Pulse

21 August 2026

Bom dia. Today the country is reading its own water and weather closely — early harvests, rivers running low, and a village spring turned into a place to cool off. A calm look at where sustainable Portugal stands this Friday.

Water, heat and the harvest

Algarve village turns old spring into a cool-water retreat

In Ameixial, a village of fewer than 400 people in Loulé, a participatory budget project spent about €100,000 turning the old Fonte da Seiceira into a leisure area with a near-natural water mirror and shaded surroundings. Temperatures there can be more than 10 degrees cooler than in the village centre on days reaching 39-40°C. The project was not designed as a response to heatwaves but to revitalise the village, says parish council president Abílio Sousa. It has since drawn more visitors, offering an inland alternative to the Algarve's beaches, especially for families with young children.

Algarve Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Postal ↗

GEOTA calls for stricter policing at Castelo do Bode reservoir

Environmental group GEOTA has raised concerns about safety at bathing areas of the Castelo do Bode reservoir, citing complaints about boats and jet skis approaching too close to swimmers, notably near Bairros, in Tomar. The organisation is calling for clearer signage, better-marked bathing zones with buoys, and stronger enforcement, arguing that existing rules are not the problem but rather a lack of accessible information for users. The head of the Médio Tejo intermunicipal community said he had never received any such complaints and was hearing of the issue for the first time. The reservoir spans roughly 60 kilometres across seven municipalities and is a key source of drinking water for the country.

Centro Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Observador ↗

Águas de Portugal invests €7m in Seia water system

Águas de Portugal is spending over €7 million to upgrade the Senhora do Desterro water supply system in Seia, which serves Seia, Oliveira do Hospital, Gouveia and Celorico da Beira. The works include a new reservoir at the water treatment plant, costing around €4.9 million, raising total storage capacity to 6,000 cubic metres, plus a new raw water pipeline worth €1.9 million to relocate the current intake. The project also involves desilting the reservoir, coordinated with EDP and Águas do Vale do Tejo, to secure the system's long-term reliability.

Centro Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Jornal PT Green ↗

Viseu mayor demands new dam be included in water deal

Viseu's mayor João Azevedo said the construction of a replacement dam for the Fagilde reservoir must be guaranteed in the municipality's agreement with the government, a point he will raise with the environment minister in early September. Viseu joined the Águas do Douro e Paiva multi-municipal water system in June 2025 under his predecessor, but Azevedo has long opposed that deal and says the new dam was left out of it. The government recently extended the deadline for Viseu and other municipalities in the region to decide on joining the system to October, later pushed to 16 months.

Centro Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Jornal PT Green ↗

Nature & biodiversity

Portuguese scientists test dolphin breath to check health

Researchers from Portugal's CIIMAR and MARE centres have developed a non-invasive method to assess dolphin health by analysing microorganisms in their breath, or blow. The approach, described in the journal Microbial Genomics, addresses the scarcity of data on pathogens in dolphins, since biological sampling usually requires invasive techniques. The team combined this method with PacBio sequencing technology, which reads individual molecules in real time, alongside advanced computational tools to detect potential disease-causing microbes. The scientists say the work lays the groundwork for future health-monitoring programmes and earlier disease detection in wild marine populations.

Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Green Savers ↗

Melgaço launches tender to restore Peneda-Gerês habitats

Melgaço Municipal Council opened a public tender on 17 August to improve the conservation status of natural habitats and tackle invasive alien species in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. The work, based at 298,000 euros and funded by EU money, covers the parish union of Vila e Roussas and must be completed within ten months. Bids are being submitted through the VORTAL electronic platform and the contract will be awarded on price. Proposals are open until 12 September, with full details published in the Diário da República.

Norte Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Rede Rural ↗

Abnormal wastewater discharge probed in Vila Real fish kill

Portugal's environment agency APA, working with GNR's nature protection service, is investigating a fish kill in the Corgo river in Vila Real. Water and fish samples have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine the cause and environmental impact. Preliminary findings point to a one-off abnormal wastewater discharge, of unknown origin, that likely entered the river via the stormwater network between 15 and 16 August, coinciding with thunderstorms in the region. Authorities believe this pollution episode, combined with high temperatures and the low water flow typical of the season, caused the fish deaths.

Norte Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

ZERO says Portugal's coastal plan ignores river sediment loss

Environmental association ZERO has criticised the Programme of Action for Coastal Resilience 2040 (PARL 2040), a €1.422 billion investment plan, for failing to address one of the root causes of coastal erosion: the reduction of sediment carried by rivers to the sea. ZERO's analysis of the plan's 1,063 measures found only six river-basin studies, worth 0.16% of funding, versus roughly €346 million for artificial beach nourishment. Dams already retain over 80% of sediment rivers once carried to the coast. ZERO also flags the lack of cross-border coordination with Spain and calls for dedicated sediment plans and river-continuity measures.

Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

Forests after the storm

Portugal opens €2.6m fund to convert scrubland into pasture

The Institute for Agriculture and Fisheries Financing (IFAP) has opened a call for applications, funded by the Fundo Ambiental, offering over €2.6 million to support converting scrubland into managed pasture. The scheme targets plots registered as shrub-covered land exceeding 50cm in height that cannot currently be used for farming or grazing, aiming to reduce fuel loads and wildfire risk by encouraging traditional extensive grazing. Costs are paid per hectare and cannot combine with other public funding. Applications opened on Wednesday via IFAP's portal, with successful applicants given 18 months to complete the conversion; the call closes once the budget is exhausted.

Food & Agriculture Read more at Jornal PT Green ↗

Energy & the grid

Portugal pre-approves over 800 renewable energy acceleration zones

Portugal's government has pre-approved more than 800 renewable energy acceleration zones (ZAER) across roughly 170 municipalities, minister António Leitão Amaro announced after a Cabinet meeting. The zones, covering about 1% of mainland Portugal, allow faster licensing and shorter deadlines for solar and wind projects, with exemptions from specific environmental impact assessments. Around 500 areas are earmarked for solar power and 300 for wind energy. The selection followed public consultation, balancing energy potential against environmental, agricultural, water, heritage and administrative constraints, and aims to speed up renewable energy production nationwide.

Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Jornal PT Green ↗

Hydro and gas power kept Portugal's grid stable during eclipse

REN, Portugal's national grid operator, monitored the effects of Wednesday's solar eclipse on the National Electric System, which saw a temporary drop in solar output. Balance between production and consumption was maintained mainly through hydroelectric power, reaching around 5 GW, backed by roughly 1.35 GW from gas-fired combined-cycle plants and 0.6 GW of wind power. Portugal remained a net electricity exporter throughout, with flows between 100 and 275 MW. REN credited advance planning and coordination with national authorities and European grid operators, including Spain's, for ensuring supply security during the event.

Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

Algarve 2030 has €1m left for social facility energy upgrades

The Algarve 2030 regional programme still has around €1 million available under call ALGARVE-2024-55, which funds energy efficiency upgrades in social facilities. It is open to social solidarity institutions (IPSS) and public or equivalent entities that own such facilities, with applications accepted until 30 September 2026. Eligible works include thermal insulation, heating and ventilation system upgrades, window replacement, solar panels and other renewable energy measures, provided they form part of a broader energy efficiency project. So far three operations, in São Brás de Alportel, Lagos and Lagoa, have received a combined €1,004,985 in EU regional development funding.

Algarve Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Jornal do Algarve ↗

Getting around

Barcelos offers free buses for European Mobility Week

Barcelos will offer free bus travel from 16 to 22 September as part of European Mobility Week, under the theme "Combina e Move-te!". TUBA services, including urban and municipal lines, will be free between 07:00 and 20:30 throughout the week. The council says the aim is to encourage public transport use over private cars. The programme, running from 15 September, includes a traffic circuit, a seminar on mobility challenges, a street festival on Avenida da Liberdade, and a multimodal walk to Mariz combining walking, boat and bus.

Norte Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at O Minho ↗

Waste, sorted

Resialentejo opens €5m tender for biowaste plant in Beja

Resialentejo, the intermunicipal waste company based in Beja, has launched a public tender worth almost €5 million to build a new Biowaste Treatment Centre at the Montinho Environmental Park. The facility will include composting, screening and compost-refining units, separating selectively collected biowaste from the mixed waste stream currently processed at the existing mechanical and biological treatment plant. Construction has a 365-day deadline. The company, created in 2004, manages urban waste for eight municipalities in the Beja district, serving over 86,000 residents across 6,650 square kilometres.

Alentejo Products, Consumption & Circular Read more at Observador ↗

Resialentejo promotes compost made from regional urban waste

Resialentejo has launched a campaign to promote CompostoAlentejo, an organic soil conditioner produced at its Parque Ambiental do Montinho facility in Beja from the organic fraction of urban waste collected across member municipalities, mixed with a small share of garden waste. The Grade IV compost, already used by dozens of local farmers, improves soil structure, boosts water retention and reduces reliance on chemical fertilisers. It is sold in bulk, in powder form, for collection at the Beja site, with transport arranged by the buyer. The campaign aims to encourage wider use among regional producers.

Alentejo Food & Agriculture Read more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

Algarve campaign urges hotels and restaurants to recycle more glass

Algar and the Plataforma Vidro+ have launched an awareness campaign, running until the end of August, targeting hotels, restaurants and cafés across several Algarve municipalities to boost glass packaging recycling. The initiative promotes existing services such as the door-to-door selective collection scheme Comércio a Reciclar and an assisted transfer system that makes it easier to empty smaller containers into larger glass bins. It responds to the sharp rise in packaging waste generated during the tourist high season. Algar serves over 480,000 residents across 16 municipalities, while Vidro+, with 46 members, aims for a 90% glass collection rate by 2030.

