The CEAVG – Vale do Gonçalinho Center for Environmental Education is an infrastructure of LPN – League for the Protection of Nature located in Baixo Alentejo, in the “heart” of Castro Verde Special Protection Area (SPA).

Located about 7 km from the village of Castro Verde, the CEAVG is the result of the restoration of the old rural house of the Vale do Gonçalinho Estate (acquired by the LPN in 1995 with the financial support of its members and the LIFE Programme of the European Union), thus representing a typical Alentejo house formerly inhabited by farmers.

Since the building is self-sustained, the Center resorts to the micro-production of power from renewable sources (sunlight and wind) to work, while its water supply is ensured by a well through which groundwater is extracted from the underground and a reservoir in which it is stored. After being used, the wastewater goes to a wastewater treatment plant to undergo purification by plants, after which it returns to the environment by evaporation.

The CEAVG has 2 working areas: a working space equipped for overnight stays (2 work rooms, 1 workshop and 1 lodging area) and a space for environmental education (1 reception area, 1 auditorium and 1 library).

It also has infrastructures for visitation support, both inside and outside the Center, namely: 1 permanent exhibition, 1 interactive kiosk, audio-video-guides and several interpretative trails.