Sustainable Living
See today's Pulse →
Pulse

25 September 2026

Good morning. Today brings returning wildlife, rivers getting some care, new ways to move around, and plenty of small, hopeful gatherings across the country.

Nature and biodiversity

New book charts Portugal's wildlife extinctions and comebacks

Authors Paulo Caetano and Miguel Brandão Pimenta have published "Portugal Selvagem – Extinções e Regressos", telling 16 stories of species lost from Portuguese territory and, in some cases, later recovered. It covers the Iberian lynx's dramatic revival, spontaneous returns like the black vulture and imperial eagle, and permanent losses such as the sturgeon and aurochs. Drawing on scientific literature and interviews with researchers, the authors argue no species should be written off, citing Spain's role in preserving populations that later re-established themselves in Portugal. They are already considering a follow-up on wildlife during Portugal's Early Modern period.

Ecosystems & BiodiversityRead more at Wilder ↗

Single tooth reveals size and sex of Iberian wolves, study finds

A study led by researchers at Lisbon's CE3C centre found that the dimensions of a single molar can estimate the body mass and sex of the endangered Iberian wolf. Analysing 78 specimens from scientific collections gathered between 1900 and 2006, the team showed tooth length predicts body mass within an average 2.4 kg margin and identifies sex with around 79% accuracy. Males were found to be substantially heavier than females. The method could help scientists study museum specimens and field remains without needing a complete skeleton, aiding ecological research and conservation of the subspecies.

NorteEcosystems & BiodiversityMore on this story →

Madeira to switch off lights for one night to save seabird

The Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA) is organising a scheduled blackout in Madeira on 27 September to protect the Madeira petrel (freira-da-madeira), a threatened seabird found only in the region. Artificial lighting can disorient young petrels during their first flights out to sea, causing them to crash or become stranded. The initiative aims to reduce this risk during the species' fledging period.

MadeiraEcosystems & BiodiversityMore on this story →

Funchal marine station holds final summer open night on turtles

The Marine Biology Station in Funchal holds its last summer Open Night on 25 September, focused on marine turtles. The event starts with a guided tour at 20h00, followed at 21h30 by a talk from University of Madeira professor Thomas Dëllinger on juvenile turtles, especially the loggerhead, in Madeiran waters, drawing on over three decades of research. The Open Night series, running for more than 20 years as part of Funchal Council's educational programme, has reached over 2,000 people to date.

MadeiraEducation & Eco-tourismMore on this story →

Tavira orchard trials 500 fruit plants for drought resilience

The Pomar dos Sabores, a botanical garden in Luz de Tavira, is testing over 500 types of perennial edible plants to see how they adapt to the Algarve's climate and which can produce fruit with less water. The 1.8-hectare project, accredited by the Botanic Gardens Conservation International since 2022, records both successful harvests and failures in a freely accessible database. Fruits such as mangoes, longans, ingas and Blue Java bananas already grow there. Organisers say the aim is to help farmers and gardeners make informed choices as growing conditions change with the climate.

AlgarveFood & AgricultureMore on this story →

Alqueva biodiversity exhibition opens at EDIA headquarters in Beja

From 18 September, EDIA's headquarters in Beja hosts "Alqueva vivo: animais e plantas da nossa terra", an exhibition born from an educational project involving pre-school and primary pupils from Mourão and members of the Cristóvão de Mendonça Senior University. Developed under a challenge from the Museu da Luz to the National Arts Plan partners, the project explored local fauna and flora through art, music and drama, and distinguishes native species from invasive ones. A centrepiece is a 250-tile collective panel on Alqueva, shared between Mourão council, EDIA/Museu da Luz and the APA. The exhibition runs on weekdays, 9am-6pm, until 27 November.

