SPEA – Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves

SPEA – Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves is a Portuguese non-profit environmental association founded on 25 November 1993, and is the national partner of BirdLife International in Portugal. Its mission is the study and conservation of wild birds and their habitats, working to protect the country's natural heritage. The organisation runs numerous conservation projects across Portuguese territory, targeting both common and endangered bird species and the ecosystems they depend on. Beyond field conservation, SPEA has an important scientific dimension, coordinating national bird censuses, some general and others focused on specific species, contributing valuable long-term data on bird populations. SPEA also plays a role in promoting nature-based tourism, supporting birdwatching tourism initiatives across the country and helping organise the Birdwatching and Nature Activities Festival, a key event connecting the public with nature observation and conservation. Its work spans scientific research, habitat protection, public engagement and policy advocacy, including public appeals to government regarding the reform of environmental agencies and the safeguarding of nature conservation. Headquartered in Lisbon, SPEA has grown into one of Portugal's leading nature conservation organisations, with thousands of followers and supporters. It brings together researchers, conservationists and volunteers who share the vision of ensuring that common bird species remain common and that Portugal's avifauna and natural habitats are protected for future generations.