Pulse

23 August 2026

A calm Sunday overview: leopard cubs in Lisbon, a quieter fire season so far, and a night of surf under the stars at Vagueira.

Nature and biodiversity

Portugal's burnt area down fourfold so far in 2026

Between 1 January and 15 August 2026, wildfires burned 56,586 hectares in mainland Portugal, 74.7% less than the 223,189 hectares recorded over the same period in 2025, despite a 14% rise in the number of fires. Experts attribute the improvement mainly to favourable weather, including a wet, prolonged winter, rather than to prevention or firefighting policy alone. They warn the fire season is not over, citing recent major fires in Vouzela, Valpaços, Guarda, Arouca and Moncorvo, dry vegetation, and the risk posed by fuel accumulation from rural abandonment. The prime minister has acknowledged continuing high fire risk through September.

Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Portugal Resident ↗

Funchal marine station holds open night on 28 August

The Marine Biology Station of Funchal will hold its next Open Night on 28 August, with a guided visit at 20:00 (booking required via email) followed by a talk at 21:30. Biologist Manuel Biscoito, head of the Funchal City Council's science division and curator of the Natural History Museum, will speak on Madeira's volcanic origins and biodiversity. The event, held three times a year in summer, has drawn over 2,000 participants and aims to boost public understanding of the ocean by opening the station outside normal working hours.

Madeira Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Funchal Notícias ↗

Land, energy and food

Agrovoltaic projects combine solar power with farming in Portugal

SIC Notícias reports on agrovoltaics, a model that combines solar energy production with agriculture or livestock farming on the same land. The approach is already being applied in Portugal, allowing panels to generate electricity while the land beneath continues to be used for crops or grazing. The report highlights it as a way to reconcile renewable energy expansion with environmental preservation and continued agricultural use of the countryside.

Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Agroportal ↗

Ideas from the labs

University of Minho to showcase over 50 research prototypes

The University of Minho will hold its Research & Innovation Open Days from 22 to 24 September at the Gualtar Campus, displaying more than 50 prototypes spanning decarbonisation, electric mobility, bioeconomy, energy storage, digital health and space exploration. The event highlights projects from over 20 Agendas Mobilizadoras involving the university and its interfaces, which have secured around 50 million euros in funding. Exhibits include an electric vehicle called BEN, a smart Citroën Ami, nano-satellites, AI defect-detection systems, remote surgery aids and asphalt made from shoe-sole waste. The programme also features conferences and company visits.

Norte Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Jornal Económico ↗

Passion fruit peel shows anti-inflammatory effects against asthma

Researchers at the University of Aveiro found that powdered purple passion fruit peel, a by-product of the food industry, may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress linked to asthma. In tests, the highest concentration boosted the body's antioxidant defences and lowered levels of immunoglobulin E and other molecules involved in airway inflammation, alongside fewer inflammatory cells in lung tissue, without adverse safety effects. The study, published in Food Research International, involved researchers from Brazil and Coimbra. Authors stress it is not a substitute for conventional asthma treatment and further studies are needed to confirm effects in humans.

Centro Food & Agriculture Read more at Jornal Económico ↗

Needs attention

Nazaré council denies any sea discharge polluted beach water

Nazaré council has rejected any link between a temporary bathing ban at Praia da Nazaré and last year's sewage problems, saying no discharge, visual change or odour was detected. The ban followed an 18 August water sample showing 7,683 NMP/100ml of E. coli, far above the 1,000 limit, though results only reached the council on 20 August. A repeat test on 21 August found just 63 NMP/100ml, prompting the council to argue the earlier reading did not reflect actual water quality. The beach has since reopened to bathers.

Centro Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Jornal de Leiria ↗

Petition seeks ban on dockless scooters in Coimbra

A petition submitted to Coimbra's city council and municipal assembly calls for an end to dockless shared scooter and bicycle schemes in the city. The organisers say they do not oppose light mobility options in general, but object to the current model, in which scattered parking of these vehicles causes recurring problems for pedestrian circulation, street safety and public space. The petition asks for the schemes to be suspended until stricter rules are put in place to regulate how the vehicles are parked and used.

Centro Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Notícias de Coimbra ↗

Close to home

Beja programme offers up to €4,000 for home repairs

The "Construir com Coração" programme, run by Grupo Norma in partnership with NERBE/AEBAL, is open to Beja residents needing home improvements. It covers small interventions such as painting, kitchen and bathroom repairs, and other conservation work, with support of up to €4,000 covering materials, labour and related costs. Applications run until 6 September and are aimed at residents of the Beja municipality. Family members, neighbours or local organisations may also flag eligible cases, provided the resident gives authorisation. Further information is available by email.

Alentejo Construction & Housing Read more at Rádio Pax ↗

Lagoa runs year-long environmental education projects for children

The Lagoa municipal council, working with the Liga para a Proteção da Natureza, ran a series of environmental education activities for children and young people during the 2025/2026 school year and the Ferias Ativar+ holiday programme. Under the Blue Flag 2026 programme, initiatives included the 'Literacia para a Floresta' project in five schools, the 'Turma do Liberico' scheme covering threatened species, and holiday activities on oceans, ecosystems and wildlife rehabilitation with the RIAS centre. The council says the aim was to boost environmental literacy and foster direct contact with local natural heritage.

Algarve Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Jornal do Algarve ↗

Small wonders

Arcos de Valdevez club cleans up Vez riverbanks

Athletes from the Clube Náutico de Arcos de Valdevez carried out a clean-up along the banks of the Rio Vez near the town on 11 August. They collected waste along the riverside route to help preserve one of the municipality's main natural areas. The action followed the festivities honouring Nossa Senhora da Lapa, a period when more people gather by the river. Organisers also aimed to raise awareness about keeping the space clean and protecting the natural heritage of Arcos de Valdevez.

Norte Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Diário do Minho ↗

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