Environmental Archaeology - ENVARCH

The Environmental Archaeology Group (ENVARCH) applies  Archaeosciences as an integrated field to understand past societies and their dynamic relationships with the environment from prehistoric times to present day. This integrated approach, bringing together the study of biological, geological and cultural evidence – from animal, plant and human remains to artifacts such as stone tools -  mobilises expertise from fields such as zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, lithic use-wear analysis, bioanthropology and zooarchaeogenetics , to achieve an unified understanding of past human–environment interactions. ENVARCH explores how past societies responded to environmental challenges, managed biological and geological resources, and developed cultural and technological strategies, generating knowledge that is also relevant for understanding current global challenges such as those related to heritage resilience and sustainability, identity processes, and migration dynamics. Rather than focusing on isolated lines of evidence, the group promotes a comprehensive Archaeosciences framework that addresses fundamental questions about human adaptation, demographic resilience, and transformation over time.  ENVARCH  is actively involved in interdisciplinary research projects on human–environment interactions and environmental change, applying innovative analytical methods and diachronic perspectives to identify patterns of continuity and transformation in both natural and cultural systems, namely:  undertaking morphometric studies; contributing well-documented specimens for genetic analyses; critically examining the archaeological record to retrieve past behaviours; and evaluating the impact of environmental changes on human geography. The group also maintains and develops reference collections of animal bones (especially mammals, birds and fish) and plant remains (pollen, seeds, wood and charcoal) that support research, training, and collaboration, fostering access to scientific resources for national and international scholars and promoting scientific knowledge and an awareness of the importance of protecting Archaeological Heritage and the Environment. Beyond research, ENVARCH is committed to knowledge transfer and public engagement, promoting awareness on the importance of Archaeosciences in understanding the past, informing the present, and contributing to more sustainable futures. The group brings together researchers from multiple institutions, reflecting its collaborative and interdisciplinary nature. This interdisciplinary group, coordinated by Marina Igreja and vice-coordinated by Andrés Teira-Brión, includes teams from two institutions: the Archaeosciences Laboratory (LARC) from Patrimonio Cultural, I.P. (Lisbon) and the Biopolis-CIBIO (Porto).