioneering the recognition of the first Private Protected Area in Portugal. Operating in the Vale do Côa, it focuses on ecological restoration, biodiversity protection, environmental education, and nature-based experiences.
Faia Brava – Associação de Conservação da Natureza (formerly known as Associação Transumância e Natureza – ATN) is a non-governmental environmental organisation (ONGA) founded in 2000 and based in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, in the northeast of Portugal. It is a pioneer in the creation of the first Private Protected Area in Portugal — the Reserva da Faia Brava — situated in the stunning Vale do Côa landscape.
Over more than 25 years, the association has worked tirelessly to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, bringing them closer to their original functional state. Its mission spans three interconnected pillars: conservation and ecological restoration, nature-based visitation and experiential learning, and scientific research and environmental education.
One of its flagship initiatives is the LIFE Aegypius Return project, which aims to consolidate and expand the threatened black vulture (Aegypius monachus) population in Portugal and western Spain through careful habitat management around existing and potential new colonies. Acclimation stations have been established in the Douro Internacional, and multiple cohorts of juvenile vultures have already been introduced through a soft-release programme.
Faia Brava collaborates with a wide network of national and international partners, including universities, research centres, conservation foundations, and local municipalities. The association also promotes sustainable biodiversity use through guided visits, nature experiences, school outreach, and citizen science activities.
In 2024, members voted to rename the association to Faia Brava – Associação de Conservação da Natureza, reflecting the natural evolution of a project that remains deeply committed to its founding mission: creating spaces for nature and building a more sustainable territory.
Our Goal
Faia Brava aims to conserve and restore ecosystems in the Vale do Côa region, bringing them closer to their natural functional state through environmental, economic, and social land stewardship. The association also works to expand and protect threatened species such as the black vulture (Aegypius monachus) across Portugal and western Spain.
Our Wishes
Faia Brava welcomes new members, volunteers, partners, and donors who share its commitment to nature conservation and sustainable land use in Portugal.
