GUARDIÕES DO MIRA is a collaborative and multidisciplinary project, whose mission is the integrated intervention in the territory of the Mira river basin. We strengthen a culture of valuing and caring, through the knowledge, recognition and conservation of ecosystems and the implementation and monitoring of interventions with the direct involvement of the local community. These interventions are developed from participatory processes that intend to contribute to the ecological reconciliation and regeneration of the Mira River water network and its ecosystem services. The aim is to re-establish a green belt of biodiversity along the river, with water retention capacity, resilience to desertification phenomena and climate change, which affect this region so much. This green belt also plays a fundamental role in preventing forest fires by increasing the level of moisture in the soil, in actions that intend to delay and even reverse the increasing level of desertification in the south of Portugal. When we talk about the river, we are talking about water, soil, biodiversity, habitats and communities, in their social, economic, cultural and ecological relationships.

We are working with more than 20 public and private organisations on the implementation of this project and the different activities. Some of the activities already started, others are looking for funding.