The Network of Nature Guardians and Sustainable Development of the Rural World, to be implemented in seven of the country's protected areas, aims to promote the involvement and training of women as nature guardians and defenders of the sustainability of the rural and coastal world.

Involving and empowering women as guardians and defenders of sustainability in rural areas is an essential element in realising a development model based on valuing the territory and its natural values.

The project will be carried out in territories that include areas within the National Network of Protected Areas, including the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, and the plan is being implemented in partnership with Setúbal Town Hall and the women guardians will be linked to fishing or the conservation of marine prairies.

The project, promoted by Business As Nature and financed by the Environmental Fund and ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, also allows the women to develop their own businesses or professional activities in the protected areas.

The role of a guardian of nature is centred on implementing intervention projects in rural areas, especially protected areas, and can be a local driving force behind the regeneration, recovery and conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.

The women chosen must also want to publicise their products or services, have communication skills, be dynamic and capable of leadership, and be courageous, resilient and persistent.