OneAquaHealth project promotes walk to explore the biodiversity of Ribeira de Coselhas
On February 22, as part of the OneAquaHealth project, a walk along the Ribeira de Coselhas took place. Accompanied by MARE researchers, the 30 participants had the opportunity to get to know the local biodiversity. 
“We wanted to show people what's interesting in terms of biodiversity,” says researcher Maria João Feio in an interview with Diário de Coimbra.
Despite passing close to the urban center, the stream has natural and well-preserved stretches, with willows, alders and poplars. However, according to the MARE researcher, the presence of invasive species has hindered the development of other plants.
With more than 47 species identified on its banks and waters, Maria João Feio notes that these signs are indicative of good ecological quality. “We find a group of species here in this part of the stream that are quite sensitive, but in other places we no longer find them due to degradation,” she explains. In addition to crustaceans, molluscs and insect larvae, “we also found two very interesting species of fish here,” says the researcher. “One is the eel (...) and the other is the Ruivaco. Both are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula (...) and therefore (their presence) is very important in terms of conservation.”
In order to restore the balance of ecosystems in cities, the researchers are monitoring early warning indicators to assess the balance of the ecosystem and provide decision-makers with tools to make appropriate and timely decisions. In addition, the researchers' fieldwork also involves raising awareness among the population about the importance of conserving the streams, which have been altered in different ways over the years.
During their study and monitoring, they often find pipes that discharge sewage directly into the watercourse, and catchment channels for irrigating gardens and vegetable plots, weirs and other barriers that affect the natural flow of species. “These streams have been very neglected in every respect, both by the population and even in the official monitoring of the rivers,” says Maria João Feio.
Despite this, the MARE researcher believes that the Ribeira de Coselhas “has a lot of potential for something like a nature trail”, and intends to carry out similar activities in other streams in the Coimbra area.
To access the interview click HERE