Culatra, Armona, Tavira, Cabanas, Deserta, Ancão and Cacela: 5 islands and 2 peninsulas full of natural treasures. Shaped by winds and tides, these islands form a barrier between land and sea, creating the natural refuge of Ria Formosa. Here, you’ll find life at your feet – and this place’s survival is in our hands.
To safeguard this refuge for birds and people, we’re assessing how it may be affected by climate change, in the LIFE Ilhas Barreira project. In this project, which is cofinanced by the European Union’s LIFE programme, we’re also protecting the dunes’ vegetation on Deserta Island, by removing non-native plants and improving the boardwalk. We’re also assessing the state of Audouin’s Gull and Little Tern populations, and working with fishermen to prevent birds like the Balearic Shearwater from getting caught in fishing gear.
