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28 August 2026

Good morning. Today's Pulse runs from a moth seen in Portugal for the first time to the quiet work of pipes, traps and trees — with a few good things to put in the diary along the way.

Wild Portugal, watched closely

Oleander hawk-moth confirmed in Portugal for the first time

Entomologists Eduardo Marabuto and Albano Soares have documented the first confirmed occurrences in Portugal of the oleander hawk-moth (Daphnis nerii), one of Europe's largest moths, in a study published in Zoodiversity. Five records were found between 2014 and 2024, including proof of local breeding found in Montijo in 2018. The species, native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean basin, appears to be expanding westward, likely aided by climate change, with sightings rising across European countries in recent years. Researchers say it is not yet established as a resident species but could become one if warming continues.

LisbonEcosystems & BiodiversityMore on this story → View project: TAGIS – Centro de Conservação das Borboletas de Portugal →

56 black vulture chicks now tracked by GPS in Portugal

Portugal's LIFE Aegypius Return project has fitted 13 more black vulture chicks with GPS/GSM trackers this breeding season, bringing the total monitored since 2023 to 56. Field teams visited breeding colonies in Douro Internacional, Tejo Internacional, Herdade da Contenda and Vidigueira/Portel, also ringing chicks and collecting biological samples for research. The tracking data helps assess environmental threats and informs technical opinions on renewable energy projects near vulture habitats. The species, extinct as a breeder in Portugal for 40 years until 2010, remains classified as endangered, with wildfires, extreme weather and expanding wind and solar projects among the risks facing its recovery.

Ecosystems & BiodiversityMore on this story → View project: LPN – Liga para a Protecção da Natureza →

Portuguese hatchery raises trout to survive in the wild

At the Posto Aquícola de Campelo, in Figueiró dos Vinhos, fish are raised in tanks fitted with pebbles, roots and shelters, fed live prey and kept away from human contact, as part of a rewilding process. The approach follows years in which Portugal's nature conservation institute, ICNF, released farmed trout into rivers to restock them, only for genetic monitoring to show that almost none survived to adulthood or reproduced. Campelo's method aims to prepare fish to fend for themselves once released into the wild.

CentroEcosystems & BiodiversityMore on this story → View project: ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas →

Leiria council to install 152 bark beetle traps by August

A council in the Leiria region is deploying 152 traps by the end of August to monitor bark beetles that attack maritime pine trees. The insects, small beetles that live under tree bark, target weakened trees, particularly those affected by fires, droughts or storms, and can worsen forest health problems by burrowing into trunks. The traps, fitted with a chemical attractant and clearly marked, will be placed in the highest-risk areas to track beetle populations and inform future management measures. The council has asked residents not to interfere with the devices.

CentroEcosystems & BiodiversityRead more at Região de Leiria ↗

Bussaco forest given "therapeutic forest" status

The Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal (CAP), working with the European People's Party group in the European Parliament, has been involved in classifying the Mata do Bussaco as a "therapeutic forest". The EPP group includes 42 MEPs acting as ambassadors for the 27 EU member states. Further details on the classification and its implications were not included in the available text.

CentroEcosystems & BiodiversityMore on this story → View project: Mata Nacional do Bussaco →

Needs attention

Setúbal square to become mock 'beach' against Arrábida privatisation bid

The civic movement "Deslarrrguem a Arrábida!" is holding a flashmob protest on Saturday at Praça do Bocage in Setúbal, its third such action, against attempts by Herdade da Comenda to claim exclusive ownership of five Arrábida beaches and surrounding land. Protesters are asked to bring towels, umbrellas and inflatables to symbolically turn the square into a "beach". The landowner has several lawsuits pending seeking to have the disputed shoreline classified as private rather than public domain, a claim both the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Portuguese Environment Agency reject. Access to the region's beaches has already been restricted this year due to storm damage and rockfall risks.

LisbonEcosystems & BiodiversityMore on this story → View project: Quinta da Comenda →

Quercus warns two Abrantes data centres could use 19 times local power

Environmental group Quercus warns that two planned data centres in Abrantes, promoted by Hyperion near Alvega and EDC ONE at the former Pego thermal plant, could push annual electricity consumption to about 2.8 TWh at full capacity, nearly 19 times the municipality's current usage. Even at 30% average operation, combined consumption could reach 841 GWh, 5.7 times Abrantes's 2024 total. Quercus is demanding environmental impact studies before licensing decisions, citing risks to water resources, given projected scarcity in the Tejo basin, plus cumulative effects on land, landscape and the regional power grid.

CentroEnergy, Water & MobilityMore on this story →

Covilhã had Portugal's largest burnt area 2020-2025

Portugal's national statistics institute (INE) reported that Covilhã was the municipality with the largest burnt area between 2020 and 2025, at 28,800 hectares, followed by Sabugal and Sernancelhe. The ten worst-affected municipalities are all in the North and Centre regions, which together accounted for 90.7% of the total burnt area nationwide. Of 50,218 fires recorded in the period, 31% started in areas of high or very high fire risk. INE also found that 69.6% of high-risk territories were more than 15 minutes from a fire brigade, with Góis and Pampilhosa da Serra particularly exposed.

