What we do

Here is a very short video clip (Google Video), lasting under a minute, introducing A Rocha’s work. It was filmed, edited and scripted by Melissa Ong. The commentary is by Miranda Harris.

A Rocha's first centre in Portugal

The first A Rocha project began in Portugal in 1983. A field study centre and bird observatory was established near the Alvor estuary and it has now been visited by thousands of people from many parts of the world.

All over the world Christians are realising that important habitats and their wildlife urgently need protection and so, since 1994, new A Rocha projects have started in other parts of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America. The international cross-cultural strength of the Christian community has been making a unique contribution, not least as communities struggle to reconcile the need to protect biodiversity with their hopes for sustainable development.

A Rocha projects have a community emphasis, bringing together people from widely differing backgrounds to work towards common goals.

Some examples of how A Rocha projects can make a difference:

Research and conservation

Aammiq Wetland in Spring

The Aammiq Wetland in South Lebanon, once threatened by destruction, is now a secure habitat for local and migrant wildlife.

Proposals for Natura 2000 status for the Alvor estuary in Portugal stem directly from A Rocha studies.

A Rocha UK’s study area - the once derelict 90 acre Minet Site in Middlesex - is being transformed into a Country Park and Conservation Area. A Rocha is providing ecological advice to Hillingdon Council, who own the land, and are organising local work parties to improve some of the more sensitive areas.

Education

Students in the hide at Mida Creek

More than 500 volunteers have been trained at our centre in Portugal and many of them continue to be active as environmental professionals.

Teenagers living around the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest on the Kenyan coast are receiving secondary school education because of an eco-tourism programme initiated by A Rocha.

In almost all the countries where we work, children living near our projects are being helped to discover and enjoy the local wildlife. Whether drawing waterbugs by a Canadian pond or making nestboxes in East Bohemia, they are being inspired to get involved in protecting wildlife and habitats.