Pulse

22 August 2026

Good morning. Today the land takes centre stage: 1,800 hectares bought for steppe birds, a hard look at what we call a forest, and a drought that is not done with us yet. Further down, grape-treading on Porto Santo and a Douro tomato worth a prize.

Land, water and what grows on it

Opinion piece distinguishes tree plantations from real forests in Portugal

An opinion article argues that monoculture tree plantations, such as eucalyptus and pine stands common in Portugal, are statistically classified as forest but do not function ecologically like diverse woodlands. It explains that biodiversity underpins ecosystem services such as water infiltration, soil fertility and erosion control, and that simplified landscapes become more dependent on external intervention and more vulnerable to drought and fire. Old-growth, ecologically mature forest covers only about 5% of mainland Portugal. The author calls for clearer distinction between plantations, production forests and diverse native woodlands when planning land use.

Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Observador ↗

Climatologist warns drought in Portugal may worsen

Climatologist Mário Marques warns that Portugal's ongoing drought is likely to intensify in the coming months. While falling temperatures should bring more favourable conditions for fighting wildfires, he expects little significant rainfall in the near term, meaning water scarcity will persist. The warning highlights growing concern over the country's long-term water resources as dry conditions continue beyond the summer fire season.

Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Agroportal ↗

Repeated infections delay elephant Kariba's move to Alentejo sanctuary

Kariba, a female African elephant over 40 years old, was due to become the first elephant to arrive at a newly built sanctuary in Alentejo, Portugal. According to the Pangea organisation, which runs the sanctuary, her transfer from Belgium's Pakawi Park has been repeatedly postponed since planned training earlier this year, first due to a leg abscess and then two further infections, including one that damaged part of her left ear. A specialist vet is treating her, and two infections are nearly healed, but Pangea says it cannot yet say when she will be fit to travel. At the sanctuary, Kariba would join Julie, a former circus elephant that arrived in July.

Alentejo Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Green Savers ↗

Wolf conservation group discusses ecosystem role at Pinhel talk

A talk held at Pinhel Castle, part of the series "Dar Voz ao que Ficou por Contar", featured Sílvia Ribeiro of Grupo Lobo discussing the conservation of the Iberian wolf and Iberian lynx, and the use of livestock guard dogs. She presented the organisation's work and the challenges of coexistence between wildlife and human activity. Grupo Lobo, founded in 1985, is a non-profit environmental NGO dedicated to protecting the Iberian wolf, Portugal's largest predator, and its ecosystem, and to reducing prejudice against the species among rural communities.

Centro Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Agroportal ↗

Energy and getting around

Solar power leads Portugal's electricity mix for first time

APREN's July 2026 bulletin shows renewables supplied 70.5% of mainland Portugal's electricity, with solar power topping the generation mix for the first time at 25.8%, ahead of hydro and wind. Over the first seven months of 2026, renewables reached 75% of production, placing Portugal fourth in Europe behind Norway, Denmark and Austria. Renewable generation avoided importing hundreds of millions of euros in gas and electricity, and cut CO2 emissions. APREN's Susana Serôdio called July a historic milestone but urged faster licensing of new renewable projects.

Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

Olhão joins Algarve survey on parking and car use

The Municipality of Olhão has joined the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL) in promoting a thematic survey on individual transport and parking, part of the Algarve Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan 2.0. The questionnaire aims to gather residents' views on car use and parking issues, adding to data already collected through an earlier mobility survey. According to the municipality, the responses will help shape the strategy and measures for the wider mobility plan. The survey is open until 2 September, and Olhão's council is encouraging residents to take part.

Algarve Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Barlavento ↗

Needs attention

Nine environmental NGOs demand fixes to Portugal's nature restoration plan

Nine Portuguese environmental NGOs, including GEOTA, FAPAS, LPN, Quercus and WWF Portugal, submitted a joint contribution during the public consultation on the National Nature Restoration Plan, which closed on 19 August ahead of a 1 September deadline to send it to Brussels. While acknowledging the plan's technical work, they warn that 188 of 406 measures lack defined areas or extents, and funding sources are often unclear. They raise concerns across rivers, forests, farmland, cities and marine ecosystems, warning that activities without proven ecological benefit risk being wrongly counted towards restoration targets, and call for clearer criteria, financing and monitoring.

Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Wilder ↗

Portugal ties wildfire farm aid to damage assessment speed

Agriculture Minister José Manuel Fernandes said support for farmers hit by wildfires in northern Portugal will depend on fire size, damage extent and how quickly data is gathered. Aid notices for Valpaços and Vouzela will proceed this month, covering losses above 30% of a farm, with 100% coverage up to €10,000 and 50% up to €400,000. A separate, faster state scheme can cover losses under 30%, up to €15,000. The minister ruled out extending application deadlines but did not rule out a new call. Other fire-hit areas, including Boticas, Torre de Moncorvo and Vinhais, may also get support depending on their scale.

