A 40,000-euro loan from Rewilding Europe Capital will support the expansion of nature-based tourism company Ambieduca in Portugal’s Greater Côa Valley. By enabling the renovation of new visitor accommodation, the investment will contribute to the region’s flourishing nature-based economy.
Nature recovery drives economic growth
Across Portugal’s Greater Côa Valley, rewilding and the recovery of nature are helping to power the growth of an increasingly vibrant nature-based economy. As wildlife returns and landscapes become wilder, burgeoning opportunities are emerging for local entrepreneurs to start and develop businesses that connect people with nature, support rural lives and livelihoods, and further advance rewilding.
This transformation is being strengthened by targeted financial support from Rewilding Europe Capital — Rewilding Europe’s enterprise loan facility — which helps nature-positive businesses expand and amplify their beneficial impact. The latest example is a 40,000-euro loan awarded to Portuguese tourism company Ambieduca, enabling the business to diversify its activities and help bring greater numbers of visitors to one of the wildest parts of the Iberian Peninsula.
Amplifying positive business impact
Ambieduca was established in 2018 by Marco Ferraz. Specialising in nature and cultural tourism, the company is based in the charming village of Vilar de Amargo, in the northern part of the Greater Côa Valley rewilding landscape. Since the company’s foundation, Marco has built a reputation as an excellent guide, offering immersive experiences that connect visitors with the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
The loan from Rewilding Europe Capital will enable Marco to speed up the renovation of a traditional house in Vilar de Amargo, which should be ready by the summer. This will complement three houses in the village — called “Casas de Villar” — which he runs and are already available to book. Once restored, the property — named “Casas de Villar-Rewilding Spot” — will provide accommodation for up to four guests looking to explore the surrounding landscape. This expansion could also see Ambieduca employ an additional person from the community.
“This is the natural next step in the evolution of Ambieduca,” says Marco. “Opening Casas de Villar-Rewilding Spot will allow me to further combine guided experiences with overnight stays, creating integrated nature tourism packages that include accommodation, food, and outdoor activities.”
Filling a gap in the market
Tourism in Portugal has grown significantly in recent years, and the Greater Côa Valley is gaining national and international recognition as a prime destination for nature lovers. While the region offers a wide range of tourism experiences and accommodation, these are unevenly distributed across the landscape. In the northern part of the valley — particularly in smaller rural villages such as Vilar de Amargo — accommodation options remain limited.
“By offering a new place for visitors to stay, Casas de Villar-Rewilding Spot will help address this gap, while bringing economic benefits to an area characterised by rural depopulation,” explains Rewilding Europe’s Conservation Finance Expert, Daniel Veríssimo.
Blending nature with culture
Drawing on his background in biology, archaeology, and tourism, Marco leads a variety of guided activities under the Ambieduca brand — from wildlife watching and nature interpretation to tours exploring the valley’s famous prehistoric rock engravings. His experiences blend storytelling about the region’s past with insights into its ecological future, helping visitors understand how rewilding and nature recovery are reshaping the landscape.
Ambieduca regularly runs tours to rewilding sites where the Rewilding Portugal team is restoring ecosystems and supporting wildlife comeback. Through these activities, Marco introduces guests to the principles of rewilding and highlights how restoring natural processes can benefit both nature and local communities. The company’s offerings also feature on Wilder Places — Rewilding Europe’s tourism booking platform — which connects travellers with authentic nature-based experiences across Europe’s rewilding landscapes and beyond.
Building a flourishing business network
Ambieduca is also part of the growing Wild Côa Network, a nature-based business network founded by Rewilding Portugal in 2021 that now brings together nearly 60 local enterprises. The initiative connects accommodation providers, nature guides, local producers, and other businesses that promote the restoration of local nature. By working together, these enterprises are helping to boost the local economy while contributing to the recovery of the Greater Côa Valley’s wildlife and landscapes. To date, Rewilding Europe Capital has disbursed loans to three members of the network.
As a member of the network, Marco has collaborated closely with the Rewilding Portugal team for many years. Businesses like Ambieduca demonstrate how rewilding can create new opportunities for rural entrepreneurs, while strengthening community pride in local nature and building passionate support for rewilding.
The bigger picture: helping nature and people thrive together
Across Rewilding Europe’s landscapes, pioneering initiatives such as Rewilding Europe Capital and local nature-based business networks are helping turn ecological recovery into tangible benefits for people. By supporting entrepreneurs who depend on healthy ecosystems, these initiatives ensure that restoring nature goes hand in hand with revitalising rural economies.
Tourism platforms such as Wilder Places are also playing an important role by connecting travellers with authentic experiences that support rewilding efforts on the ground.
In the Greater Côa Valley, businesses like Ambieduca are helping demonstrate how nature recovery can inspire innovation, create livelihoods, and attract visitors seeking meaningful connections with the wild.
Partner with us
Entrepreneurs like Marco show what’s possible. If you’re a European entrepreneur or organisation with a desire to enhance wild nature, Rewilding Europe Capital may be able to help you realise your ambition. For more information, please contact Daniel Veríssimo.