EVOA: a haven for birdwatching on the outskirts of Lisbon

Flamingos, eagles, marrequinhas, fishing-geese, herons, warblers. In total, the estuary of the river Tagus is home to about 200 different species of birds. Was the natural wealth of the estuary itself that it has boosted the site as one of the most important meeting points, at national level, of migratory species.

Among this wealth of the Tagus estuary and the Lezíria de Vila Franca de Xira-where the Tagus and Sorraia converge, giving rise to the largest wetland of Portugal, was born at the end of 2012 a natural paradise for birds EVOA name (space of Visitation and birdwatching).

Celebrating a year of life, this space is assumed already as a place of excellence for birdwatching and for those who want to learn more about the biodiversity that exists in the region of greater Lisbon.

About 70 hectares, EVOA integrates three freshwater ponds â€" the main, the Shallow and Wide. In each of these wetlands that are strategically placed observation points of birds, although the animals can be observed from any point of booking.

Although the estuary receive 200 different bird species, not all pass through EVOA. According to Sandra P, Coordinator of the space, this last winter were accounted for approximately 14 thousand birds of 45 different species.

In addition to the birds, visitors can still find wild boars and foxes, which circulate freely by booking online. Also there were otters, but currently no animal of this species inhabits the place.

Dissemination through the "pass it on"

Since the opening in April of 2013, who have passed away by EVOA about 4,000 visitors, being that most visits occur between November and January, when there are more birds in the reserve due to winter migrations.

Visits can be made autonomously, but this mode is more advisable to observers and experienced photographers. For amateur observers a guided tour is the best option â€" there is no risk of losing the tracks and the identification of birds is facilitated by the help of guides.

The best time of day to visit is during the high tide, since the flow of the river and estuary birds on refuge in artificial ponds EVOA, allowing for better observation.

According to Sandra P, most visitors never made bird-watching before and is from Lisbon. "Maybe the inhabitants of Vila Franca do not appreciate so much space for are already in the lezíria", points to the Coordinator. Most who visit this paradise undisturbed in the middle of the lezíria goes into groups or families or in study tours offered by various educational institutions. "It is customary to see a person who came in group go back some time later with another different group. Works quite the wrong word ", indicates.

According to the Coordinator of the space, the objective is that the Center will receive between 10 to 15 thousand visitors annually within three years, which should promote the self-sustainability of the place.

In addition to the rails and strategic points of observation of the birds, the EVOA has an interpretive center where visitors reception is made. In the Center there is a permanent exhibition where visitors can get to know the different bird species and their characteristics, migration routes and a little of the history of the estuary and the lezíria. There is also an interactive space with games and movies.

In addition to visitors, the playful and components still gathers EVOA pedagogical, by performing and workshops and ateliers, both for families and for the schools.

The project was born of a protocol EVOA, initiated in 2007, between the breeze and the Companhia das Lezírias, owner of the land, under the programme for Biodiversity Breeze. The space cost three million, with the breeze contributed €1,3 million. The remaining funds came from the National Strategic reference framework. Later, also the Institute of nature conservation and forestry, city of Vila Franca, of Aquaves, the Association of the beneficiaries of the Lezíria Grande de Vila Franca de Xira and the League for nature protection joined the project.

Currently, the space is guaranteed by the Breeze and the Companhia das Lezírias until 2017, at which time it is anticipated that the space becomes self-sustaining.

The EVOA can be visited throughout the year, with prices ranging between € 6.6 and € 12. However, this year the space will be closed during July for maintenance of Rails, month in which there are fewer birds in the reserve. 

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