If there were one word to describe the year that has just ended, it would be WIN! Because we overcame the "perfect storm" with the return to financial sustainability. Because we won and created a true spirit of UNION among the team, with new and important projects for the future, and because our MISSION was a winner.

"BEM HAJAM" and HAVE ALL THE BEST..!

Vanda Brás

Executive Director

COMMUNICATION AND MULTIMEDIA

NEW APPROACH IN DIGITAL COMMUNICATION

In November we presented the new internet portal faiabrava.pt, which initiates a new approach in digital communication for the general public and for its members.

AN IMPULSE FOR BIODIVERSITY IN FAIA BRAVA

CREATION OF PONDS

Water retention has become imperative for Faia Brava's future, therefore we are building four ponds. Equipped with fencing, and rough and non-slip mesh, they will allow the animals to access the water with the necessary safety.

LUPI ECOCLUBS - LIFE WOLFLUX

YOU CAN ONLY PROTECT WHAT YOU KNOW AND EXPERIENCE

In December, we welcomed over 70 students from the Vila Nova de Paiva School Grouping, as part of the Lupi Ecoclubs - Life Wolflux project, which aims to bring nature closer to young people, awakening their curiosity for knowledge and exploration of nature, with the conviction that you only protect what you know and experience.

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

Creating perspective together

Dear members and friends of Faia Brava ATN,

More than ever, we are searching for hope and perspective in this world full of crises. In Europe, we all notice the rising prices and are worried about the situation in Ukraine. This last year, North-East Portugal has suffered a severe drought, resulting in many trees dying. We had to sell horses and cows because there was a lack of food and water for them. The impact of climate change has become a reality, so we must learn how to cope with it.

During this summer and autumn, I had several intense discussions with the young biologists and students working with us. For our young generation, perspective is more important than ever. They have existential doubts: is there still hope for our planet? And what can I do to contribute? Does it still make sense?

I was confused and moved at the same time. Because I realized Faia Brava could be a place of hope and perspective. In September, we received a message from the national government that a project called “Desertification combat in Faia Brava” was approved. We feel encouraged to improve and regenerate forests, create more and larger ponds, locally plant trees, and invest in adapting the reserve to severe droughts.

An important LIFE EU project was approved about the return of the cinereous vulture to Portugal. This species is the largest vulture species in Europe, much threatened, but still living in Spain. We are partners in this beautiful project that includes concrete actions to restore biodiversity.

Recently, the Fundação Belmiro Azevedo made a new initiative possible: to set up an education and research center: the Faia Brava Research and Education Learning Lab. A place where students, researchers and volunteers can meet, stay and work on new solutions. The learning lab also invites school children to experience nature, to learn what climate change means and how to cope with it. We are very grateful for all the support from our sponsors. Thank you!

Dear members and friends of Faia Brava ATN, as a civil movement, we can create perspective, together with our partner Institutions, Businesses and NGOs, something our society desperately needs. Please tell your family and friends about our work and invite them to join our movement and become part of OUR FAMILY.

I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year full of perspective!

Henk Smit

presidente of Reserva da Faia Brava/ATN