Iberian lynx hits a record high
Portugal counted 394 Iberian lynxes in 2025, the highest ever, with the Iberian total nearing 2,700 after two decades of recovery work.
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Pulse
11 June 2026
Good morning. Today brings record numbers for the Iberian lynx, fresh water and energy projects across the country, and plenty of small community efforts worth knowing about.
Wild horses help tame fire risk
A three-year study in the Côa valley found that semi-wild Sorraia horse grazing lowers wildfire risk and boosts biodiversity.
Rewilding as fire resilience
Rewilding Portugal and Spain show how large wild herbivores create less flammable landscape mosaics across the Iberian Peninsula.
A case for bringing back the tortoise
Rewilding Portugal argues the national restoration plan overlooks reintroducing locally extinct species like the Mediterranean land tortoise.
Meet the arrebenta-bois beetle
A reader's photo near Chamusca identified Berberomeloe castuo, one of the largest beetles in the Mediterranean, native to Portugal.
Satellites against invasive algae
A study in Cascais is using space technology and AI to predict the spread of an invasive algae along the coast.
Swifts at risk in Trancoso's walls
Restoration works during breeding season threaten what may be Portugal's largest swift colony, prompting NGO appeals to halt them.
Opposition to the SOPHIA solar plant
Rewilding Portugal opposes a 3,500-hectare solar project affecting Natura 2000 habitats and 231 vertebrate species.
A clash over environmental law
Rewilding Portugal condemned the agriculture minister's remarks suggesting environmental laws be changed when they block projects.
Lithium easement goes to court
A court will examine a request to suspend an easement allowing Savannah Resources to access land for lithium surveys in Boticas.
Citizens question Trás-os-Montes energy projects
A new civic platform in northeast Portugal demands more transparency and community involvement in wind and solar licensing.
Biomethane plant faces local pushback
Residents and officials in Torres Novas oppose a biomethane plant's location, citing air, water and traffic concerns.
Children breathing polluted air near schools
ZERO found that none of 15 Lisbon schools meet WHO air quality limits, urging permanent School Streets and less traffic.
Air pollution plan falls short
ZERO criticises Portugal's draft air pollution plan, which would cut premature deaths by only 3% and risks EU non-compliance.
Transport threatens climate targets
Emissions fell 3% in 2024, but ZERO warns that rising transport fuel use puts Portugal's 2030 climate goals at risk.
Galp's Sines refinery tops polluters
ZERO's ranking shows Galp's Sines refinery as Portugal's biggest emitter, with top-10 emissions up 7% in 2025.
Who owns the beach?
An opinion piece warns of creeping privatisation of beaches in the Arrábida Natural Park favouring private estate interests.
A manifesto for rural resources
A veteran resource manager calls for transparent data and genuine collaboration in managing Portugal's natural resources.
Mainland's first desalination plant approved
APA has greenlit construction of Portugal's first mainland seawater desalination plant in the Algarve, operational by 2028.
Treated water for Algarve golf courses
A €4.4 million project will channel treated wastewater from Almargem to three golf courses, sparing potable water.
Paderne treatment plant gets an upgrade
Águas do Algarve launched a €4.5 million tender to modernise the Paderne wastewater plant with energy-efficient technology.
Ourém expands its sewage network
Tejo Ambiente will invest over €1.7 million to extend sanitation in Ourém, replacing obsolete community septic tanks.
Quick repair of an Albufeira leak
A wastewater leak found during maintenance in Albufeira was repaired within hours, with two beaches closed as a precaution.
Stricter drinking water rules
The government updated drinking water quality rules, tightening controls and aligning with an EU directive.
Public consultation on water management
A public consultation on key water management issues runs across all eight mainland river basins until September.
73 zero-pollution beaches
ZERO named 73 beaches across 34 municipalities as 'zero pollution' for 2026, down eight from last year.
Portugal among EU's greenest grids
Renewables made up 82.9% of Portugal's electricity in 2024, ranking it third in the EU behind Denmark and Austria.
