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Wetland Preservation
in Portugal
A Rocha
 In the Algarve, a beautiful Mediterranean landscape
in this southernmost region of Portugal popular with European tourists, a British-based
conservation group, A Rocha, has established a
scientific research center in a large converted
farmhouse.
With accommodation for 18 people and sandwiched
between a wetland to the south and the mountains
to the north, the center provides an ideal location
for student projects, local school children, Christian
groups and anyone who shares our concern for creation's
care.
A Rocha workers studying the local wetlands
have discovered two rare plant species and a species
of moth that is new to science. They have also demonstrated
the importance of this area for breeding and migratory
birds. Research by visiting university students
is supervised by the center's scientific director
and encompasses a wide range of local ecological
issues. Studies have also demonstrated the impact
of human activity on this important region. The
center provides the only year-round bird banding
program in Portugal and runs courses in bird identification
and banding. In conjunction with the research,
the environmental education program hosts about
2,000 Portuguese school children a year.
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A Rocha sees this work as part of our discipleship -- taking
seriously God's command to care for his world.
The Bible says that the magnificent works of the
Lord are studied by those who take pleasure in
them (Psalm 111:2, RSV). As an added blessing,
A Rocha finds that for many of its visitors, a
stay at the center provides the first opportunity
to meet and talk with Christians about their faith
and the relevance of the gospel to the many problems
facing today's world.
Adapted from an article in Creation Care
magazine by Jane Bolton.
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