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The Ria Formosa Park is one of the most beautiful natural wealths of
the Algarve, both for the variety of its ecosystems and for its
singular location. This incredible natural paradise spreads along 60
km, from the Ancão area (belonging to Loulé council) to the Manta Rota
zone (on the Vila Real de Santo António council) and is the shelter for
migratory and rare bird species.
There are only 2
rivers that feed the lagoon all year round. The rest of the streams and
rivers are seasonal and dry up during the summer. The areas exposed in
the lagoons can be completely submerged due to tidal influences.
Islands in the area are sensitive and unstable and vary from 500 metres
to 2 kilometres.
The area is used for mussel and oyster farming, though traditionally it
was used for salt production as well as agriculture.
The objectives of the park are to preserve and develop natural
resources. This helps in the preservation of natural habitats of
wildlife. Although there is human activity in the park, it does not
alter the equilibrium of the ecosystem as everything is done in a
traditional way.
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