FAPAS – Associação Portuguesa para a Conservação da Biodiversidade

FAPAS – Associação Portuguesa para a Conservação da Biodiversidade (formerly known as Fundo para a Protecção dos Animais Selvagens) is one of Portugal's most established environmental NGOs, headquartered at Quinta de Chão de Carvalhos in Pedroso, Vila Nova de Gaia. The organisation manages several protected natural areas across the country, including sites in Ferreira do Zêzere, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Ponte da Barca, Vila Nova de Gaia, and the Reserva Ornitológica do Mindelo, working to safeguard habitats, wetlands, and native species. FAPAS also runs a dedicated training and education centre offering courses, teacher training, and school activities aimed at raising environmental awareness among children and adults alike, including initiatives like the 'Almanaque da Biodiversidade Portuguesa' which documents native flora and fauna. Beyond hands-on conservation, FAPAS plays an active advocacy role, publishing press releases and open letters opposing infrastructure and energy projects it considers environmentally harmful, such as photovoltaic and wind developments in sensitive natural areas, and campaigning for stronger legal protections such as the independence of the ICNF and the Lei de Bases do Clima. The association is structured with a General Assembly, a Board (Corpos Gerentes), and a Fiscal Council, reflecting a formal nonprofit governance model with member participation. FAPAS relies on membership fees, donations, training fees, and volunteer contributions to sustain its work, and actively invites the public to become members, volunteers, or donors. Its long track record — evidenced by decades of general assemblies and continuous publications — positions FAPAS as a key voice in Portuguese biodiversity conservation and environmental policy.