Parede, Cascais - The Avencas Beach (Avencas means Maidenhair) is still a living example of the coastal biodiversity, under and above the sea level, specially because of its rocky intertidal zone (the continental platform, predominantely limestone, with "steps" and basalt intrusions).

Here, one can watch:
... different species of animals, plants, protists and fungi, their adaptations and the interactions between beings and environment;
... different sorts of rocks, strata and intrusions;
... the effects of hydrodynamics, as well as of eolian and hydraulic erosion.

It is therefore a real living laboratory, which diversity and dynamics have been affected and diminished by all sorts of human activities, but which we must preserve and recover, as much as still possible.

NOTE: The Municipality of Cascais (Câmara Municipal de Cascais) and the Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of Lisbon and Tagus Valley (Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo) have recentely reached an agreement on the "requalification" of the Avencas Beach. And "requalification" is a very up to date word, but very many times with no meaning at all!

[Originally posted on Feb 22nd, 2008]

Category: THE COASTAL LAND