A conservation emergency for the little bustard
The little bustard population has collapsed 90% since 2006, with only 1,736 males left, and seven organisations are urging the government to adopt an emergency plan.
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Pulse
27 June 2026
Good morning! Today brings urgent calls for vanishing wildlife alongside hopeful returns of long-lost species, plus plenty of quiet progress in circular living and rural innovation.
The beaver returns after 500 years
A European beaver was confirmed in Portugal for the first time in roughly five centuries, in the Douro Internacional, with conservationists calling for a formal reintroduction.
A mine reborn as a wetland oasis
In the Côa valley, rewilding has transformed the former Paul de Toirões mining site into thriving wetlands, boosting water surface by 87% and welcoming otters, turtles and amphibians.
Autonomous submarines for the deep sea
Madeira's Ocean Observatory unveils two autonomous submarines able to dive to 6,000 metres, gathering data on biodiversity and ocean conditions.
Marine litter turned into art in Olhão
School students turned waste collected in the Ria Formosa into public art panels, now on display at Olhão's pier to raise awareness about marine litter.
Thirty years of packaging recycling
Sociedade Ponto Verde marks 30 years, having grown household recycling to around 70%, though Portugal narrowly missed its 2025 target and is investing to catch up.
A national plan for the circular economy
PAEC 2030 sets out 41 macro actions to accelerate Portugal's circular transition, aiming to draw more value from fewer resources.
Resialentejo slashes landfill waste
In the Alentejo, Resialentejo cut waste sent to landfill from 94% to just 15%, a major leap in regional waste management.
A campaign to recycle aluminium cans
APAL launches a national campaign reminding us that every aluminium can is a recoverable resource that can re-enter the production chain.
Bring back your old electronics
APED's 'Não fiques com ele' campaign encourages people to drop off unused electrical devices at collection points instead of keeping them at home.
Funding for circular SMEs in the Centro
Centro 2030 opened a funding call for small businesses embedding circular principles like ecodesign and material reuse, open until October 2026.
Turning farm waste into energy
Two projects in pig farming and olive oil show how effluents and olive pomace can become renewable energy and organic fertiliser, with biomethane highlighted as scalable.
Portuguese electric vehicle takes off at airports
Lufthansa Ground Services Portugal has chosen the Portuguese-made BEN electric vehicle for ground operations in Lisbon and Porto, with full rollout by 2027.
APREN debates talent for the energy transition
APREN's 11th prize ceremony in Lisbon honours academic work and opens a debate on attracting and keeping skilled people for the energy transition.
Tackling energy poverty together
ADENE and Just a Change have teamed up to fight energy poverty, combining technical expertise with hands-on home rehabilitation that has already helped over 20,000 people.
Financial literacy for farming
Crédito Agrícola argues farming must embrace digital transition, climate adaptation and financial literacy, with access to finance key to modernisation.
A master's in animal welfare
UTAD will launch a professional master's and postgraduate programme in animal welfare for production animals from 2026/2027.
Safer pesticide use in Machico
A training session in Machico helped 20 farmers over 65 update their knowledge on safe application of phytopharmaceutical products.
Biocal's new industrial chapter
Family-run Biocal is building a new industrial unit in the Estarreja Ecopark, marking a fresh phase of automation and rebranding.
Digital mapping for fire prevention
Terras de Trás-os-Montes launched a GIS platform linking land ownership to fire risk, helping prioritise vegetation clearance across nine municipalities.
Whose renewables? A call for fairness
This opinion piece questions large solar megaprojects that concentrate profits far away, championing community-owned cooperatives that keep value local.
Meat industry contests beef ban at university
APIC wrote to the University of Algarve disputing the science behind removing beef from menus and asking for dialogue and a moderation-based approach.
New labels for simpler, lower-carbon choices
Continente added 'Simple Composition' and 'Low Carbon Footprint' symbols to own-brand products to guide more conscious food choices.
Digital tools to measure Alqueva's sustainability
The Alqueva Sustentável project launched two digital tools to help farmers and agro-industry monitor and improve sustainability in the region.
A mayor's case for participatory climate action
In Castelo Branco, mayor Leopoldo Rodrigues called for citizen participation and behavioural change, noting glyphosate bans and rising waste costs.
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