> based on the Land Stewardship concept, where co-responsibility for natural resources management is defended.
One of the most unique habitats in Portugal is undoubtedly the Mediterranean Temporary Ponds, not only because of its spatial-temporal dynamics, which favors the presence of rare and unique species, but also the goods and services provided for the human well-being.
However, the conservation of this ephemeral habitat requires a greater involvement of civil society, especially people who live, work and know their lands, to give them sustainable management where land uses are beneficial to the maintenance of Temporary Ponds. It is believed that only in this way will it be possible to achieve the balance between the conservation of Temporary Ponds and human activities, in the medium and long term.
In this sense, the LIFE Charcos Project team created the Stewardship Network: Guardians of Temporary Ponds, based on the Land Stewardship concept, where co-responsibility for natural resources management is defended.
The Stewardship Network: Guardians of Temporary Ponds aims to bring together and recognize all those interested in deepening their knowledge about the Mediterranean Temporary Ponds and who wish to contribute to its preservation, enjoying its presence in the territory. This Network will work together to provide the stakeholders with tools that allow the compatibility of their activities with the conservation of this habitat, as well as the promotion of awareness of the need for its conservation.
All individuals and organizations can become involved in the Stewardship of Temporary Ponds: companies, schools and universities, governmental and nongovernmental entities, farmers, hunters or tourists, among others. As to the form of involvement will vary according to the performance of each type of entity, in this model of Stewardship Network different thematic sub-networks are grouped by agents. The degree of involvement may be more direct, as is the case with landowners who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the territory, or more indirectly, acting as facilitators to increase society's value for nature conservation and guarded value.
All the contributors of the Stewardship Network will be of great importance for the development of the proposed commitments, becoming promoters of the conservation of Temporary Ponds and recognizing that it is an added value for the application and transmission of proactive attitudes towards nature.
To join, for free and voluntary, just fill out the form available on the LIFE Charcos Project website.
