Palombar is a member of the Co-management Commissions of the natural parks of International Douro (PNDI) and Montesinho (PNM). The Co-management Model of the protected areas is coordinated by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF).
9 June, 2021
Co-management of the natural parks of International Douro and Montesinho

Palombar - Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation, together with AEPGA - Association for the Study and Protection of Asinine Cattle, integrates the Co-management Commissions of the nature parks of International Douro (PNDI) and Montesinho (PNM). The Co-Management model for the protected areas is coordinated by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF).
Palombar and AEPGA represent non-governmental environmental organisations (ENGOs) and similar organisations on these commissions, as does the Portuguese Confederation of Environmental Protection Associations (CPADA), the body responsible for electing representatives from this sector.
Proximity management, more participative, collaborative and mobilising
According to ICNF, the co-management model for protected areas at national level aims to: create a shared dynamic to enhance the value of each protected area, based on its sustainability; establish concerted procedures aimed at better performance in safeguarding natural values and responding to society's demands; and generate a closer relationship with citizens and relevant entities to promote the sustainable development of each protected area.
This model, which provides for the preparation of co-management plans, gives primacy to proximity management, in which different entities place at the service of the protected areas the best that they have to offer within the framework of their competences and attributions, putting into practice a participative, collaborative and articulated management, specifically in the fields of promotion, awareness-raising and communication of the territorial natural values present.
6 strategic axes and fields
Within the scope of the PNDI and PNM Co-management Commissions, Palombar and AEPGA will contribute to the fulfilment of their six strategic axes and fields: 1) Valorisation and safeguarding of the natural heritage; 2) Promotion of local identity: social dynamics; 3) Sustainable rural and economic development; 4) Research, Development and Innovation; 5) Awareness-raising, training and capacity building; and 6) Communication and promotion of the territory.
As far as the International Douro Natural Park is concerned, Palombar is represented by the biologist José Pereira and AEPGA by the veterinary Miguel Nóvoa. Regarding the Montesinho Natural Park, Palombar is represented by the biologist João Santos and AEPGA by the biologist Sara Pinto.
Coordination ICNF
Territory National Network of Protected Areas
Site www.icnf.pt/cogestao
Palombar and AEPGA represent non-governmental environmental organisations (ENGOs) and similar organisations on these commissions, as does the Portuguese Confederation of Environmental Protection Associations (CPADA), the body responsible for electing representatives from this sector.
Proximity management, more participative, collaborative and mobilising
According to ICNF, the co-management model for protected areas at national level aims to: create a shared dynamic to enhance the value of each protected area, based on its sustainability; establish concerted procedures aimed at better performance in safeguarding natural values and responding to society's demands; and generate a closer relationship with citizens and relevant entities to promote the sustainable development of each protected area.
This model, which provides for the preparation of co-management plans, gives primacy to proximity management, in which different entities place at the service of the protected areas the best that they have to offer within the framework of their competences and attributions, putting into practice a participative, collaborative and articulated management, specifically in the fields of promotion, awareness-raising and communication of the territorial natural values present.
6 strategic axes and fields
Within the scope of the PNDI and PNM Co-management Commissions, Palombar and AEPGA will contribute to the fulfilment of their six strategic axes and fields: 1) Valorisation and safeguarding of the natural heritage; 2) Promotion of local identity: social dynamics; 3) Sustainable rural and economic development; 4) Research, Development and Innovation; 5) Awareness-raising, training and capacity building; and 6) Communication and promotion of the territory.
As far as the International Douro Natural Park is concerned, Palombar is represented by the biologist José Pereira and AEPGA by the veterinary Miguel Nóvoa. Regarding the Montesinho Natural Park, Palombar is represented by the biologist João Santos and AEPGA by the biologist Sara Pinto.
Coordination ICNF
Territory National Network of Protected Areas
Site www.icnf.pt/cogestao