The project “Percurso das Fontes on the Boião-Azilheira section”, in the parish of São Marcos da Serra, in Silves, which will create a route of 9 kilometers along the Ribeira de Odelouca, was approved by the International Medical Assistance Foundation – AMI, under the NOPLANETB project, which is funded by the European Union and the Camões Institute.
The QRER Cooperative project was approved in April, started on May 1st, and will last for 9 months. The route is expected to open in January 2020.
As explained by the cooperative, «the mountains play a fundamental role in providing fresh water to the other geographical areas of the Algarve», an aspect that «is not generally recognized» and which led the entity to apply for the project.
The route covers a section of the Ribeira de Odelouca, the main tributary of the Arade River, and covers approximately 9 kilometers (short route course), located at the northeastern limit of the parish of São Marcos da Serra.
“In this territory, one of the most striking aspects is the stream, the exuberant landscape and its hydraulic heritage which, despite being central to the population's life, is in an advanced state of degradation and clearly underutilized. The abandonment has had direct consequences in the management of the territory and in the increase of fire risks, which, in 2016, tragically affected the area», recalls the QRER.
The Route of the Fountains «will intervene in the recovery and accessibility of the numerous fountains and springs that exist along the river and will develop an interpretive route, under the responsibility of specialists from various areas and the local community, which will be your great host», he adds.
In addition to being an “awareness engine for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems”, the Fountains Trail between Boião and Azilheira “will also allow the introduction of nature tourism and will be a way of contributing to the fair balance and cohesion of territories, drawing the attention of the opinion public for the need to know, value and protect the mountain's resources, as the rivers, dams and aquifers of the Barrocal, destined for public supply and agriculture depend directly on it».
The QRER Cooperative is responsible for the project and has the support of the Parish Council of São Marcos da Serra, the Municipality of Silves, the local community and volunteers.
“Follow, get to know, get involved and participate in this project, because: There is no Planet B!”, calls the cooperative.
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