Protected areas of Portugal

Decree-Law 142/2008 24 July 2008), also allows for the creation of Áreas Protegidas de estatuto privado (APP) (Private Protected Areas), based on the application of respective property-owners.

Scattered across the country, are various areas defined due to their European ecological interest, and have been classified within the context of the Nature 2000 network.

The Peneda-Gerês National Park has a variety of oak and mixed-forests, interspersed by groves, peat bogs, and diverse bushlands.

This classification envisions the protection of its natural value, namely notable occurrences of geological patrimony, the integrity of its characteristics and the areas immediately around them, with the adoption of constraints to limit inappropriate use.

The designation is effected through a request by the specific property-owner, requiring a special candidacy (regulated by ordinance 1181/2009, 7 October 2009) and the recognition by the national authority.

The lands which are designated APPs fall within the RNAP network, and remain subject to the management protocols of the national authority.

The Madeira Natural Park protects a very rare type of subtropical rainforest (Laurissilva), and has been designated a UNESCO heritage site.

Though not statutory designations under Portuguese or European law, membership of these networks affords additional protection to the geological heritage of the areas.

Admeus, within the Penede-Gerês National park, showing the diverse nature of the only national park
The Douro River winding through the Douro International Nature Park
The rich forests of the Montesinho Nature Park
The sandstone outcroppings of Berlenga Grande in the archipelago and nature reserve
The Cabo Mondego Lighthouse, sentinel along the Cape of Mondego
Symbolizing the sauropods that once roamed through Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park