A handful of fires, most of the damage
An SGIFR report found that just 44 fires caused 91% of the roughly 271,000 hectares burned in 2025, shifting the focus to preventing extreme blazes.
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Pulse
13 July 2026
Hello and welcome to today's Pulse. From wildfire lessons and water worries to bird-rich landscapes and small local wonders, here is a calm look at sustainable Portugal today.
Calls to clean the forests
A citizens' movement criticised political inaction on clearing forests after January's storms, warning it is the worst fire year since 2017.
Renewables versus rare species
The PPSBAA warns that the renewable acceleration plan could threaten habitats of the Iberian lynx and other species, urging use of already artificialised land.
Last days to have a say
Public consultation on the PSZAER plan, which would designate 371,000 hectares for solar and waive environmental assessments there, closes on 15 July.
Testing cattle in the Azores
The Azores government ordered urgent testing of cattle, water and dairy for heavy metals and PFAS amid pollution fears around Lajes Air Base.
Smarter water management
The Agriculture Minister called for greater storage and interconnected networks to reduce losses and balance human, farming and industrial needs.
Drought hits pig farmers
Pig farmers warn that drought is forcing costly water deliveries by tanker, describing a perfect storm threatening the sector.
A new College of Water
The University of Lisbon launched the Colégio da Água, backed by the WISE project, to unite research, startups and training on water challenges.
Caring for waterlines
Vila Franca de Xira completed another phase of maintaining its waterlines under a protocol with ALGAR.
National Nature Restoration Plan
Portugal opened public consultation on its Nature Restoration Plan, aiming to restore at least 20% of land and sea areas by 2030.
Leiria, land of birds
The Leiria district ranks fourth nationally in bird species, thanks to its varied terrain and growing interest in birdwatching.
Alvão heals slowly
A year after a fire scorched nearly 6,000 hectares, vegetation and tourism are returning to Serra do Alvão, though full recovery will take time.
Young forest guardians in Loulé
Loulé's youth volunteer programme brings 80 young people into forest surveillance and fire prevention across inland parishes this summer.
Reviving a fishing tradition
At Praia da Lota in Manta Rota, the 'Vamos à Levada' event recreated a traditional net-pulling fishing practice to preserve coastal memory.
Cycling in Eixo
The Vila de Eixo cycling tour celebrated its 30th edition with 450 participants riding to Aveiro and back, ending in friendly festivities.
A lighter footprint at Quinta da Rocha
EMARP and local partners added signage, recycling points and a rest area at Quinta da Rocha, encouraging visitors to leave no trace.
Climate training in Olhão
Olhão will hold a 21 July session for teachers and environmental educators to strengthen climate action in and out of the classroom.
The many lives of the medronho
In Pampilhosa da Serra, the strawberry tree fruit becomes aguardente, jams, sweets and honey, rooted in local tradition and festivities.
Old shoes, new art
Designer Diana Quintal led an upcycling workshop in Madeira turning used footwear into creative pieces during the Sustainability Month.
Less summer food waste
Too Good to Go shares tips and recipes to keep fruit and vegetables fresh in the heat and make the most of leftovers.
Coimbra school wins Zinkers
Colégio Novo de Coimbra won the top 2nd-cycle prize at the Repsol Foundation's Zinkers 2026 for a pupil-led sustainability project.
Solar power for Tavira Plaza
Tavira Plaza is installing 1,324 solar panels to generate about 1.4 GWh a year, mostly for self-consumption, as part of its ESG strategy.
Energy from waste
An opinion piece argues that turning urban waste into electricity is a clean, efficient bonus of a treatment process that is needed anyway.
More biodiesel in the mix
The government raised the maximum biodiesel content in diesel from 7% to 10%, keeping a 7% option for older vehicles.
New emissions trading for buildings and transport
Portugal transposed the EU directive creating CELE 2, extending emissions rules to buildings, road transport and small industry.
Coimbra bets on circular economy
The Coimbra metropolitan region hosted the final meeting of the European ECLECTIC project, presenting tools for the agri-food and forestry sectors.
Albufeira takes over recycling
Albufeira has taken over selective and door-to-door collection under a protocol with ALGAR, aiming to boost recycling participation.
Portugal and Japan look to space
CEiiA and the Air Force partnered with Japan to develop satellite capabilities against wildfires and extreme weather.
Portugal and the blue economy
Researcher Carlos Duarte argues Portugal can lead in the new blue economy, from regenerative aquaculture to marine biotech, with the right investment.
From climate plans to real rules
Experts say Portuguese cities have climate plans but must turn adaptation into binding urban rules, backed by funding and cooperation.
Rain management, two countries
A study compares national climate laws and local policies in Lisbon and Aracaju, seeking lessons for climate-resilient stormwater systems.
Irrigation group grows in Portugal
The Internaco Group, via Max Rain, acquired Almancil-based Vivída Rega e Paisagismo to strengthen its position in sustainable green space management.
Who owns the Arrábida beaches?
A landowner is claiming five Arrábida beaches as private property in a court case that hinges on old royal decrees and where the tide line falls.
Recent
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