Antonio Monteiro

Background

About Antonio Monteiro

My academic background includes a degree in Biology (1995 – FCUL/Lisbon University) and a degree in Forest Engineering (2016 – ESAB/Bragança Polytechnic Institute). I have a MSc in Applied Biology at Aveiro University (2012). I started my career as biologist with a one year research project on the ecology and conservation of the Egyptian Vulture breeding population in the Alto Douro Region (1994-1995). After that I started working as a nature conservation technician in the Portuguese Park Services SNPRCN/ICN,(1995-2022). Initially, my main tasks were focused on cliff breeding bird census and monitoring, and I was responsible for preparing the bid for the creation of the Douro International Nature Park (classified in 1998), and being part of the of it’s directive board. My work as a technician was divided between bird monitoring and park management; also public relations, and coordinating transboundary cooperation with the Spanish authorities. I carried out work in Environmental Impact Assessment (focal point in more than 60 different EIA cases). I was local coordinator for several national/regional bird atlases and bird census projects, and worked intensively on scavenger birds conservation, as part of a national action plan for those species. Presently (2023), I am developing my PhD research focused on measuring the ecological effects of ‘rewilding’ on bird communities and nature conservation in the North of Portugal. For this project I have a scholarship from the (FCT/PT), and I am affiliated with the University of Salamanca (Department of Biology), and BIOPOLIS / CIBIO - InBIO (University of Porto). Alongside of my professional activities I was a founding member, and board member, of several environmental NGOs: Palombar AEPGA and ATN With ATN I was involved in the creation and management of the Faia Brava Reserve (2003-2019). I have also carried out extensive public relations, fundraising and international networking. A highlight was the recognition, in 2014, of Faia Brava as one of the first five pilot areas of the very influential Rewilding Europe program). In my spare time, as hobbies, I am active with tree surgery, organic olive farming and the breeding of horses and donkeys (in getting the official recognition of Miranda Donkey Breed). I am an active birdwatcher, practice running. I am fond of poetry and literature - publishing a poetry book in 2022. Since 2004 I am co-owner and manager of a tourist guesthouse (‘Casa da Cisterna’), located in Castelo Rodrigo.