Training in co-management of Protected Areas in Portugal: planning for HPHPe
Group photo of Portuguese PA representatives in February
30 Park Managers engaged in a training session to include Healthy Parks Healthy People in their Action Plans.
HPHPe training event in Portugal
On the 21st of March, 30 Portuguese Park Managers engaged in a training course for technicians in Co-management of Protected Areas in Portugal – Introducing the HPHP Europe in the PA Action Plan.
The attending park technicians were from both Municipalities and the ICNF (Portuguese Agency for Nature Conservation and Forests) and are actively involved in promoting and communicating the value of Protected Areas.
Led by Carles Castell, a member of the EUROPARC HPHPe Commission, this introduction provided valuable insights and showcased successful examples from across Europe. The aim was to inspire and empower participants to play an active role in developing initiatives aligned with the HPHPe methods and principles.
The session is included in a long-term capacity-building programme, designed to build the skills of the Protected Areas technicians.
This marks a significant milestone as Portugal embraces the Healthy Parks Healthy People Europe initiative for the first time.
By fostering a deeper connection between people and parks, with an emphasis on restoration and health, we strive to create happier and healthier communities.
This event serves as the initial step towards implementing initiatives that promote well-being within Portuguese parks, setting the stage for a brighter, healthier future.
Healthy Parks Healthy People Europe Programme is a long-standing initiative of EUROPARC Federation.
The HPHPe toolkit “Health and Well-Being Benefits from Parks and Protected Areas” provides practical advice to set up policy and activities in your Park; brings you the latest evidence, reports and other useful resources; and shares inspiring examples from across the EUROPARC network. A must-read for all Protected area staff (including planners, site managers, rangers, and wardens) but also to governmental bodies aiming to develop national and regional policy to leverage health benefits from natural areas.
If you wish to get inspiration to how get active you can take a look at our:
If you are already active and wish to share your experience with the network you are welcome to submit a case study