Milvoz Bio-Reserves at Experience(Côa)

Under the motto “Visit to Conserve”, Milvoz' network of conservation areas was recently presented as a case study in analysing new opportunities for ecotourism in Portugal. The initiative was part of the Experience(Côa) programme in Pinhel, organised by Rewilding Portugal, bringing together experts, organisations and local agents around a common goal: to find innovative ways of enhancing natural heritage and sustainable tourism.

The proposal of Milvoz is based on a simple but powerful concept: micro-reserves. Small biodiversity refuges, carefully managed and monitored, where it is possible to reconcile the protection of ecosystems with experiences of direct contact with nature. These areas, due to their scale and characteristics, become privileged spaces for publicising the uniqueness of the territory's last well-preserved natural strongholds, while at the same time attracting essential resources to guarantee their long-term conservation.

When well planned and implemented, ecotourism can be an important ally of nature conservation. Guided, limited and responsible visits promote knowledge, awareness and the active involvement of citizens. At the same time, they generate sustainable development opportunities for local communities and raise funds for the protected area management organisations themselves.

Participating in Experience(Côa) was an opportunity to share the work Milvoz has been doing, but also to inspire and build new partnerships. We believe that involving people is the key to preserving what is most valuable to us: biodiversity and the ecosystems that sustain life.