Castro Verde Biosphere Reserve

Category: Nature > Route

District: Beja > Castro Verde > Vale Gonçalinho

Location:

The Castro Verde Biosphere Reserve spans the vast landscape of the "Campo Branco" (White Field), across the gentle plains of Baixo Alentejo. It is an area where the gaze gets lost in the horizon, revealing a unique rural panorama, profoundly shaped by the millenary interaction between humans and the environment. Within this territory, the locality of Vale Gonçalinho is situated, sharing the distinctive characteristics of this region.

A Landscape in Harmony:

Recognized by UNESCO in 2017, the Castro Verde Biosphere Reserve is a remarkable example of coexistence between nature conservation and community well-being. Here, centuries of human activity, with traditional agricultural and pastoral practices, have given rise to a unique ecosystem. This landscape, predominantly cereal steppe, is a mosaic of habitats that hosts rich biodiversity, characteristic of the Mediterranean region.

The Sanctuary of Steppe Birds:

This territory is a reference point for birdwatchers, hosting a diverse avian community, with a focus on rare and protected steppe species. The great bustard (Otis tarda), one of the world's largest flying birds, is the great symbol of the Reserve, attracting visitors from all over for its observation. In addition, it is possible to find the little bustard (Tetrax tetrax) and the majestic Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti), species with protected status that underscore the unquestionable ecological value of this place.

The Reserve's flora is also distinguished by a high degree of endemism, including unique species in the world, such as Coutinho (Linaria ricardoi) and Caméfito (Armeria negleta), which thrive in this unique environment of Baixo Alentejo. This biological richness makes the Reserve a place of great importance for wildlife conservation.

Deep Cultural Roots:

The identity of the Castro Verde Biosphere Reserve is inseparable from its cultural heritage. The symbiosis between the natural environment and human action translates into deeply rooted traditions that mark the soul of this territory. Cante Alentejano, classified by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is one of the most genuine expressions of the region, performed in chorus, without musical instruments, by men and women, and echoes across the plains. The viola campaniça, a peculiar and large string instrument played with the thumb, is another identifying feature that testifies to over a century of history and experiences of the people of Castro Verde.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt