Lagoas de Santo André e da Sancha Nature Reserve, Coastal nature reserve near Setúbal, Portugal.
Lagoas de Santo Andre e da Sancha Nature Reserve covers a large coastal area comprising two major lagoons, wetlands, marshes, pine forests, and white sand beaches. These habitats form an interconnected network that supports diverse wildlife and plant communities.
The area received official protection status from the Portuguese government in 2000 to preserve the coastal lagoon system and its surrounding natural habitats. This designation was made to safeguard this sensitive ecosystem from damage.
The reserve plays an important role in supporting traditional fishing communities who have worked these waters for generations. Local people continue to use the lagoons as part of their daily life and livelihood.
The reserve has five marked walking trails of varying lengths that visitors can explore throughout the year. These paths also provide opportunities for birdwatching, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the water.
The reserve is home to an exceptional variety of over 500 plant species and serves as a critical stopover point for thousands of migratory birds during their annual journeys. The Santo Andre lagoon here is among the largest coastal lagoons in the Alentejo region.
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