To celebrate World Wetlands Day, the short film ‘Discovering Traditions in the Pateira de Frossos’, a tribute to the cultural and ecological richness of this unique ecosystem, was presented in Albergaria-a-Velha.
The Associação BioLiving, the Portuguese Ecology Society (SPECO) and the Municipality of Albergaria-a-Velha have joined forces to produce a short film that reveals the main cultural practices associated with the Pateira de Frossos. The film highlights the importance of conserving these traditions, which are part of a wetland of great ecological value, belonging to the Baixo Vouga Lagoon and the Natura 2000 Network.
The public presentation of the short film, held on 4 February 2025 at the Interpretation Centre of Pateira de Frossos, in Albergaria-a-Velha, was an excellent opportunity to explore the cultural and environmental riches of the Pateira de Frossos and promote a greater connection between the community and this ecosystem.
Taking the complex, rich and fragile habitats of the Pateira de Frossos as its starting point, the short film highlights traditional practices, such as basketry with white willow and the making of bunho mats, which are closely linked to both cultural heritage and ecological sustainability.
With the death of the last local artisan, Natália de Jesus, in 2024, the art of making bunho mats is at risk of being lost, so the main aim of this initiative is to pass on knowledge, inspire conservation efforts and involve the local community, fostering a lasting connection with Pateira de Frossos.
The initiative, supported by MedWet - The Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative and directed by Diego Alves, is part of the celebrations for World Wetlands Day on 2 February. This date marks the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in 1971 on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
Wetlands, natural areas flooded with water, seasonally or permanently, are of fundamental ecological and social importance for everyone's quality of life. By harbouring diverse species and promoting the regulation of river flows and flood control, among many other services, wetlands play an essential role for human activities such as fishing and agriculture, but also tourism, crafts and much more.
May this film be a renewed invitation to everyone: Come and discover the Pateira de Frossos!
About BioLiving:
Associação BioLiving is an Environmental Non-Governmental Organisation (ONGA) whose work focuses on four areas of activity:
🌱 Nature Conservation;
🌱 Environmental Education and Training;
🌱 Scientific and Technical Consultancy;
🌱 Social Action and Inclusion.
After more than a decade of work in favour of nature and environmental education, BioLiving was born in 2016 in Frossos, Albergaria-a-Velha, with the aim of bringing ‘Nature and Education for All’ to Portugal and abroad.