Green hydrogen advances in Sines
The GreenH2Atlantic project for a 100 MW hydrogen plant on the old Sines coal site got a favourable APA review.
Solar energy community on a reservoir
INDAQUA installed a renewable energy community on a water reservoir in Matosinhos for shared local benefit.
Solar for Alentejo's water systems
AgdA will invest €1.76 million in 15 solar units to cover most of its water facilities' energy needs.
Porto's treatment plants go self-sufficient
Águas e Energia do Porto invests €4.5 million in solar and biogas to boost energy autonomy at two treatment plants.
Strong local support in Castelo Branco
Over 85% of Castelo Branco residents favour a planned solar and wind project, a study found.
Portgás unveils investment plan
Portgás submitted its 2027-2031 investment plan for northern Portugal's gas distribution to regulators.
Madeira debates LNG and renewables
PS-Madeira proposes a strategy combining LNG as a transitional fuel with expanded renewables for energy autonomy.
Studying a climate-proof power grid
The Environmental Fund launched a €250,000 call to study adapting the national grid to climate change after Storm Kristin.
Local heating and cooling plans
ADENE hosts a Loulé workshop on local heating and cooling plans, now mandatory for larger municipalities.
10 million containers returned
Portugal's 'Volta' deposit return system collected over 10 million containers in its first two months.
Volta captures a small share, for now
The Volta scheme handles only 5–7% of recyclable packaging, but Sociedade Ponto Verde sees big potential.
A 3.1-litre bottle dodges the deposit
Caldas de Penacova launched a 3.1-litre bottle just above the deposit scheme's three-litre threshold.
Deposit body urges brands to comply
The SDR clarified membership doesn't legally force the deposit, but strongly recommends brands respect Volta.
Lisbon area seeks fairer waste costs
The Lisbon Metropolitan Area wants waste compensation revisions to ease the financial burden on municipalities.
A new system for furniture and mattresses
Portugal could get a dedicated waste system for furniture and mattresses in 2026, with two entities competing.
ZERO challenges BRAVAL landfill expansion
ZERO opposes expanding the BRAVAL landfill, urging investment in treatment instead of more disposal capacity.
Braval defends its landfill plan
Braval calls the Póvoa de Lanhoso landfill expansion 'indispensable', rejecting ZERO's criticism amid public opposition.
Summer buses for Porto beaches
STCP is reinforcing bus lines to beaches in Porto, Matosinhos and Gaia for the summer season.
Real-time transport info in Lisbon
The Navegante platform now offers integrated real-time information across Lisbon's buses, trains, boats and metro.
New litter bins in Funchal
Funchal replaced old bins with modern ones, including smart bins and integrated ashtrays to fight cigarette litter.
Portimão plays clean for the World Cup
EMARP launched a '#JogarLimpo' campaign linking football values to better waste sorting and a cleaner city.
National Agriculture Fair draws crowds
FNA 26 celebrated Portugal Day with livestock contests, beekeeping debates and activities for children.
Small fruits exports hit €398 million
Portugal's small fruits sector grew 17%, with fresh blueberries now eligible for export to Israel.
Farmers feel the budget squeeze
An opinion piece argues farmers are bearing too heavy a share of 2026 budget consolidation measures.
Farm costs fall, but fertilisers rise
Overall farm costs fell 2.9%, but fertiliser prices rose 6.6% amid Middle East tensions.
€500 million for the fertiliser crisis
The EU mobilised €500 million for fertiliser costs, though Copa-Cogeca warns it falls short of real needs.
Brussels plays down fertiliser shortage
The Commission acknowledges market volatility but sees limited immediate risk of fertiliser shortage.
LiveNet network for livestock advisors
The EU LiveNet project, with CONSULAI, sets up a national network to strengthen livestock advisory roles.
Portugal's farming knowledge hub shines
Portugal's AKIS Platform, with over 2,000 users, was highlighted by the EU CAP Network as a model knowledge hub.
