In 2010 the Faia Brava Natural Reserve was classified by the former Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Institute (ICNB) as the first private protected area of the country and is also currently a pilot area of the European project Rewilding Europe, for the creation of wild natural areas and for the development of nature tourism in Europe.
Located in the Coa Valley, along the border of Guarda District, very close to the charming Historical Village of Castelo Rodrigo, the Faia Brava Natural Reserve covers about 850 ha of land in the municipalities of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo and Pinhel. In this sector, the steep slopes of the river are formed by granite outcroppings and cliffs, a good habitat for the cliff-breeding birds. This area is inserted in the Coa Valley Special Protected Area (Natura 2000) and IBA (Birdlife International Important Bird Area) and, finally, in the Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is the spot where several bird species nest, namely: griffon vultures, Egyptian vulture, Royal eagle, Bonelli eagle, black stork and Western Orphean warbler.
Rewilding Côa Valley
Nature and wildlife are coming back to the Great Côa Valley. An unprecedented, large-scale opportunity exists here today for the rewilding of this beautiful area in Portugal. The abandonment of a big part of the valley has brought a new opportunity for rewilding and the comeback of wildlife.
In the Greater Côa Valley, Rewilding Europe works with the recently established Rewilding Portugal. The organization is working to achieve the shared goal of making Portugal a wilder place. Rewilding Portugal has thus established itself as an innovative and inspirational initiative that resonates with many national and international sectors.
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