The municipality of Mértola is one of the most important sites in Portugal for the conservation of the saramugo and the Iberian imperial eagle: it houses one of the last refuges for the saramugo, the Vascão stream and there are 8 imperial eagle territories. The support of this Municipality in the activities and tasks developed by the LIFE Saramugo and LIFE Imperial Projects is thus of high importance for the preservation of these species, not only in terms of communication, awareness and environmental education, but also in the management of the territory itself.
Recognizing the importance of this region for the conservation of these animals and their habitat, the City Council accepted the invitation to integrate the “Guardians of the Saramugo” and “Guardians of the Imperial Eagle” Stewardship Networks. With this adhesion, the Municipality carries out the collaboration that has already been developed (as for example: as a facilitator in the organization of LIFE Saramugo theater sessions offered to pre and elementary students of the county or in the participation of LIFE Imperial at the 2018 Hunting Fair) and opens doors for new activities, such as the placement of information panels and the promotion of “Open Days” on the Projects, among others.
LPN, through the LIFE Saramugo and LIFE Imperial teams, appreciates the interest of the Municipality of Mértola in embracing the challenge of being a Guardian of two of the most endangered species in Portugal and reiterates its willingness to continue the long-established institutional collaboration, now strengthened by the membership in the Stewardship Networks.
