Rewilding Portugal pushes to remove Côa river barriers

Rewilding Portugal, the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and the Côa Parque Foundation signed a 2023 protocol to study removing obsolete cofferdams left over from an unfinished dam on the Côa river, which fragment its flow and periodically flood the valley's prehistoric rock art. Technical reports presented in 2024 confirmed the removal is feasible, though costly, and would restore fish migration and habitat while helping preserve the engravings. Public consultations across five municipalities found strong local support for restoring the river. Funding sources are now being sought before implementation can begin.