> A further public session was held in Almograve for the presentation and discussion of the LIFE Charcos Project, in order to explain to local population how it is intervening in the Odemira region regarding the protection of temporary ponds.

 

A public presentation and discussion session of the LIFE Charcos Project: "Conservation of the Temporary Ponds on the Southwest Coast of Portugal" was held at the Youth Hostel in Almograve (Odemira county), which took place on the afternoon of April 9th, 2016, organized by various partners of the project.

During the presentation, the coordinator of the project, Artur Lagartinho, explained the importance of the conservation of temporary ponds in this region and presented the actions to be developed by the project. This initiative was aimed at the general population and farmers. During the session, some of the concrete management measures of this habitat were presented, where the participants could clarify doubts about the interventions that aim at the conservation of this habitat and share opinions.

During the field visit to several ponds near Longueira and Almograve, participants were able to observe and have direct contact with some of the most characteristic plants species of this habitat. There was also time to discuss some of the threats to conservation and the concrete measures planned for the restoration of the ponds visited.

Researcher Carla Pinto Cruz, from the University of Évora, explained the dynamics of the vegetation of the temporary ponds and how the interventions in the field can promote a better state of conservation of that habitat.

It was interesting to note the concerns of farmers to reconcile the conservation of this priority habitat with their agricultural practices, recognizing the high ecological value of this habitat and the role that farmers have in preserving these natural habitats.

During the afternoon snack in the end of the session program, there was also an opportunity to continue the discussion and exchange of ideas, where the participants were able to talk with the researchers and technicians of the project, clarifying some doubts that had not yet been addressed.

These sessions of clarification of the LIFE Charcos Project are fundamental to reach the conservation of this habitat. In this way it is possible to raise awareness of its existence, raise awareness in the community in general and discuss with the farmers the solutions proposed for their preservation, since it is in their land that most of the temporary ponds are located.