The first of 2,000 bird boxes which are due to be set up across the Algarve will be unveiled in a “symbolic ceremony” at Quinta de Marim in Olhão next Thursday (November 26) at 3.30pm.
The ‘Alojamento Local para Aves’ (Local Lodging for Birds) project is being developed by environmental association Vita Nativa and the regional board of Portuguese Institute of Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF).
“After two months of preparations which included meetings, field trips and deciding the model of the bird boxes and how they would be built, the moment we have been waiting for has arrived,” the association said in a statement to the press.
There will be six different types of boxes, each with specific characteristics to attract different species – from smaller birds like great tits, hoopoes and starlings to owls and kestrels.
The project aims to not only provide a safe spot for these birds to reproduce but also use them as natural pest control.
“We know it is impossible to eradicate pesticides, but we are certain that we can reduce the amount that is used and thus make ecosystems healthier and more sustainable,” said the association.
Hopes are that the project will also raise awareness and spark the interest of citizens who live in urban areas.
“We will try to get citizens and entities interested in monitoring the bird boxes,” it added.
 project is being developed by environmental association Vita Nativa){kind=link}