The
National Day of Nature Conservation is celebrated on
28 July, established by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers no. 73/98, of 29 June.
This day aims to alert to the importance of the conservation of the national natural heritage, since Portugal has a great diversity of landscapes, geological heritage, and biodiversity. This heritage is essential for human well-being, poverty alleviation, risk prevention and the creation of efficient economies. In addition, it is a differentiating, valorizing and affirming factor of Portuguese identity.
This commemoration was chosen to mark the foundation of the League for the Protection of Nature (LPN), the first and oldest environmental defence association created in Portugal, which activity is of unquestionable technical and scientific merit and of great importance in the conservation of natural heritage, species diversity and ecosystems.
LPN is, in fact, the oldest environmental association in the Iberian Peninsula and was the driving force behind the classification of several Portuguese Protected Areas, including the Arrábida Natural Park, which anniversary is also celebrated on this day.
