WELCOME
TO EUROPARC CONFERENCE

In the year declared by the United Nations as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the EUROPARC Conference is hosted by the Portuguese region of the Magic Mountains – a Sustainable Destination awarded with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas, since 2013.

From the 6th - 10th September 2017, in the Magic Mountains, we will be looking at the NEW VOICES, NEW VISIONS, NEW VALUES – FOR PEOPLE AND THE NATURE IN EUROPE, with inspiring keynote speakers, practical workshops and several opportunities to network with protected area professionals from across Europe.

The EUROPARC Conference 2017 is an initiative of the EUROPARC Federation and is organised by ADRIMAG – Association for the Rural and Integrated Development of the Montemuro, Arada and Gralheira Mountains – in close collaboration with its local and national partners.

Have a word in the biggest gathering of Protected Area experts in Europe and join the debate to find out a new paradigm for our European Parks. Discover the Conference programme, get to know our special guests, explore the workshops and fieldtrips we have organised for you and check the several opportunities you will have to network and share your projects and ideas!

ABOUT MAGIC MOUNTAINS

Since 2013, it is recognised as a Sustainable Destination, after being Awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas.

The Gralheira and Montemuro massifs, promoted under the tourist name Montanhas Mágicas®, include four Sites of Community Importance (SIC) Rede Natura 2000 and Arouca Geopark Worldwide of UNESCO.

The Magic Mountains territory is located one hour southeast from Porto and corresponds to the municipalities of Arouca, Castelo de Paiva, Castro Daire, Cinfães, São Pedro do Sul, Sever do Vouga and Vale de Cambra. During EUROPARC Conference, we will be visiting some of the most magical places of this territory and discovering its natural wonders.

SPEAKERS CORNER

This year we innovated, with the creation of a new item in the program - "Speakers Corner". The Speakers Corner is usually located in open public spaces where freedom of speech, for debate, for discussion and presentation are encouraged. We bring the same living spirit to the experience of the EUROPARC Conference where any member or delegate of the Conference can ask for space to approach/discuss a relevant topic for the protected areas!

It's You who Creates this part of the Program!

If you are interested in having a space to discuss a problem, share a project idea and spread your results, then the space is yours, on a basis: "first come, first served".

The person interested in have a space in the "Speakers Corner" must indicate this intention in the application form. A list of events in the Speakers Corner will be posted on the EUROPARC Federation website and on the Conference website as soon as it is confirmed.

Entries to attend a "Speakers Corner" session will only be available upon arrival at the Conference.