CentroEcosystems & BiodiversityRead more at Agroportal ↗

Boticas cooperative distributes eight tonnes of animal feed after fires

A local agricultural cooperative in Boticas, CAPOLIB, is distributing around eight tonnes of feed for cattle, sheep and goats to livestock farmers affected by wildfires in Ardãos, Bobadela and Nogueira. The fires, which broke out between 15 and 20 August, destroyed pastureland and caused heavy losses, leaving farmers struggling to feed their animals. The action, coordinated with Boticas council and CONFAGRI, aims to address the most urgent need in the affected farms. The mayor previously estimated around 3,000 hectares burned in the area.

NorteFood & AgricultureRead more at Agroportal ↗

Water, street by street

Arganil signs deal with Águas do Centro Litoral to cut water losses

The municipality of Arganil, in Coimbra district, has signed a partnership agreement with utility company Águas do Centro Litoral to tackle water losses in its public supply network, which average above 50%. Mayor Luís Paulo Costa described the losses, caused by leaks, fraud and unmetered consumption, as a critical problem raising costs and straining the system. The protocol will fund technical studies to map infrastructure, identify critical points, and monitor losses in the local distribution network. The parish of Pomares, where losses far exceed 50%, faces the most critical situation and is set for network upgrades.

CentroEnergy, Water & MobilityMore on this story →

Portalegre launches €281,000 tender to renew water network

The municipal water and transport services of Portalegre have opened a public tender to renew the water distribution pipes in several streets of the city centre, with a base price of €281,352.50 plus VAT. The works cover Rua Dr. José Maria Grande, Rua do Carmo, Largo Serpa Pinto and a number of nearby streets and lanes. Published in the official gazette on Tuesday, the tender allows 180 days for completion. Companies can submit bids until 23:59 on 26 September 2026 via the VORTAL electronic platform.

AlentejoEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at Jornal Alto Alentejo ↗

Leiria water utility begins water network upgrade in three streets

The Leiria municipal water and sanitation service (SMAS) has started upgrading the water distribution network in Ruas General Norton de Matos, Vasco da Gama Fernandes and Luís da Silveira Charter de Azevedo. The works, begun in August, involve a €70,224 investment (plus VAT) and are expected to last 90 days. They include laying 482 metres of new pipes and building six connection branches, aimed at reducing water losses and improving service reliability. Temporary traffic and pedestrian disruption is expected near residences, businesses, a health unit and university student accommodation in the area.

CentroEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

Homes, energy and the shape of towns

Leiria opens public consultation on new mobility plan

Leiria's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan is under public discussion until 15 September, proposing a shift away from car dependency. Currently 80% of trips in the municipality rely on cars, a figure the plan aims to cut to 58% by 2035. Among its 74 proposals are peripheral park-and-ride areas, 30 km/h speed limits, redesigned bus and light rail corridors, and a historic centre largely closed to through traffic. The author, an opinion writer, urges residents to submit input before the consultation closes, arguing the plan will reshape daily life across the municipality.

CentroEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at Jornal de Leiria ↗

Alentejo Litoral opens €5m call for research and innovation projects

The Alentejo 2030 programme has launched a €5 million call to fund Research and Development projects in Alentejo Litoral. Small and medium-sized companies can apply, either alone or with scientific and technological partners, in the agrifood, renewable energy and tourism sectors. Financing comes from the Just Transition Fund and can cover up to 80% of eligible costs, or 85% for scientific and technological entities. Applications are open until 21 December 2026, with evaluation in two phases, on 30 September and 21 December, supporting new products, processes and services.

AlentejoEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at Rádio Pax ↗

Coimbra Polytechnic completes €6.2 million energy efficiency scheme

The Polytechnic University of Coimbra has completed 15 energy efficiency projects funded by Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan, at a total cost of around €6.2 million. The works covered 15 buildings across various units of the institution, including student residences, the Coimbra Agricultural School (ESAC), the Coimbra Institute of Accounting and Administration (ISCAC), and the Coimbra School of Technology. The scheme forms part of broader efforts to modernise public buildings and reduce energy consumption using EU recovery funds.

CentroEnergy, Water & MobilityMore on this story →

Sunenergy fits solar panels at Castelo Branco disability charity

Sunenergy has installed more than 250 solar modules of 620W for APPACDM de Castelo Branco, a charity supporting people with intellectual disabilities, following a prior consultation procedure. The project spans two sites: 46 modules at the association's headquarters, generating 28.52 kWp, and 206 modules at the Quinta da Carapalha, home to its residential care unit, generating 127.72 kWp. The charity says the investment will cut energy costs and free up resources for supporting users and their families, while Sunenergy highlights the wider benefits of energy transition for social institutions.