Norte Food & Agriculture Read more at Diário de Coimbra ↗

Portugal delays new building licensing law to October 2026

Decree-Law 108/2026 overhauls Portugal's urban planning and building legal regime (RJUE), shifting from prior municipal approval towards prior notification with later inspection for many works. Originally due in August, it now takes effect on 1 October 2026, and may also apply to pending applications still at an early review stage. Key changes include a strengthened prior notification procedure, wider tacit approval when councils miss deadlines, a more decisive role for prior information requests, and a new obligation to state whether a property being sold holds valid planning title. Faster procedures come with heavier fines for non-compliance, reaching €200,000 for individuals and €450,000 for companies.

Construction & Housing Read more at Postal ↗

Support on the table

Small farm investment grants open in Beira Baixa region

Applications are open until 16 October 2026 for the D.1.1.1.1 Small Investments on Agricultural Holdings measure, run by local action group ADRACES under GALBIS2030, covering Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Penamacor and Vila Velha de Ródão. The scheme has a budget of €249,894.86 and supports investments between €2,000 and €50,000, with grant rates of up to 60% for irrigation upgrades and 55% for projects improving environmental performance. Priority is given to sectors such as olive growing, beekeeping, black-eyed beans and nuts, and to farmers with specialised training or ties to producer organisations. Investments made from 15 November 2025 may also qualify if not yet completed.

Centro Food & Agriculture Read more at AJAP ↗

Marinha Grande opens forestry support desk at three sites

Marinha Grande municipality has launched a forestry support desk this week to assist forest owners registered on the PSE-Florestas platform. The service provides guidance and helps with submitting documentation needed to formalise applications for financial support. It opened on Wednesday and will run until mid-October at three locations: the municipal council building, and the parish councils of Vieira de Leiria and Moita, each on different weekdays, with attendance from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.

Centro Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Região de Leiria ↗

Ambilital launches €6.25m biowaste upgrade tenders

Ambilital is investing €6.25 million to upgrade and modernise the biowaste treatment facilities at the Monte Novo dos Modernos waste management centre in Ermidas-Sado. Of this, €4.317 million already relates to public procurement procedures launched in recent months, under the operation submitted to the Sustainable 2030 Programme. Plans include expanding the biowaste treatment line, building a pre-composting unit, and buying new sorting systems and mobile equipment. The project aims to cut landfill waste and boost recycling and organic recovery across the seven municipalities of the AMAGRA intermunicipal system.

Alentejo Products, Consumption & Circular Read more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

Funchal mayor announces funding boost for ten parish councils

At a ceremony marking Funchal's 518th anniversary, mayor Jorge Carvalho announced around 20 million euros in investment in water supply, wastewater, stormwater and sanitation networks, aimed at reducing losses and improving distribution. He also revealed increased financial support to the council's ten parish councils through inter-administrative contracts, averaging a 25% boost and reaching up to 3.5 million euros. Carvalho further addressed mobility, citing an ongoing review of the sustainable urban mobility plan, and highlighted growth in Funchal's cultural role and new municipal staff assigned to environmental work.

Madeira Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at JM Madeira ↗

Save the date

Algarve's vegan fair returns with zero disposable plastic pledge

FAVA, Portugal's largest vegan fair, returns to Loulé's Parque Municipal from 18 to 20 September for its seventh edition, with over 100 exhibitors and 100 free activities. The event, run by Associação Benfazer with support from Loulé council, offers entirely plant-based food, workshops, talks, live music, dance and a Repair Café. Organisers avoid fuel generators, disposable plastic cups and bottles, using compostable or reusable tableware instead. Last year's edition drew 140 exhibitors and served over 4,000 meals; this year's organisers hope to surpass that figure while keeping the event's environmental and animal welfare commitments intact.

Algarve Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

Ponte de Lima to host Nature Festival marking protected lagoons' 25th year

The municipality of Ponte de Lima is partnering with the association Natureza C'Alma to hold a Nature Festival on 26 September 2026, part of celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the Bertiandos and São Pedro d'Arcos protected lagoons landscape. The all-day event will take place at the area's Environmental Interpretation Centre, offering activities focused on health, wellbeing and environmental awareness through contact with nature. Entry is free, but participants must register in advance through the organising association's website.

Norte Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Diário do Minho ↗

Animal feed conference set for Monte Real on 24 September

The 15th Animal Feed Conference will take place on 24 September at the Monte Real Hotel, Termas & Spa, running from 9:45am to 4pm. Organised by IACA, the Portuguese association of compound animal feed manufacturers, the event brings together industry professionals to discuss how to boost productivity amid regulatory demands, geopolitical instability and debates on animal health and welfare. National and international specialists will address the topic under the theme of increasing productivity while balancing competitiveness, sustainability and environmental concerns, alongside discussions on European policy affecting livestock farming and protein production.

Centro Food & Agriculture Read more at Rede Rural ↗

Small wonders

Quinta do Ventozelo wins Douro's best beef tomato prize again

Quinta do Ventozelo has won the 2026 edition of a contest that selects the best Tomate Coração de Boi (beef tomato) grown in the Douro region, becoming a two-time champion. The estate's vegetable garden project is led by landscape architect João Bicho. The article does not give further details on the contest's organisation, other participants or the criteria used to judge the winning tomato.

Norte Food & Agriculture Read more at Público ↗

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