‘PARQUE NATURAL COSTA VICENTINA:
Summer Science Expedition’
CERES International Project
Vale de Amoreira
Aljezur, southwest Portugal
C e n t r e
f o r
E d u c a t i o n ,
R e c r e a t i o n
a n d
E n v i r o n m e n t a l
S u s t a i n a b i l i t y
Structure of the presentation
o Introduction
o Key conservation areas
o Summer Science Expedition format and date
Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e
Costa Vicentina (PNSACV)
o Portugal’s largest protected coastal zone (IUCN category V)
o Part of the Nature 2000 network and IBA (Important Bird Area)
o Includes a 130km long and 2km wide Marine Protected Area
o One of the richest regions of Europe in terms of aquatic and
terrestrial animal and plant biodiversity
PNSACV
Algarve, Portugal
PNSACV
Algarve, Portugal
Importance of research for conservation
management in the PNSACV
The management plan for the Parque Natural is a compromise
of sometimes conflicting interests:
Biodiversity conservation vs.
o Agriculture and aquaculture intensification
o Touristic developments
o Resource exploitation (mining, fishing)
Information about local biodiversity hotspots and conservation
priorities informed by global agendas is imperative for effective
management.
Importance of research for conservation
management in the PNSACV
"Would you tell me, please, which
way I ought to go from here? “
"That depends a good deal on where
you want to get to, said the Cat.
"I don’t much care where--" said Alice.
"Then it doesn’t matter which way
you go," said the Cat.
(Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll)
Importance of research for conservation
management in the PNSACV
o Information gathered by multidisciplinary research is crucial
for authorities to make informed, science based decisions to
conserve biodiversity.
o Very little research has been carried out in the PNSACV.
o Information gathered by student projects can make a
significant difference to protect the natural beauty of the
Parque Natural in the long term.
Key research areas:
o Biology: invasive species, resource exploitation
o Earth Sciences: land management, geo hazards
o Sustainable tourism: watersports, adventure sports
o Climate change
Summer Science Expedition
The annual Summer Science Expedition is organised
by CERES International, a not-for-profit organisation
committed to field-based education, environmental
research and low impact outdoor recreation.
CERES works together with local researchers on specific projects:
Universidade do Algarve
Universidade de Lisboa
Universidade de Évora
AIMM
Mare Ilimitado
Summer Science Expedition: CERES Staff
Dr Axel Bamberger
(BSc (hons), BEd, PhD)
Marine Biologist, Science (Biology) and PE teacher
Research interest: fisheries management, intertidal
ecology, freshwater ecology
Dr Astrid Blum
(BSc (hons), PhD)
Geologist, Geography and Biology teacher
International School (Cambridge Curriculum)
Research interest: fluvial sedimentology, coastal
geomorphology
Summer Science Expedition
The annual Summer Science Expedition offers AS and A2-level
students the opportunity to get involved in conservation
research. Individuals join an expedition that interests them,
contributing hands-on support to the scientists.
In the field students carry out their own small projects and
learn about experimental set up, data analysis and report
writing from the experts.
Summer Science Expedition
The Science Expedition covers the leaning outcomes of the
Edexcel A2 Biology Unit 6 Coursework (and equivalent units
from other exam boards) and prepares AS-level students for
their final year.
For school leavers, the practical experience in fieldwork and
report writing is an invaluable preparation for an academic
career. Field experience increases their chances of being
accepted at a leading university.
International educational travel broadens minds and builds
intellectual curiosity. It can motivate, engage and ultimately
improve the opportunities available to school students.
Summer Science Expedition: indicative itinerary
First day:
o Pick up from Faro airport, transport to CERES lodge, Aljezur
o Introduction to the research projects and the area, presentation of
staff and scientists, detailed information about safety measures
o Exploratory tour to gain an overview of study sites
o Dinner
o Round table presentation of projects topics with CERES staff
Summer Science Expedition: indicative itinerary
Day two - six:
o Breakfast
o Presentation of individual project progress: group feedback
o Transport to study sites
o Field work (maximum 4 students per research scientist)
o Transport to CERES Lodge (optional drive to town for shopping)
o Project work /data analysis (support from CERES staff)
o Dinner
Summer Science Expedition: indicative itinerary
Final day:
o Breakfast
o Summary session, debriefing
o Transport to Faro airport
Summer Science Expedition
A cost contribution of €390/ person and week includes:
o Airport transfer, all local transport to study site and town
o 7 nights accommodation in the CERES Villa
o Individual support from CERES staff
o Emergency support and first aid equipment
o Access to basic field equipment
o Fully catered option + €100: breakfast, lunch and evening diner
(organised by a local catering service specialised in organic and locally sourced ingredients)
…limited to 18 students / project week
Summer Science Expedition 2013
22nd – 28th June
‘….see you in Aljezur’
CERES International
Vale de Amoreira, Aljezur
www.ceresinternational.org
axel@ceresinternational.org
all pictures in this presentation © CERES International. For copies please contact axel@ceresinternational.org