Good morning. Today's Pulse carries a first for Portuguese nature - beaver signs by the Douro - alongside forests, water reserves and a steady stream of small local efforts.
Two Rewilding Portugal technicians describe how years of monitoring led them to the first traces of European beaver near the Douro, arriving from Spain via the Tormes. Transects and camera traps will now help confirm whether the species is settling in.
Zero asks Portugal to revise the National Nature Restoration Plan before it goes to Brussels in September, pointing to missing measures, unclear responsibilities and funding. Six changes are proposed, including annual reporting and a multiannual budget commitment.
The same plan, with its 407 measures, is praised for its scientific diagnosis but criticised for lacking interim targets, geographic detail and secured money. ZERO fears a repeat of the Natura 2000 shortcomings that led to an EU court ruling against Portugal.
A dolphin washed ashore on Monday between Forte do Cão and Vila Praia de Âncora. ICNF collected the animal to determine the cause of death.
Twelve municipalities running integrated landscape operations have received 18.5 million euros of the 26.5 million approved, within a 41-million PRR programme for 26 eligible councils. The government also highlighted CIPO's work clearing forest tracks after storm Kristin.
ICNF has rehabilitated the forest road network in the Mata Nacional da Machada, in Barreiro, improving access for management and firefighting. Related notes point to remaining gaps in rural fire response and delays in forestry measures.
Commander Jorge Mendes notes that simultaneous fires in Spain and France make firefighting harder in Portugal. Aerial means and international support are shared across borders.
With reserves back up to 78 percent, Almada is gradually lifting some emergency measures after weeks of supply failures, especially in Costa da Caparica. Weekend cuts end and irrigation resumes slowly, though the crisis unit keeps monitoring daily.
An ERSE report concludes the Portuguese electricity system will need greater flexibility by 2030 and 2035 to absorb growing renewables and keep supply secure. Storage, European market integration and digitalisation are among the technology-neutral options identified.
The regulator launched a 210 thousand euro tender to refresh reference costs for building and rehabilitating urban water infrastructure, last set in 2018. It also wants to explore artificial intelligence tools to keep these benchmarks current in future.
The council approved a tender worth over two million euros to install and expand water supply and wastewater networks in Granja de Semide, Lata and Cortes. It is described as the largest sanitation project in the area in more than ten years.
Research at the University of Aveiro turned spent brewer's grain into biochar and activated carbon capable of removing antibiotics from wastewater. Results matched commercial activated carbon and the materials can be regenerated and reused.
The 2025 urban waste report shows only 18 percent of Azorean municipal waste went to landfill, down from 44.9 percent in 2020, with recycling and reuse at 49 percent. A new campaign will hand out eco-bag kits to over 900 restaurants and hotels.
An Agricultar podcast episode explores how circular economy thinking could give small and medium farmers access to digital tools. The guests favour solutions offered as a service over outright ownership, and flag the importance of data quality in AI.
After the 2022 fires near Colmeias, Sueli Alves and Carlos Rosete bought land in Serra do Branco and opened a teaching farm now home to around 150 animals, many rescued. Costs are high, but families and schools keep coming.
Tiago Alves swapped the coast for the Serra da Malcata, where he guides shinrin-yoku sessions. The practice links personal reconnection with the philosophy of rewilding, within the Rede Côa Selvagem.
The municipality issued a negative opinion on a request to prospect for silica sands and clays across more than 150 hectares in two parishes. It warns of air and water pollution and risks to the area's water supply infrastructure.
Leiria council contests the revocation of the 2016 order protecting the mineral waters of the Monte Real spa, saying it was never consulted. It wants technical explanations and clarity on the future of the spa, closed since the 2014 floods.
The council is investing 200 thousand euros in technical studies of thermal comfort and energy needs across its public schools. Findings will guide tailored air conditioning and efficiency upgrades, as part of its climate action strategy.
Funchal's Marine Biology Station holds its first Open Night of the year on Friday, devoted to the nocturnal life of Madeira's seabirds. A guided visit is followed by a talk from Belgian photographer Bart Vercruysse, still hoping to photograph the freira-da-madeira.
Olhão's municipal museum hosted a training session for teachers on climate change, under the Blue Flag programme and the Ria Formosa co-management plan. It highlighted the lagoon's role as a carbon sink and ways to bring the topic into classrooms.
ESTM in Peniche received the 2026 Eco-Escolas Green Flag for a year of coastal ecosystem monitoring, composting, beach cleanups and solar panels. It is now applying to the Eco-Campus programme.
The fourth LIXARTE photography contest invites Portuguese speakers to capture people and stories tied to the ocean. For the first time, the six jury members share their own readings of the theme and reflect on photography as a tool for ocean awareness.
Quintas de Melgaço holds its QM VinExperience on 29 August, combining the Alvarinho harvest with food, heritage and local identity. Places are limited to 20 participants, with prior registration.
A short read every morning — what's happening across sustainable Portugal.
