Lov-Ria

The Ria Formosa is a very dynamic and complex natural system, which is why there are some challenges in terms of environmental assessment, scientific studies and land management.

Extremely variable visual identity …

Monitoring this constantly changing landscape at different time scales (daily, seasonal, annual) and in different locations is essential for a better interpretation of its adaptation to anthropogenic pressures and global changes.

The project “LovRia – Ria Formosa Virtual Observation Laboratory” intends to study the evolution of the Ria Formosa in terms of (i) sedimentary dynamics, (ii) vegetation cover and (iii) distribution of macro-plastic involving tourists and visitors through science participative and promoting the use of new technologies for the acquisition of knowledge in a science open to society.

Geomorphology, vegetation cover and macro-plastics
Sedimentary dynamics
​The size and morphology of coastal dunes depends on the complex interaction between wind, sediment input, and the geomorphology of the coastal and beach environment.

The LOVRia project monitors the Ancão beach dunes (western end of the Ancão Peninsula), the Barrinha dunes (eastern end of the Ancão Peninsula) and the Ludo coastline to assess coastal evolutionary processes in order to improve conservation strategies. management.

Vegetal cover
Constant monitoring of vegetation cover allows comparisons between the extent of plants in different periods of the year, thus representing a useful methodological tool not only for the local and regional census of different types of plants, but also to identify seasonal changes and possible evolutions over time. of time.

Distribution of macro-plastics
Plastic debris has become ubiquitous in ecosystems around the world, with coastal environments of particular concern due to the high anthropogenic pressure to which they are exposed. Furthermore, as these coastal habitats support high biodiversity and provide an important range of ecosystem services, assessing the accumulation and distribution of plastic debris becomes critical to maintaining good environmental status. Continuous monitoring of the accumulation and abundance of plastic waste helps to understand the factors that guide the distribution of waste, its origin and its management.

Digital application for participatory science

The implementation of a specific application will allow visitors to the Ria Formosa to collect and upload relevant environmental data, thus acting as researchers for a day. Having a series of images that document the variables of interest and changes over time in the environmental status of the Ria will allow constant monitoring of the system and its sustainable management.

Through the software developed for this project and the collaboration between researchers and visitors, the acquisition and sharing of knowledge will be promoted as well as open science for all. Scientific tourism offers a way to generate a significant amount of data and at the same time develop a new understanding and awareness of the surrounding environment, creating a strong connection between visitors and nature.