Photography: ARR
Fifteen years ago, Ericeira became Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve, following recognition by Save The Waves Coalition, an international organization dedicated to protecting waves and coastal ecosystems.
This distinction recognized the quality of Ericeira’s waves, the value of its entire coastline, and the identity of the local jagoza community, which has maintained a strong connection to the sea for generations.
the sea remains Ericeira’s soul
Today, we mark this milestone. Over the past decade and a half Ericeira has changed a lot; its population — and even its sphere of influence — has grown, increasing the number of visitors, what brings new challenges: foremost among them the need to preserve what makes this coast unique — the quality of its aquatic “Magnificent 7” and the beauty of its natural landscape.
As demand for the waves rises alongside a growing appetite for land-based development, so does the pressure and the corresponding duty to ensure that this town’s coastline continues to be enjoyed sustainably.
Protecting this surfing ecosystem (composed not only by the waves themselves but also the local flora and fauna, the landscape, and the community identity) is a shared responsibility. It depends as much on those who live in, visit, manage, or invest in Ericeira as it does on those who come to enjoy its waves.
To mark the 15th anniversary of the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve, we publish a video in which the Save The Waves Coalition explains the World Surfing Reserves program to the general public and also to all those who find a home in the sea, which must be cherished, valued, cared for, and nurtured.
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