Algarve Products, Consumption & Circular Read more at Postal ↗

Celorico de Basto fair sorts over 6 tonnes of waste for recycling

The XXVII Craft, Gastronomy and Wine Fair, held from 13 to 16 August in Celorico de Basto's municipal market, separated 6,180 kg of waste for recycling and recovery. This included 3,370 kg of glass, 2,000 kg of bio-waste, 420 kg of paper and cardboard, and 390 kg of packaging. The introduction of bio-waste collection across all stalls kept two tonnes of food scraps out of general rubbish. The council also promoted reusable cups and urged exhibitors to sort waste, with officials framing the results as a step towards further reducing waste at future events.

Norte Products, Consumption & Circular Read more at Diário do Minho ↗

Learning by doing

AJAP launches online training courses for farmers

The AJAP – Associação dos Jovens Agricultores de Portugal has launched a new fully online training programme running from August to November, aimed at young and experienced farmers alike. It covers four areas: sustainability and circular economy, farm management, beekeeping installation, and organic production, each a 50-hour course combining live and self-paced sessions. The first course begins on 28 August. Courses cost 170 euros each, with a 20% discount for those completing three or four courses, bringing the full 200-hour package to 544 euros.

Education & Eco-tourism Read more at AJAP ↗

Erasmus+ youth exchange on ecology ends in Alcantarilha

Animame Algarve has concluded the Erasmus+ youth exchange 'Your Inner Gaia', held from 5 to 16 August at the Quinta do Rogel ecocentre in Alcantarilha. The programme brought together 30 young people and group leaders from Portugal, Spain, Italy, Slovenia and Greece, alongside participants of Hungarian, Egyptian and Romanian background. Activities included permaculture, ecopsychology, mindfulness, artistic expression and a kayak trip along the Carvoeiro coast caves. Priority was given to young people with fewer opportunities, including those facing financial difficulties, neurodivergence, mental health issues or eco-anxiety. Silves Council and Golf das Amendoeiras provided support, and participants received Youthpass certificates.

Algarve Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Barlavento ↗

Cantanhede municipal firm runs environmental visits for children

INOVA-EM, the municipal company of Cantanhede City Council, organised environmental education visits for local children. Around 30 children from Dente-de-leão Ludoteca visited the company's organic farm and its plant nurseries, while 12 children from the Associação Lúcia-Lima, in Cadima, toured the Olhos da Fervença water collection plant. The initiative is part of INOVA-EM's ongoing effort to teach younger generations about natural resource preservation and sustainable behaviour through hands-on, on-site experiences.

Centro Education & Eco-tourism Read more at As Beiras ↗

Water awareness campaign visits Castro Marim beaches

Águas do Algarve's "Desafio da Água" project brought environmental education activities to Castro Marim beaches in recent weeks, targeting children and families. Sessions took place at Praia Verde and Praia da Alagoa/Altura, with games teaching young people about water, the sea and environmental protection. Participants learned about water's journey and the work involved in its various uses, alongside the importance of responsible consumption. The initiative also aimed to raise family awareness of efficient water use and the need to preserve this resource.

Algarve Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Jornal do Algarve ↗

Tejo Ambiente extends river beach awareness campaign in Médio Tejo

Tejo Ambiente returns to Agroal River Beach on 21 August as part of its campaign "A Praia Começa em Nós", launched there on 24 July to promote environmentally responsible behaviour among visitors. The initiative encourages waste reduction, proper rubbish disposal, water preservation and respect for natural spaces. After Agroal, the campaign moves to Ferreira do Zêzere on 27 August, covering the Lago Azul and Bairrada/Bairradinha river beaches. It aims to raise awareness among bathers and visitors about protecting water quality and the sanitation network.

Centro Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

Close to home

Lisbon project fights to preserve Graça's community memory

Vida com Graça, a project led by four researchers through the Cooperativa Criar Cidade, has run activities in Lisbon's Graça neighbourhood since September 2025, funded via the Lisbon council's BIP/ZIP programme. It aims to preserve collective memory and community life amid gentrification and tourism pressure. Initiatives include Retratos d'Graça, a popular photo archive built from residents' personal images, neighbourhood walks with children and elderly women, artist residencies producing a documentary, music and dance pieces, and a collaboration with Mensagem de Lisboa collecting residents' stories. As the one-year project nears completion, organisers say partnerships allowed it to exceed initial plans.

Lisbon Community & Social Innovation Read more at Mensagem de Lisboa ↗

Espinhal's honey fair returns for 37th edition in September

The Feira do Mel do Espinhal, one of the Centro region's oldest and most popular local events, returns from 4 to 6 September for its 37th edition. Organised by the Espinhal parish council and Penela municipal council, the festival celebrates local honey and produce through music, folklore and gastronomy. Highlights include performances by TOY and Rockluso, the Prémios de Mérito Escolar ceremony, a walking route called Rota da Água e do Mel, and the traditional Sunday honey fair with regional exhibitors and a folklore festival.

Centro Food & Agriculture Read more at Notícias de Coimbra ↗

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