The Ria de Aveiro is a shallow coastal lagoon located in the centre of Portugal, covering around 11,000 ha. It is a complex socio-ecological region, part of the Natura 2000 network, with a wide variety of habitats and ecosystems of high biodiversity: the lagoon water level, beaches, “moliço” sea meadows, salt marshes, mudflats and sandbanks, riparian vegetation, dunes, natural lagoons such as Pateira de São Jacinto and Pateira de Fermentelos, and small farms flanked by hedges (“bocage” landscape).
The Ria de Aveiro, as a lagoon system, is in a reasonable to good state of conservation. However, some management measures have led to changes in the eco-hydrology of the system, including an increase in the tidal prism, an increase in water speed and consequent erosion of the lagoon banks, an increase in turbidity and habitat fragmentation, threatening the Zostera noltei meadows and the Spartina maritima and Juncus maritimus marshes, as well as the associated goods and services. The increase in anthropogenic pressures on coastal areas, in particular climate change and the presence of exotic species with invasive behaviour, constitute an added challenge to the integrated management of the Ria de Aveiro, which requires a transdisciplinary and adaptive approach. More information here.
The Ria de Aveiro, selected as Case Pilot by Restore4Cs, represents the Atlantic-European biogeographical region, where carbon storage and greenhouse gas exchanges (CO2, CH4, and N2O) have been measured in seagrass beds of varying conservation status (preserved, altered, restored) during high and low tides. Data gathered on C-storage and GHG emissions will be linked to the conservation status (preserved/ altered/ restored) of Ria de Aveiro wetlands to help determine their role in carbon dynamics.
Watch the Ria de Aveiro and enjoy the incredible images shot in Murtosa, Ílhavo and Pateira de Fermentelos for the RESTORE4Cs documentary!
About the project
RESTORE4Cs is a Horizon Europe project evaluating the impact of wetland restoration on climate change mitigation and ecosystem services. It aims to create a digital platform to help stakeholders assess the costs and benefits of restoration efforts and promote sustainable management. The project also focuses on engaging communities and supporting EU policies to preserve the ecological and social value of wetlands.
RESTORE4Cs will assess the environmental and socio-economic impact of wetland restoration in six European coastal regions by analysing carbon storage, greenhouse gas exchange, and biodiversity.
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RESTORE4Cs: Modelling restoration of wetlands for carbon pathways, climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystem services, and biodiversity co-benefits.
