Guardiãs da Natureza

Guardiãs da Natureza identifies, trains and connects women who drive nature-based projects in their own local areas. The projects range from sustainable agriculture and forestry to circular economy ventures built on each territory's own resources. It's a growing national network, dedicated to regenerating ecosystems, conserving biodiversity and developing Portugal's rural areas sustainably. Its particular focus is protected areas such as the Guadiana Valley Natural Park and the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. Participants build skills and knowledge in sustainability, climate change adaptation, ecosystem services and natural capital, sustainable agriculture, water resources and forest management. The network also maps existing initiatives across the country that are led mostly by women. It gathers their good practices on a shared platform so that models that work can be scaled up, replicated and shared as inspiration for other guardians. The association Business as Nature runs the project, with support from partners including Crédito Agrícola. It grew out of a broader mission to promote sustainable production and consumption and the circular economy. It started in specific protected territories and is expected to expand across Portugal's National Network of Protected Areas (RNAP). There are also plans to expand internationally in the future. The network contributes to a low-carbon economy centred on women's involvement, and it encourages female empowerment and gender equality in rural and environmental leadership. Members work in different regions, as beekeepers, forest stewards and tourism entrepreneurs among others. The network builds community among them so they can share experiences, increase their impact and work together to advance the regeneration of Portugal's rural landscapes and natural heritage.