Pulse

9 September 2026

Good morning. Today's Pulse moves from turtles heading back out to sea to bins that keep overflowing, with a good deal of clever thinking in between.

Nature & biodiversity

Famalicão firefighters clear invasive water hyacinth from River Ave

Famalicão's volunteer firefighters and local civil protection began a preventive clean-up of the River Ave this Tuesday, removing water hyacinth, an invasive plant species, using dive and rescue boats. The operation is expected to continue over the coming weeks. Native to the Amazon basin, the plant was introduced to Portugal as an ornamental species in 1939 and, despite a legal ban on its distribution, is still sold. It forms dense mats that block light and harm native flora and fauna, and is considered one of the world's most problematic invasive species.

Norte Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at O Minho ↗

Alentejo producers seek protected status for Alcácer pine nuts

The Alentejo Litoral Forestry Producers Association (ANSUB) is leading a project to obtain Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for "Pinhão de Alcácer", pine nuts grown on sandy soils across the Tejo and Sado river basins in the Setúbal and Santarém districts. The €30,000 project, mostly funded by the Alentejo 2030 Programme, aims to boost the value chain and secure promotional funding rather than necessarily raise prices. A technical dossier is being prepared and the recognition process could take about a year. Regional production, currently around a thousand tonnes, faces threats from climate change, drought, heatwaves and pests.

Alentejo Food & Agriculture Read more at Agroportal ↗

Needs attention

ZERO warns landfill expansion may take banned organic waste

Environmental group ZERO issued a negative opinion on Biosmart's proposed expansion of the Castelo Branco non-hazardous waste landfill, arguing the new cell's environmental impact study lists organic waste types whose landfill deposition is legally banned. ZERO contrasts this with a CCDR Centro decision on a Leiria landfill, where such waste was refused authorisation, and asks that Castelo Branco's licence be withheld while organic materials remain on the list. It cites rules requiring pre-treatment and, from January 2026, a ban on biodegradable waste that stays biodegradable after treatment. ZERO also warns of methane, odours, disease-carrying animals and polluting leachate, urging composting or anaerobic digestion instead.

Centro Products, Consumption & Circular Read more at Ambiente Online ↗ View project: ZERO – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável →

Castro Verde residents protest over farmland sludge stench and flies

Residents of Castro Verde have complained for over a year about intense odours, swarms of flies and heavy truck traffic linked to the spreading of sludge on agricultural land. The municipality has formally raised the issue with the CCDR Alentejo, citing 'unacceptable' impacts and damage to local roads used by trucks transporting the material. Regional authorities and GNR's SEPNA have carried out joint inspections, and a related case involving fertiliser products was referred to ASAE. The mayor says the council will not accept the problem continuing, while residents keep demanding a solution.

Alentejo Food & Agriculture Read more at Rádio Pax ↗

Ecologist criticises overflowing bins across Madeira, not just Funchal

Geographer and ecologist Raimundo Quintal, a former Funchal environment councillor, widened his usual criticism of waste management from Funchal to the whole of Madeira. He shared a photo of an overflowing recycling point at Rochão, in Camacha, Santa Cruz, near a popular tourist walking route. Quintal blames both residents' carelessness and the ineffectiveness of municipal councils and the regional waste authority ARM, rejecting excuses about lacking staff or resources and calling for better organisation.

Madeira Products, Consumption & Circular Read more at Funchal Notícias ↗

Litter piles up on Madeira's paid Pico Ruivo trail

Hikers and mountain guides in Madeira are criticising litter found along the PR1 trail between Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo, questioning where the 10.50-euro entry fee paid by non-resident visitors actually goes. Tissues, cigarette butts and plastic bags have been spotted along the path, which reopened in April after repairs following 2024 wildfire damage. A two-month cleaning contract awarded by the IFCN to a newly created company expired in early November, after which the institute resumed cleaning with its own resources while a new procurement process was launched.

Madeira Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Diário de Notícias da Madeira ↗ View project: IFCN – Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza, IP-RAM →

How we get around

Gen Z in Portugal show declining interest in owning cars

A growing number of young people in Portugal no longer view car ownership as essential to becoming independent, according to a report on changing attitudes among Gen Z. Where previous generations often saw a driving licence and a first car as milestones of adulthood, younger Portuguese increasingly question that link. The shift reflects wider changes in how independence is defined, moving away from car ownership as the default symbol of reaching adulthood.

Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at The Portugal News ↗

Portugal restructures transport institute IMT for greener mobility

A new decree-law reorganises Portugal's Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT), taking effect on 1 October. The government says the change aims to give IMT a structure better suited to supporting a more intermodal, decarbonised and digitalised transport system, reflecting the growing responsibilities the institute has accumulated, including issuing documents and licensing entities. The reform also transfers national railway safety authority functions to the Mobility and Transport Authority (AMT), which will handle regulation, supervision and enforcement in that area, while IMT retains planning and licensing powers for rail service access. IMT is also tasked with promoting active mobility and technical vehicle improvements.

Energy, Water & Mobility More on this story →

Energy, water & the rules that shape them

PSD Algarve calls on public to weigh in on Foupana dam

PSD Algarve is urging residents, businesses and farmers to take part in the public consultation on the proposed Foupana dam, open until October 12. The reservoir, planned on the Foupana stream between Alcoutim and Castro Marim, is presented by the PSD-led government as part of a broader water security strategy for the Algarve, particularly benefiting agriculture. Discussed for over five decades, the project could cost between €150 million and €200 million, with storage capacity of 99 to 124 million cubic metres, reinforcing the existing Odeleite-Beliche system. Party president Cristóvão Norte credited former Faro and Tavira mayor José Macário Correia's persistence for keeping the proposal alive.

