The NGO Palombar was distinguished with the “Douro + Sustainable” 2025 Award, in the “Revelation” category, for its exemplary work in the recovery and conservation of the Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) in the Douro Internacional region (northern Portugal), carried out under the LIFE Aegypius Return project.
An award for the sustainability of Douro’s heritage
The “Douro + Sustainable” Awards are an annual initiative promoted by the Institute of Wines of Douro and Porto (IVDP), aimed at recognising and rewarding projects within the Douro Demarcated Region that stand out for integrating sustainable practices across environmental, social, cultural, and economic dimensions.
In 2025, the “Revelation” category award was granted to Palombar for their work in the recovery and conservation of the endangered Cinereous Vulture, in the Douro Internacional Nature Park, within the LIFE Aegypius Return. The distinction also highlighted Palombar’s 25-year commitment to the conservation of both material and immaterial heritage of the Douro region.
The award ceremony took place on 11 October in Peso da Régua, as part of the Port Wine Day programme.
Recognition
“These distinctions represent the acknowledgement of those who stand out for their quality, professionalism, and forward-looking vision, while contributing to the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the Douro,” said Gilberto Igrejas, president of the IVDP, during the ceremony.
“The Douro is a unique region. It is our responsibility to ensure that this singularity endures and renews itself through knowledge and innovation,” he concluded.
José Pereira, president of Palombar, received the award from António M. Cunha, president of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N), and stressed that the distinction represents a tribute to the collaborative and network-based work developed by the NGO, involving local communities, municipalities, parish councils, farmers, shepherds, law enforcement authorities, and public conservation entities in both Portugal and Spain. He also expressed his gratitude to all the partners of the LIFE Aegypius Return project, whose cooperation has been essential to the success of Cinereous Vulture conservation efforts in the region.
Recovering from major wildfires
The distinction awarded to Palombar carries special significance in the aftermath of the severe wildfire that occurred in August this year in the Douro Internacional Nature Park, which devastated a large area of this protected area and seriously compromised ongoing Cinereous Vulture conservation efforts.
Palombar and the partners in LIFE Aegypius Return therefore emphasise the urgent need to strengthen support to the project – both financially, through the ongoing crowdfunding campaign and other funding sources, and collaboratively, by involving institutions and the local community – in order to ensure the continuation of recovery and protection work for this endangered species.
About LIFE Aegypius Return
The LIFE Aegypius Return project is co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE programme. Its success depends on the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders, and the collaboration of the partners: the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF), the coordinating beneficiary, and the local partners Palombar – Conservação da Natureza e do Património Rural, Herdade da Contenda, Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves, Liga para a Protecção da Natureza, Associação Transumância e Natureza, Fundación Naturaleza y Hombre, Guarda Nacional Republicana y Associação Nacional de Proprietários Rurais Gestão Cinegética e Biodiversidade.
