Associação Transumância e Natureza

ATN is a local environmental NGO working at the Riba-Côa region, Portugal since 2000. The main objectives of this organization are biodiversity conservation and using traditional agriculture activities for preserving the natural habitat mosaic of the region. Important cliff-breeder populations exist and breed in the area: Golden Eagles, Bonelli's Eagles, Egyptian Vultures, Griffon Vultures. ATN is building a network of local nature reserves, by purchasing properties near the nesting sites of the birds, in the deep valleys of the Coa, Douro and Agueda rivers. ATN also produces organic olive oil and develops projects for the sustainable rural development of the area, improving the habitat mosaic and encouraging partnerships with local shepherds for the sustainable use of the land for pastures and bush control. Other areas of interest and work are environmental education, rural fire prevention and vigilance, and finally protection of the important cork oak woods in the area. The main threats in the area are land abandonment and rural fires.