1. ‘PARQUE NATURAL COSTA VICENTINA: Summer Science Expedition’
CERES International Project
Vale de Amoreira
Aljezur, southwest Portugal
Centre for Education, Recreation and Environmental Sustainability

2. Structure of the presentation
Introduction
Key conservation areas
Summer Science Expedition format and date

3. Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina (PNSACV)
Portugal’s largest protected coastal zone (IUCN category V)
Part of the Nature 2000 network and IBA (Important Bird Area)
Includes a 130km long and 2km wide Marine Protected Area
One of the richest regions of Europe in terms of aquatic and terrestrial animal and plant biodiversity

4. PNSACV
Algarve, Portugal
PNSACV
Algarve, Portugal

5. Importance of research for conservation management in the PNSACV
The management plan for the Parque Natural is a compromise of sometimes conflicting interests:
Biodiversity conservation vs.
Agriculture and aquaculture intensification
Touristic developments
Resource exploitation (mining, fishing)
Information about local biodiversity hotspots and conservation priorities informed by global agendas is imperative for effective management.

6. Importance of research for conservation management in the PNSACV
"Would you tell me, please, which
way I ought to go from here? “
"That depends a good deal on where
you want to get to, said the Cat.
"I don’t much care where--" said Alice.
"Then it doesn’t matter which way
you go," said the Cat.
(Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll)

7. Importance of research for conservation management in the PNSACV
Information gathered by multidisciplinary research is crucial for authorities to make informed, science based decisions to conserve biodiversity.
Very little research has been carried out in the PNSACV.
Information gathered by student projects can make a significant difference to protect the natural beauty of the Parque Natural in the long term.

8. Key research areas: Biology: invasive species, resource exploitation
Earth Sciences: land management, geo hazards
Sustainable tourism: watersports, adventure sports
Climate change

9. Summer Science Expedition
The annual Summer Science Expedition is organised by CERES International, a not-for-profit organisation committed to field-based education, environmental research and low impact outdoor recreation.
CERES works together with local researchers on specific projects:
Universidade do Algarve
Universidade de Lisboa
Universidade de Évora
AIMM
Mare Ilimitado

10. Summer Science Expedition: CERES Staff
Dr Axel Bamberger (BSc (hons), BEd, PhD)
Marine Biologist, Science (Biology) and PE teacher
Research interest: fisheries management, intertidal ecology, freshwater ecology
Dr Astrid Blum (BSc (hons), PhD)
Geologist, Geography and Biology teacher International School (Cambridge Curriculum)
Research interest: fluvial sedimentology, coastal geomorphology

11. Summer Science Expedition
The annual Summer Science Expedition offers AS and A2-level students the opportunity to get involved in conservation research. Individuals join an expedition that interests them, contributing hands-on support to the scientists.
In the field students carry out their own small projects and learn about experimental set up, data analysis and report writing from the experts.

12. Summer Science Expedition
The Science Expedition covers the leaning outcomes of the Edexcel A2 Biology Unit 6 Coursework (and equivalent units from other exam boards) and prepares AS-level students for their final year.
For school leavers, the practical experience in fieldwork and report writing is an invaluable preparation for an academic career. Field experience increases their chances of being accepted at a leading university.
International educational travel broadens minds and builds intellectual curiosity. It can motivate, engage and ultimately improve the opportunities available to school students.

13. Summer Science Expedition: indicative itinerary
First day:
Pick up from Faro airport, transport to CERES lodge, Aljezur
Introduction to the research projects and the area, presentation of staff and scientists, detailed information about safety measures
Exploratory tour to gain an overview of study sites
Dinner
Round table presentation of projects topics with CERES staff

14. Summer Science Expedition: indicative itinerary
Day two - six:
Breakfast
Presentation of individual project progress: group feedback
Transport to study sites
Field work (maximum 4 students per research scientist)
Transport to CERES Lodge (optional drive to town for shopping)
Project work /data analysis (support from CERES staff)
Dinner

15. Summer Science Expedition: indicative itinerary
Final day:
Breakfast
Summary session, debriefing
Transport to Faro airport

16. Summer Science Expedition
A cost contribution of €390/ person and week includes:
Airport transfer, all local transport to study site and town
7 nights accommodation in the CERES Villa
Individual support from CERES staff
Emergency support and first aid equipment
Access to basic field equipment
Fully catered option + €100: breakfast, lunch and evening diner (organised by a local catering service specialised in organic and locally sourced ingredients)
…limited to 18 students / project week

17. Summer Science Expedition 2013
22nd – 28th June

18. ‘….see you in Aljezur’ CERES International Vale de Amoreira, Aljezur
all pictures in this presentation © CERES International. For copies please contact