Pateira de Fermentelos Lake and Águeda and Cértima Valleys. 27/07/2012; Região Centro; 1,559 ha; 40º33'52'N 008º30'28'W. Natura 2000 (SPA) and Sensitive Area. The site contains one of the largest freshwater lakes of the Iberian Peninsula with a mosaic of wetland habitats, reed beds and marshland as well as riparian vegetation. The site supports important populations of migratory and threatened bird species, like the Ixobrychus minutus, Ardea purpurea, Circus aeruginosus, Milvus migrans and Sylvia undata. In the lagoon and in its adjacent water system, fish also find favourable ecological conditions for refuge and spawning during the breeding season. The wetland has a major role in groundwater recharge, flood control, sediment trapping and maintenance of water supply for both natural and human-made ecosystems. The largest threat factors which might affect the ecological status of the site are essentially intensive farming, cattle raising, and contamination of water and soils by industrial and urban infrastructures. The Municipality of Águeda has implemented a Development Plan for the site which provides a set of strategies and actions aiming at the sustainable development of the area. Ramsar Site Number: 2089. Most recent RIS information: 2012.