Humans in an otherwise perfect environment: the Natural Park of Ria Formosa

Abstract

Our first three weeks of ethnographical research in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa were spent at the interpretive centre. Visitors to this centre may walk along the pedestrian trail. While in the trail, that leads through one of the rare forests in Ria Formosa, they have the opportunity to appreciate some living examples – properly marked by interpretive signage – of the natural and cultural heritage of Park’s territory: the salines, the dunes, the beach, the marshes, the archaeological remains of Roman salting tanks, and the tide mill restored by the Park. Sometimes, a few natives may be seen catching shellfish. The interpretive centre offers a resumed visual experience of “Ria Formosa” to its visitors, in which nature coexists harmoniously with human presence.