The initiative is scheduled to take place from 9 to 11 May at Parque Verde do Juncal, in the city of Mogadouro in the Bragança district, where the four municipalities that make up the Douro International Park (PNDI) will be present – Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro, Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo (Guarda).

“This will be a starting point for its recognition as a strategic asset for sustainable development and territorial cohesion, and will promote visitors’ connection with nature, making it a truly positive force for conservation,” said the head of the Instituto de Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (ICNF).

According to Sandra Sarmento, the regional director of ICNF, the festival supports the promotion of biodiversity-friendly tourism by encouraging sustainable and responsible tourism models. These efforts have both direct and indirect positive impacts on the conservation of protected areas and their surroundings, while also benefiting local communities.

Those responsible for this initiative believe that it is important to take advantage of current trends about adopting healthy lifestyles to encourage nature destinations and promote integrated offers and services like ecotourism, hiking trails and bird watching as environmentally sustainable activities that enhance natural assets.

The PNDI Co-management Committee, chaired by the Mayor of Mogadouro António Pimentel, hopes that this new edition of ObervArribas, which invites people to explore and experience the territory, will contribute to raising awareness and involving society in the broader process of nature and biodiversity conservation, reinforcing its connection with nature and affirming the role of this Protected Area in its sustainable, social and economic development.

The first day of the festival is usually dedicated to the school community, providing environmental educational activities for all levels of education, including films, photography, games, painting, and interpretive walks focusing on the fauna and flora species.