Centro de Educação Ambiental das Ribeiras de Gaia

Centro de Educação Ambiental das Ribeiras de Gaia is a public environmental education centre in Miramar (Arcozelo), in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. It operates under the municipal company Águas de Gaia, EM, and its purpose is to introduce visitors to the nature of the streams and rivers of the area. It is often shortened to CEAR.

What is this place?

It combines a small educational centre, an exhibition and a documentation library. The centre promotes knowledge of the fauna and flora of riverside ecosystems and runs activities that follow the environmental strategy of the Vila Nova de Gaia municipality. Visitors learn about the responsibility each of us has toward the environment, especially where water, waste and nature conservation are concerned.

What can you see?

• Aquariums and aqua-terrariums holding species typical of the municipality's streams. Visits to them are guided.
• Exhibition rooms devoted to water and riverside environments.
• A documentation centre with a specialised library on environmental topics and computer programs offering information about nature.
• A water-quality monitoring room for the Espírito Santo stream, showing how the condition of local watercourses is tracked.

Who is it for?

The centre is aimed especially at schools. Five types of educational programmes have been designed for students, so school groups are frequent visitors. It also suits families with children who enjoy watching aquatic animals and want to learn about the surrounding wildlife. It is not an all-day attraction, but a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in ecology.

How to get there and get in touch

Address: Av. Fernão de Magalhães, 4410-318 Arcozelo, Miramar, Vila Nova de Gaia. Phone: +351 227 539 676, e-mail: [email protected]. Because the aquarium visits are guided and group activities run as organised programmes, it is wise to contact the centre before you go and confirm the details.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the centre? In Miramar, in Arcozelo, within the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the coast south of Porto.

Who runs it? It is a public educational institution linked to Águas de Gaia, EM.

What will I see inside? Aquariums with species from the municipality's streams, exhibition rooms, a documentation centre and a monitoring room for water quality in the Espírito Santo stream.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the centre offers five types of programmes designed for students.

How do I book a visit? Call +351 227 539 676 or write to [email protected].