With the aim of reversing the decline of three species of rock-dwelling birds - the black stork (Ciconianigra), the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and Bonelli's eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus) - this plan is set to run for 2 years at a total cost of around €360,000.
This project began in September 2007 and involves several NGOs and local associations with vast field experience, and the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity (ICNB), which is responsible for the scientific coordination of the project.
EDP has numerous facilities in the Douro International Nature Park (PNDI) and the risks of these species' extinction in the Trás-os-Montes region acted as an incentive to sponsor this project.
The plan involves 16 actions with a view to:
> Improving the condition of the birds' feeding habitats;
> Increasing the breeding of these three species;
> Reducing mortality factors;
> Increasing scientific knowledge;
> Improving the image of the species in eyes of local residents.