Opening of the Public Consultation on the proposed RNLSAS Co-management Plan
January 27 marks the start of the public consultation period for the proposed co-management plan for the Santo André and Sancha Lagoon Nature Reserve. MARE is a member of the management committee through researchers David Jacinto and Carlos Alexandre.
The Santo André and Sancha Lagoons Nature Reserve is located in southwest Portugal, in the Alentejo Litoral, along a coastal strip of about 15 km, south of the Troia-Sines Arc. Most of the reserve is in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém, covering the Santo André Lagoon and associated wetlands, while the Sancha Lagoon is in the municipality of Sines.
This is one of the most important bird sites in Portugal and of great international importance. The area also stands out for its rich flora and vegetation, with several endemic species, especially in the dune system, as well as having priority habitats for conservation. The reserve is a privileged location for several species of endangered fish and other groups of fauna.
In this context, a co-management plan was created for the Santo André and Sancha Lagoons Nature Reserve to promote awareness, conservation and communication through a joint management strategy, including compatibility with the human activities carried out in the territory, enhancing them and promoting sustainable development and the well-being of local communities.
The aim is to create a closer relationship with citizens and the entities that promote the sustainable development of these areas. This model promotes close management with various entities, collaborating and applying participatory management, especially in the dissemination and protection of natural values.
The Public Consultation for this Congestion Plan will be available from January 27 for a period of 30 working days (until March 10). Once all the contributions from the public consultation to the proposal have been collected, they will be analyzed by the RNLSAS Co-management Commission. A report will be drawn up detailing the results of the consultation and explaining how the suggestions have been incorporated into the final version of the RNLSAS Congestion Plan. This report will be made available on the websites of the public bodies that are part of the Co-Management Commission.
The final version of the Co-Management Plan must also be approved by the RNLSAS Strategic Council.
Interested parties can consult the RNLSAS Management Plan Proposal HERE, or, in physical format, at the Interpretation Center of the Santo André and Sancha Lagoons Nature Reserve, located at Monte do Paio - Brescos, 7500-014 Santo André (telephone contact: 269740001).
Contributions can be sent by e-mail to geral@cm-santiagocacem.pt or mmartins@cm-santiagocacem.pt, or by post to the Office of the President, Santiago do Cacém Town Hall, Praça do Município, 7540-136 Santiago.