PEPAC support sessions in Madeira
Madeira's agriculture secretary tours municipalities to present PEPAC support measures for the primary sector.
Portugal hosts Olive Oil World Congress
Lisbon hosts the Olive Oil World Congress in July, with Portuguese experts leading key strategic debates.
Big-format Alentejo wines in Lisbon
'Alentejo à Grande' showcases large-format wine bottles from around 20 producers in Lisbon on 21 June.
University of Algarve drops beef
UAlg will remove beef from cafeterias next year, promoting plant-based and marine foods for sustainability.
Boosting local food chains
ACSA and ZERO urge the government to use new procurement rules to strengthen short local food supply chains.
Repairing Mondego farm roads
Coimbra will receive €2 million to rehabilitate flood-damaged roads serving farmland along the Mondego.
Coimbra maps rural land
The Coimbra region has registered over 240,000 rural land parcels through the BUPi system, reaching 66% of its target.
Vidigueira's historic fair returns
The historic Feira de S. Tiago returns to Vidigueira in July with food, wine and cultural programming.
New rewilding accommodation in Côa
Rewilding Portugal opens Casa do Brigadeiro in Miuzela, with profits funding conservation in the Côa valley.
An organic farm with rewilding roots
Quinta Vale do Tourão blends organic farming and rewilding, using sheep wool and preserving native breeds.
New life in Penamacor's interior
A couple created a nature guiding company and a community grocery, anchoring renewal in the Greater Côa Valley.
Natural resin finds new uses
The cross-border RN21 project created 20 new resin-based products with lower footprints, supporting rural economies.
Funding for bioeconomy in the Algarve
Vicentina is holding free sessions across the Algarve explaining PEPAC funding for bioeconomy and circular economy.
Anchor projects for the Alentejo
A Sines event presents anchor projects in green hydrogen, bioeconomy and circular economy to attract investment.
Lisbon and Oeiras lead an ocean lab
Lisbon and Oeiras will coordinate the NEB Ocean Lab, developing sustainable solutions tied to seas and rivers.
Portugal seeks weight in EU Oceans Pact
An official argues Portugal should have greater influence over the EU Oceans Pact given its vast maritime jurisdiction.
Sailing for ocean awareness
On World Ocean Day, CIIMAR organises a symbolic sailing crossing linking Leixões to the Douro Estuary.
Prehistory under the moon at Alcalar
Alcalar's megalithic site hosts a free solstice evening of music, guided visits and stargazing on 21 June.
Islamic ceramics for families in Tavira
Tavira's museum hosts a family workshop on Islamic ceramics, with children trying their hand at the potter's wheel.
Art on ecological crisis in Tavira
The 'lugar-depois' exhibition opens at Museu Zer0, reflecting on climate change and biodiversity through art.
Manhole covers turned to art in Tomar
Tejo Ambiente backs a project turning sanitation manhole covers into urban art in Tomar.
Salva a Terra Ecofestival returns
Quercus co-organises the Salva a Terra Ecofestival, with proceeds supporting a wildlife recovery centre.
Wine and snacks for World Oceans Day
Oikos hosts 'Vinhos & Petiscos' in Paço de Arcos, themed around sustainable seafood for World Oceans Day.
Local flavours at Paço de Arcos
An April edition of Vinhos & Petiscos gathered 30 exhibitors to promote local produce and responsible consumption.
Celebrating biodiversity with food
A May edition of Vinhos & Petiscos celebrated International Biodiversity Day with food, wine and children's activities.
Umbrellas as water art
Águas do Algarve held its 4th awards turning umbrellas into artworks reflecting on water and ocean conservation.
Climate lessons in Bobadela
LPN ran school sessions in Bobadela on biomes, climate change and the ecology of the Tagus Estuary.
Generations share water memories
Águas do Algarve held an intergenerational session in Alcoutim, sharing memories of the Guadiana and local dams.
