Coimbra region warns water hyacinth contract may lapse

The Coimbra Intermunicipal Community (CIMRC) has raised concerns over the control of water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant, after receiving no response from the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) about renewing a contract that expires at year's end. Executive secretary Jorge Brito said municipalities risk losing progress achieved so far and facing a resurgence of the species if the agreement lapses. Meeting in Alfarelos, Soure, the intermunicipal council approved pressing the APA and the environment minister for a clear answer. Municipalities downstream of Coimbra, including Montemor-o-Velho, Figueira da Foz, Soure, Cantanhede and Mira, are most affected.

This appeared in the Pulse of 18 September 2026 — Read that edition →