Fireflies take centre stage in Bussaco
Mealhada and the Bussaco foundation host an international seminar on World Firefly Day, gathering experts on the study and conservation of these insects.
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Pulse
30 June 2026
A calm look at sustainable Portugal today, from fireflies and otters to energy storage and traditional olive groves.
A new blue hub for ocean research
IPMA opens the Hub Azul in Oeiras, dedicated to ocean research, underwater robotics and expanding Portugal's marine protected areas.
Caring for native ruminant breeds
An academic piece highlights how preserving Portugal's indigenous small ruminant breeds supports cultural identity, rural life and wildfire prevention.
Wildfires seen as a structural problem
A Greenpeace report with the University of Coimbra reviews over 80 years of fires, arguing prevention is too often eclipsed by emergency response.
Protecting grasslands against desertification
ZERO urges the government to treat desertification as a national priority, with grasslands covering a fifth of the mainland yet poorly protected.
An otter lost to a road, a lesson shared
The otter that named a project at Paul de Tornada died on the road and will be preserved for teaching, drawing attention to wildlife roadkill.
Communities question fast-track energy rules
The Terra de Miranda movement asks for the repeal of laws it says let wind and solar projects be approved in ten days, even in sensitive areas.
A national strategy to store energy
The government presented a storage strategy combining batteries and pumped hydro to cut imports, integrate renewables and stabilise prices.
Faster renewables, stronger consumer rights
New legislation creates renewable acceleration zones and adds consumer protections, including a mechanism to cap electricity prices in crises.
Bringing communities into renewable projects
Developers will now have to submit community engagement plans when licensing renewable projects, aiming for a more transparent transition.
Support for renewable hydrogen
A new PRR-funded framework offers non-repayable grants of up to 15 million euros per beneficiary for renewable hydrogen and gas projects.
The case for mixing electricity and renewable gas
A study by APIEE and EY-Parthenon suggests pairing electrification with renewable gases could save Portugal up to 10 billion euros.
Climate adaptation strategy extended
Portugal extended its 2020 climate adaptation strategy to the end of 2026, keeping funding flowing while a 2030 plan is prepared.
Renova halves emissions with biomass
Renova's 11 million euro decarbonisation project in Torres Novas cut a factory's CO2 emissions by over 50 percent, beating its target.
Greener buildings for nature's guardians
ICNF completed its first energy efficiency project in Viana do Castelo, reaching an A+ rating, the first of 13 planned building upgrades.
Carbon markets for Iberian forests
A Lisbon conference during EU Green Week explores how voluntary carbon markets can channel investment into Iberian forests.
Young volunteers patrolling Loule's forests
Loule's 19th youth forestry programme mobilises 80 teenagers across interior parishes for summer patrols and wildfire prevention training.
Reinforced recycling for a busy summer
ALGAR is boosting selective waste collection in Lagoa for the tourist season, with extra teams and a focus on beaches and busy areas.
Grazing goats that keep fire and wolves in check
A Paredes de Coura pilot uses electric fencing and GPS-tracked goats to graze scrubland, cutting fire risk while shielding the herd from wolves.
Cover crops between the maize rows
InovMilho is trialling cover crops sown between maize rows in Coruche to improve soil, cut erosion and boost biodiversity.
Courses on regenerative livestock farming
Farmin Trainings runs two international courses in July on regenerative grazing and animal genetics, with practical tools to improve soils and returns.
Madeira students reach the Apps for Good final
A Camara de Lobos school won its regional round with ECOBinGO, an app that helps people sort waste and find recycling points across Madeira.
Algarve university shines in sustainability ranking
The University of Algarve ranks among Portugal's top three in the 2026 sustainability impact rating, strong in climate action and marine life.
Documentaries on gardens and the Mediterranean diet
Ecotopia Activa released two free films online on community gardens and the Mediterranean diet, with sessions for schools and municipalities.
Ponto Verde Academy returns to beaches and pools
The Academia Ponto Verde is back with its largest edition yet, focusing on environmental education in recreational water settings.
Slow coastal journeys by bike and on foot
Two sister tour brands offer low-impact cycling and walking routes along the Atlantic coast and Costa Vicentina, favouring immersive travel.
easyJet uniforms get a second life
easyJet donated over 150 de-branded crew uniforms to a community centre in Maia, supporting social inclusion through its circular economy effort.
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