CentroEnergy, Water & MobilityMore on this story → View project: SunEnergy →

Calheta buys waste truck with tourist tax revenue

The Calheta municipal council has added a new waste collection vehicle to its fleet, a 140,000-euro investment funded by revenue from the local tourist tax. The council now operates ten such vehicles, with an 11th already purchased and awaiting delivery. Mayor Doroteia Leça said the decision reflects the pressure tourism places on municipal services, and that tax revenue should be returned to the community through improved services. The council also plans to hire more staff for waste collection teams as part of a broader environmental and sanitation investment strategy.

MadeiraProducts, Consumption & CircularRead more at JM Madeira ↗

Circular thinking

Plasdan finds way to recycle plastic inside food packaging

A new EU regulation, in force since mid-month, requires packaging to incorporate recycled material, aiming to boost recycling and reuse of a scarce raw material that is a major production cost for industry. The rules have so far been less strict for food packaging that touches food directly, because suitable technology did not exist. According to the article, Portuguese company Plasdan has now developed a way to place recycled plastic inside the packaging's core layer, addressing this previously unresolved technical gap.

CentroProducts, Consumption & CircularRead more at Jornal de Leiria ↗

OLX group's second-hand sales avoided 155 billion litres of water

The OLX Group's Impact Report FY26 shows that second-hand purchases through OLX, Standvirtual and Imovirtual generate significant savings, with used cars saving buyers an average of €2,890 compared to new ones and used motorbikes €1,539. Across seven countries, including Portugal, over 5.9 million second-hand transactions in electronics, vehicles and car parts avoided 155 billion litres of water, 861,000 tonnes of materials and 31.9 million GJ of energy. Sellers also benefit financially, earning thousands of euros on average per car sold. The report highlights the sector's role in the circular economy by extending product lifespans and reducing resource consumption.

Products, Consumption & CircularRead more at Ambiente Magazine ↗

Guimarães to host national urban cleanliness conference in September

Guimarães will host the 8th National Urban Cleanliness Meeting from 8 to 10 September, organised by the Associação Limpeza Urbana. The event forms part of the official programme of Guimarães 26 – European Green Capital and will bring together municipalities, companies, experts and policymakers under the theme "[Des]construir o futuro". Topics will include public space and green area management, environmental enforcement and protection of waterways. Association president Ana Raimundo said the event reflects a broader vision of urban sustainability, while Guimarães councillor Alberto Martins highlighted the city's role as a national and European reference in waste management and community involvement.

NorteProducts, Consumption & CircularMore on this story →

Good to know: learning and gathering

AJAP opens course on integrated vineyard production for technicians

The Portuguese young farmers' association AJAP is running a new edition of its course on Integrated Production Methods in Vineyards, aimed at agricultural technicians with a degree-level qualification. Approved by the DGADR, the training starts on 29 September and runs for 106 hours, combining online sessions with in-person classes held in northern/central and southern groups through November and early December. It aims to update technicians' knowledge and skills to support more sustainable viticulture. Registration is open, at a cost of 375 euros, VAT exempt.

Education & Eco-tourismMore on this story → View project: AJAP – Associação dos Jovens Agricultores de Portugal →

Small wonders, close to home

Sagres bird festival expands scientific ringing activities for 2026

The 17th Sagres Bird Watching & Nature Festival, running 2-5 October, has published its programme with expanded scientific bird-ringing activities, a response to demand after these sessions sold out in previous editions. A third ringing team will now operate at a new site. Organised by Vila do Bispo municipality with SPEA-BirdLife and Associação Almargem, the festival also adds family workshops, art sessions and a beach clean-up. Last year 1,244 visitors from 34 countries attended, recording 148 bird species. This year's featured species is the razorbill (Alca torda). Registration opens on 2 September.

AlgarveEducation & Eco-tourismMore on this story → View project: Salema Eco Camp →

Algarve vegan fair FAVA returns to Loulé this September

The seventh edition of FAVA, Portugal's largest vegan fair, will run from 18 to 20 September at Loulé Municipal Park, with free admission and activities. Organisers expect over 100 exhibitors, more than 30 plant-based food stands, and around 5,000 meals served, up from 4,125 last year. The event also includes a swap market, a Repair Café, and waste-reduction measures such as banning single-use plastics and using compostable or reusable tableware. Organised by Associação Benfazer with support from Loulé Council, FAVA aims to show large public events can be sustainable while attracting thousands of visitors.

AlgarveEducation & Eco-tourismMore on this story →

Setúbal council approves tree-sponsorship rules, sends them to assembly

Setúbal's municipal council has approved the final version of its 'Árvores com Nome' environmental sponsorship regulation, which now goes to the Municipal Assembly for consideration. A public consultation produced no submissions requiring changes, so the text approved in May remains unaltered. The scheme lets citizens, companies and other entities voluntarily contribute trees or related goods for planting on municipal public land, without gaining any ownership or decision-making rights over location, management or removal. The council retains control over planting sites, species, sizes, quantities and techniques, as well as ongoing maintenance.

LisbonEcosystems & BiodiversityRead more at Ambiente Magazine ↗
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