Biodiversity


Introduction Partners Biodiversity Projects

 

Nature is far from being limitless. Over half of the world GDP depends on natural capital, which means that our well-being and our development model are intrinsically linked to and dependent on nature. Therefore, along with global warming, preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services, this is one of the most important challenges faced by society today, according to BCSD Portugal.

With a corporate strategy imbued with appreciation for and protection of the natural and human environment, the protection and conservation of species and ecosystems, which are indispensable for the balance of environmental quality, are an integral part of ANA's business plan, as well as a balanced approach.

          

                

           

          

          

            

 

 

 

Carrying out specialised studies on flora and fauna in the airports and their surrounding areas and supporting external entities through protocols such as CERVAS and RIAS - wildlife rehabilitation centres in Portugal – are just two of the campaigns promoted by the company.

Also of note is ANA’s recent commitment to Act4Nature Portugal, an initiative focusing on mobilising companies to protect, promote and restore biodiversity and aimed at encouraging the protection of biodiversity.

Goals have also been defined in this area, going from running updated diagnostic tests on biodiversity at all ANA airports to measures designed to eliminate the use of plant protection products.

Faro Airport, apart from the across-the-board commitments undertaken by ANA, scientific partnerships have been established with the University of the Algarve under the scope of biodiversity conservation. More precisely:
 

• Research Centres (CCMAR - Marine Sciences Centre - and CIMA - Marine and Environmental Research Centre). Different monitoring programmes were developed, for surface water, aquatic ecology and phytoplankton in the Ria Formosa estuary, and groundwater, as minimising measures defined by the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the projects “Infrastructure for ILS (Instrument Landing System) and Runway Approach Path for Runway 10, Extension of Platforms and Circulation Routes and Extension and Remodelling of the Terminal at Faro Airport”.
 

The results obtained from the monitoring programmes reveal that the work done on these projects did not cause significant negative impacts on the environmental quality of the surrounding area, particularly Ria Formosa.
 

• Ramalhete Research Station, where the groundwater ceded by ANA is used for scientific purposes, particularly for reproduction and development of protected species in captivity, with special relevance for the preservation of seahorses (Hippocampus hippocampus and Hippocampus guttulatus).

A strategic cooperation agreement was signed with QUERCUS – National Association for Nature Conservation – in 2019, aimed at increasing ANA's commitment to the protection of nature, the environment and biodiversity through the development and implementation of an annual plan of collaborative activities.

 

 

 

 

The different biodiversity projects underway at the airports depend on the values at stake. Learn about some of our initiatives in this area.

 

Did you know that…

… ANA works actively to make birds and aircraft compatible?

Given that airport operation does not permit the presence of birds in or near airports, specific measures have been developed, such as the use of bioacoustics, gas guns or the control of plant species, making it possible for aircraft and birds to coexist.

ANA also uses falconry to complement the traditional methods, particularly at Lisbon, Faro and Madeira airports, where its use is clearly more efficient.

 

Did you know that…

… There are wild orchids at Lisbon Airport?

Humberto Delgado Airport is located in an area of limestone soil, where the vegetation consisted mainly of Mediterranean woods and was later used for small farms. Although all the initial ground cover has been changed, there are still some scattered meadows, scrubland and olive trees where you can see wild orchids, considered to be a preservation priority according to the Habitats Directive (Mãe d’Agua, 2012).

Learn more about this project here 

 

Did you know that…

… There's a Sentinel Apiary at João Paulo II Airport?

The reduction in the numbers of pollinating insects could jeopardise world food production, in other words, food safety for human beings. It is therefore vital to preserve bees and to control the diseases they transmit, particularly varroasis, considered to be an endemic disease in Portugal and in most of Europe.

In September 2019, the European Commission’s Standing Committee voted unanimously to approve the Decision proposal on the varroasis-free status of six islands in the Autonomous Region of the Azores (São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge and Corvo). The approval of this Decision made the archipelago the third place in the world to have been granted this status. A Sentinel Apiary was then installed at Ponta Delgada Airport.

Learn more about this project here 

 

Did you know that…

… Faro Airport has signed an agreement with CCMAR - Centre of Marine Science / Algarve University?

The agreement signed with CCMAR - Centre of Marine Science / Algarve University provides for the development of projects that contribute to learning more about the biodiversity existing at the airport. Under this scope, a project is underway that is aimed at learning about the large brachiopod crustaceans and amphibians (larval stage) in the temporary marshes existing in the territorial area managed by Faro Airport, through studies carried out during a hydroperiod, whose duration will allow for the normal development of the animal community.

Learn more about CCMAR UAlg here.

 

Did you know that…

… the airports in the Azores take part in the SOS Cagarro campaign?

The SOS Cagarro (Cory’s shearwater) campaign is promoted by the Government of the Azores each year. The main objective is to alert the people of the Azores to the need to preserve this protected species that nests in the Azores. The campaign is also intended to involve local people and entities in the rescue of young Cory’s shearwaters found near roads and in the surrounding area, from 1 October to 15 November, which coincides with their leaving their nests for their first ocean flight. The strong artificial lights disorientate the birds, causing some of them to fall in places where they are at risk of being run over or from predators.

ANA staff play an active role in this mission to rescue Cory’s shearwaters found on the ground at airports and hand them over to the island’s environmental services. The birds are later released near the sea, during the day, from where they will begin their first annual migration to the seas of the South Atlantic or to productive areas in the Northwest Atlantic.


Bi

Corporate ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal

You can accept or refuse our cookies or visit our "cookies policy".

Site map

ANA

Social Responsibility

Environment & Sustainability

Innovation

Working at ANA

Press

Reports