Clean-up campaign launched to help protect the Ria Formosa

A new community-led environmental initiative will bring volunteers together across the summer to help protect the Ria Formosa, one of the Algarve’s most important natural areas.

Projeto Chilreta, organised by Associação Nova Meta in partnership with the municipal council of Faro, will see a series of clean-up operations take place between June and September in and around the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

The project aims to raise awareness about environmental conservation while helping to remove litter from sensitive coastal and wetland ecosystems.

Five clean-up actions are scheduled throughout the summer, beginning in the Ludo area on June 27 and 28. Further initiatives will take place at Praia de Faro on July 11 and 12 and again on August 15 and 16, followed by a clean-up of Faro’s riverside area on August 1 and 2. The final event is scheduled for September 12 and 13 on Ilha do Farol.

All activities will run from 8am until midday. Meeting points will be announced before each event and adapted according to the location of the clean-up operation.

Participation is free and does not require advance registration. Organisers say anyone interested can simply turn up at the designated meeting point and join the effort.

Volunteers are encouraged to bring comfortable footwear, a hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Those who have their own gloves or cleaning equipment are also invited to bring them along.

The initiative is open to all members of the community regardless of age and seeks to encourage greater public involvement in protecting the region’s natural heritage.

The Ria Formosa is one of Portugal’s most important coastal ecosystems, supporting a rich diversity of wildlife and playing a vital role in the environmental and economic life of the Algarve.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.