Algarve Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Portugal Resident ↗

EU new right-to-repair rules to ease appliance fixes

The EU is rolling out new right-to-repair rules requiring manufacturers to design appliances such as fridges, vacuum cleaners and toasters so they are easier to open and fix, limiting glued parts and software locks that block independent repairs. Spare parts and repair manuals must remain available for years, in some cases up to a decade after a product reaches the market. Consumers who choose repair over replacement during the warranty period can get a 12-month warranty extension, and may temporarily receive a replacement device if repairs take too long. The rules will apply gradually via the Repair Directive and ecodesign standards.

Products, Consumption & Circular Read more at Postal ↗

Farming, in practice

Montemor-o-Novo conference highlights women's role in farming

APORMOR's auditorium in Montemor-o-Novo hosted the conference "Mulheres Agricultoras: Vozes, Experiências, Desafios" on 7 September, part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. The event brought together agricultural professionals, policymakers and institutional representatives to discuss women's role in the rural sector. A roundtable featured voices from farms and institutions addressing farm management, agri-food innovation and gender barriers in rural areas. Closing remarks came from researcher Teresa Pinto Correia and Secretary of State for Agriculture João Moura, who reaffirmed the government's commitment to more inclusive rural policies. The National Rural Network praised APORMOR's initiative and said it will continue promoting related events.

Alentejo Food & Agriculture Read more at Agroportal ↗

Funding call opens for bioeconomy projects in Bragança district

A new funding call worth around 290,000 euros is open for small investments in the bioeconomy and circular economy in the municipalities of Bragança, Miranda do Douro, Vimioso and Vinhais, under the GAL CORANE local action group. Applications run until 30 October 2026. The scheme supports the creation or modernisation of units processing agricultural products, bioeconomy and circular economy activities, covering 50% of investments between 10,000 and 250,000 euros. Assessment favours certified products, innovation, renewable energy, market integration and job creation. Applicants can seek guidance from the AJAP, the Portuguese young farmers' association.

Norte Products, Consumption & Circular Read more at AJAP ↗ View project: AJAP – Associação dos Jovens Agricultores de Portugal →

DGAV officials attend AgroSemana 2026 in Póvoa de Varzim

The Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (DGAV) took part in AgroSemana 2026, one of Portugal's leading agricultural fairs, held in Póvoa de Varzim. DGAV was represented by Deputy Director-General Mário Santiago, regional food and veterinary services director Sandra Domingos, and food safety division head Ana Carla Dolores. During the visit, they attended the launch of FENAZEITES' first Cooperative Olive Oil Competition, aimed at recognising the quality of oils produced by Portuguese cooperatives. DGAV said it continues to monitor the sector as part of its role safeguarding animal health, plant protection, animal welfare and food safety.

Norte Food & Agriculture Read more at Agroportal ↗

Bright ideas

Leiria research project wins national entrepreneurship contest

Salinexis, a project developed by a team from the Universidade de Leiria e Oeste, won the national final of the Poliempreende entrepreneurship competition. The project aims to create a biotechnological solution for sustainably producing cosmetic ingredients from coastal resources in Peniche. It had previously won the regional stage of the competition in June before going on to take the national title.

Centro Products, Consumption & Circular Read more at Notícias de Coimbra ↗

Madeiran student's project wins runner-up at national contest

The 360Dreams project, led by Leonardo Abreu, a student at the Polytechnic University of Tomar, and developed with fellow Madeiran Joaquim Abreu, won second place at the 22nd National Poliempreende Contest. The social project uses 360-degree video and virtual reality combined with ambient sound and narration to give hospitalised children immersive experiences, such as diving in the ocean or exploring a museum, without leaving their ward. The idea grew from conversations with a coordinator at the Paediatric Oncology Unit of Funchal's Hospital Central. The team is now arranging meetings to assess a pilot project, seeking funding from companies and foundations, while also offering the service to private clients.

Madeira Health & Wellbeing Read more at JM Madeira ↗

Seaweed snack wins innovation prize at Algarve food fair

Momodoro, a seaweed-enriched snack for children and babies made by young food engineers, won the third edition of the Mediterranean Diet Innovation Prize at Tavira's Mediterranean Diet Fair. Thirteen projects using regional resources like carob, medronho, honey and algae competed, with second place going to a carob tea and third to a microalgae craft beer. Three further projects received special distinctions. Organised by the Algarve's regional development commission with local partners, the prize aims to promote entrepreneurship and turn regional resources into sustainable food products, drawing over 1,500 public votes this year.

Algarve Food & Agriculture Read more at Postal ↗ View project: Associação In Loco →

Small wonders, close to home

Moura to host first beekeeping conference on 12 September

Moura will hold its first ever beekeeping conference, the I Jornada Apícola de Moura, on 12 September, as part of the town's September Fair. The event will bring together beekeepers, technicians and other stakeholders to discuss organic beekeeping and disease and parasite control, particularly the fight against varroa mite. Spanish veterinarian and professional beekeeper Miguel Alonso will take part, alongside opening remarks from APIVALE president António Rato and Moura councillor Teresa Infante. Attendance is free but requires prior registration by email or phone.

Alentejo Food & Agriculture More on this story →

Olhão's FÉRTIL festival returns for fourth edition in October

The FÉRTIL festival returns to Olhão's Parque Ribeirinho Poente on 3 and 4 October, from 2pm to 11pm, for its fourth edition. Built around four themes—Environment, Community, Culture and Innovation—it combines music, talks, workshops, cinema, exhibitions, family activities, a creative market and food stalls. Sensible Soccers and Rossana headline the music line-up, alongside DJ sets from Pedro Ramos and Joana de Verona. Sustainability features throughout, including the festival's clay cups and an invitation for visitors to bring their own. It is produced by MOCES with Olhão's municipality and several regional partners and sponsors.

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

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