Algarve schools are set to benefit after a 2,000€ cheque was presented by Paul Bechgaard, chaplaincy warden, on behalf of St Vincent’s Anglican Church to A Rocha Portugal in support of their work with local school children.
A Rocha, a Christian conservation organisation, the inspiration of a Church of England priest in the 1990s, began in Cruzinha in the beautiful Alvor Estuary and is now represented in 20 organisations throughout the world. In Portugal they, together with other agencies, are the guardians of the salt water marshes along the Southern Algarve coast. The A Rocha Portugal team, led by Marcial Felgueiras and his wife Paula Banza, scientifically monitors the bird life and migration patterns of birds and the health of the Alvor Lagoon, opposes development which threatens the environment and also runs educational activities working with children.
The environmental educational programme, run by Isabel Soares, aims to train young minds in environmental awareness and give them an appreciation of their heritage and the importance of conservation for future generations. A Rocha is a non-profit making association and charges a nominal 2.50€ per child for the session. Isabel says that in today’s economic climate parents often struggle to meet this nominal charge and transport isn’t always available. This donation will enable them to expand the number of places accessible so that more school children can benefit.
The Church of England’s Diocese in Europe is the administrator of an independent charitable trust and each year is able to make donations to local charities. One of the current aims is to support environmental projects and St Vincent’s, a long time supporter of A Rocha (some church members belong to a prayer support group), is delighted to contribute to A Rocha’s important work in conservation and education.
A year 7 student summed up her experience:
“For us the beach is just a leisure site and we forget that there are animals that live there that can be disturbed by our presence. We now understand the need to protect these habitats and the species that make it their home.”
For further details check out the websites: www.stvincentsalgarve.org and www.arocha.pt
