CITAB/UTAD, CIBIO/InBIO-Research Center, ICNF, Côa Parque Foundation, IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management

The Côa Valley Archaeological Park (Portugal), is home to one of the most extensive collections of open-air Palaeolithic rock art, representing a unique intersection of cultural heritage and natural ecosystems. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is not only an invaluable cultural repository but also a dynamic landscape where nature and people coexist. We aim to explore the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to ensure both cultural resilience and ecological sustainability in the face of climate change. Cultural ecosystem services (CES) in the Côa Valley encompass aesthetic, spiritual, educational, and recreational values, deeply embedded in the landscape. The rock art, depicting animals such as horses, aurochs, and deer, offers insight into early human interactions with nature, reflecting an ancestral connection that continues to shape contemporary relationships with the environment. However, the preservation of these engravings faces increasing threats from erosion, vegetation overgrowth, and climate-induced changes in humidity and precipitation patterns that leads to floods. Addressing these challenges requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating ecological restoration, community-based conservation, and sustainable land management. As a case study, the Côa Valley exemplifies how biosphere reserves and protected areas can employ NbS to reinforce cultural and environmental resilience. Ongoing efforts include reforestation with native species, soil stabilization to prevent erosion near archaeological sites, and the implementation of controlled grazing to maintain open landscapes without damaging engravings. These practices not only protect the rock art from natural degradation but also enhance local biodiversity and contribute to carbon sequestration, demonstrating the dual benefits of cultural and ecological stewardship. Furthermore, the engagement of local communities in conservation strategies strengthens the park’s resilience. Traditional agricultural practices, such as the maintenance of olive groves and vineyards, are being integrated into sustainable tourism models that support both cultural heritage and ecosystem integrity. Community-driven initiatives, including participatory mapping and ecological monitoring, ensure that conservation efforts align with local knowledge and socio-economic needs. These collaborative approaches illustrate the transdisciplinary potential of merging archaeology, ecology, and community development to sustain both cultural heritage and biodiversity. In the context of climate change, the Côa Valley serves as a model for how cultural landscapes can adapt through NbS while preserving their historical and ecological value. By leveraging CES frameworks, conservation policies can be designed to enhance cultural resilience, ensuring that the region remains a living landscape where nature and heritage continue to thrive. This study underscores the importance of integrating environmental science, cultural heritage management, and local engagement to create holistic, long-term strategies for conservation in protected areas. The findings from the Côa Valley highlight the potential of NbS as a sustainable mechanism for safeguarding rock art and cultural landscapes worldwide. As climate pressures intensify, the lessons learned from this case can inform broader conservation frameworks, demonstrating that protecting cultural heritage is inherently linked to preserving the natural systems that sustain it.