Ria Formosa Week for schools
The Semana da Ria Formosa returns with workshops and field trips for school communities, with the seahorse as mascot.
BiblioÁgua visits Faro schools
The BiblioÁgua project visited Faro primary schools, teaching water as a human right through stories and activities.
Water Challenge grows for schools
Águas do Algarve's 'Desafio da Água' returns, now including secondary schools and a journalism contest.
Inclusive water learning in Olhão
An inclusive session in Olhão taught the water cycle to students with special educational needs through hands-on activities.
Schools tackle marine litter
The Mares Circulares school competition named winners among 32 projects on marine litter and circular economy.
Composting reaches 30 schools
ZERO and partners brought on-site composting of canteen biowaste to 30 Portuguese schools.
Reimagining a greener Coimbra
A competition invites young people in Coimbra to create visual art envisioning a greener, more sustainable city.
A crumpled page on bullying
A psychologist uses a crumpled sheet of paper to help students grasp how hurtful words leave lasting marks.
Guimarães wins waste award in Madrid
VITRUS won the Escoba de Ouro 2026 for its organic waste collection, as Guimarães holds the European Green Capital title.
Climate resilience forum in Guimarães
Guimarães hosts the European Urban Resilience Forum in June, focusing on adaptation in small and medium cities.
€77 million for climate resilience
The government signed 29 contracts worth €77 million to strengthen riverine and coastal areas damaged by storms.
Cross-border wildfire prevention
AMAL joins two European projects on wildfire prevention and cross-border firefighting coordination.
El Niño's indirect effect on Portugal
IPMA expects an El Niño episode in 2026 but says its impact on Portugal will be indirect and negligible.
EV charging network keeps growing
Portugal's public EV charging network reached nearly 15,100 points, with usage up 36% year on year.
Funchal explores AI for EV charging
Funchal hosts EV mobility experts under the Ahead project, installing bidirectional charging stations.
Algarve rail delay slows Alentejo line
Delays certifying Algarve line upgrades are blocking the reallocation of trains to reinforce the Alentejo line.
Talking the future of mobility
Transdev Portugal's CEO discussed urban mobility, rail and the role of AI in a podcast conversation.
Solar-powered cars for sunny cities
Bako Motors developed affordable solar-powered EVs that generate up to 50 km of free daily charge.
Solar cells that replace batteries
A University of Porto spin-off created perovskite solar cells powering IoT devices for over a decade without disposable batteries.
Lean & Green expands in Europe
The Lean & Green logistics sustainability programme formed a new international association, with Portugal as a founder.
Madeira hosts crop diversity project
The University of Madeira hosts the ROTATES project promoting underused root and tuber crops in European farming.
Carob tourism wins Algarve prize
A carob industrial tourism project won a category at the Inova Algarve competition, promoting local producers.
Coimbra hotel renews Biosphere status
Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas renewed its Biosphere certification for sustainable practices across water, energy and community.
Rewilding symposium draws thousands
The 2nd National Rewilding Symposium in Porto drew over 2,000 online viewers, reflecting growing interest in restoration.
Environment Week returns in November
The 2026 Environment Week in Lisbon brings together water, waste and energy professionals for three conferences.
Food drive in São Miguel
The Banco Alimentar in São Miguel collected 26 tonnes of food amid a 12% rise in demand from struggling households.
Donated food is safe and vital
ZERO stressed that donated food is safe when handled properly, urging more trust to fight waste and food insecurity.
Resources and emissions roundup
A news digest covers renewables, fossil fuel influence on prices and biodiversity threats from plastic pollution.
Circular economy roundup
A digest of circular economy news covers battery recycling, bio-based polymers and EU measures linking it to biodiversity.
Sustainability news digest
A digest highlights renewable projects, a World Cup emissions alert and a record month for EV charging sessions.
Ireland's biodiversity reform
Ireland launched a plan to restore habitats and embed conservation in land use, mirroring a wider European shift.
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