AlentejoEducation & Eco-tourismRead more at Rede Rural ↗

Coimbra region to spend €2.6m fighting invasive water plant

The Coimbra Metropolitan Area will invest €2.6 million over five years to prevent, detect and control the invasive plant ludwigia along rivers and streams in its 19 municipalities. The Life Ludwigia project, presented in Góis, is funded mostly by the EU (€1.56 million), with municipalities covering the rest. The plant has already been found in Figueira da Foz, Montemor-o-Velho, Arganil and Tábua, damaging recreational and nautical uses of waterways. The scheme, involving the APA, ICNF, and the universities of Coimbra, will deploy three field teams, biosecurity units and a native plant nursery in Montemor-o-Velho.

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

Rivers and water

River Nabão in Tomar undergoes environmental clean-up

The Nabão river, which runs through the historic Templar city of Tomar, is undergoing an environmental restoration effort. The initiative aims to improve the ecological condition of the waterway, which flows through the centre of the town. No further details on the scope, funding or timeline of the works are given in the available text.

CentroEcosystems & BiodiversityRead more at The Portugal News ↗

Pombal council secures €2.7m to repair storm-hit rivers

Pombal council will carry out emergency works on the Arunca river and the Carnide stream after severe damage caused by storms earlier this year. The Fundo Ambiental approved around €2.7 million in funding, covering debris removal, slope stabilisation and repairs to damaged access routes. Contracts totalling roughly €885,000 have already been awarded to three companies for sections of the two waterways, affecting parishes serving over 55,000 residents combined. The council said further contracts, worth around €200,000 and later €1.7 million, will follow to cover remaining watercourses in the municipality.

CentroEcosystems & BiodiversityMore on this story →

Arronches weir rehabilitation nears completion

The rehabilitation of the Mosteiros weir system in Arronches is entering its final stage, with the new inflatable gate that regulates water levels on the Ribeira de Arronches filled and tested. Besides the gate, the works include a pedestrian bridge, a picnic area with pergolas, a playground, an outdoor gym and a platform suspended over the weir. The project costs over 745,000 euros, funded by the Fundo Ambiental through the ProRios 2030 programme, and is being carried out by Senpapor, with design by Ripórtico Engenharia.

AlentejoEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at Jornal Alto Alentejo ↗

Environmental study backs Foupana Dam under smaller design

A public consultation is open until 16 October on the Environmental Impact Study for the Foupana Dam, planned on a Guadiana tributary in the Algarve to boost water storage for Castro Marim, Alcoutim and the wider region amid climate-driven drought risk. Of three studied locations, the study recommends the smallest, Eixo 3, which floods less land, stores 99 hectometres cubed of water and avoids protected areas, though it requires a longer connecting tunnel. The area holds rich biodiversity, including Iberian lynx habitat and dozens of threatened species, so mitigation and monitoring plans are proposed. The study concludes the dam is feasible under this option.

AlgarveEnergy, Water & MobilityMore on this story →

Alcácer do Sal assembly seeks review of tangerine project approval

The Municipal Assembly of Alcácer do Sal unanimously approved a motion asking authorities to review the conditional environmental approval granted to a tangerine-growing project by Aquaterra/Expoente Frugal, citing pressure on water resources in the Comporta-Galé protected area. The motion, proposed by the PS group, calls for an integrated assessment of the cumulative impact of intensive irrigated farming projects in the zone, plus stronger independent monitoring of groundwater. It also asks the Government, APA, ICNF, the Alentejo CCDR and EU institutions to oversee compliance with habitat protection rules. The project's farmland was cut to 295.18 hectares and water use lowered to 1.74 million cubic metres a year.

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

Sotecnisol upgrades two clarifiers at Porto's Freixo treatment plant

Sotecnisol has completed the modernisation of two secondary clarifiers at the Freixo wastewater treatment plant in Porto, in a project commissioned by Águas e Energia do Porto worth around 250,000 euros. The works, carried out with partner DEWACO, involved installing new chain-scraper electromechanical systems, replacing scum-collection piping, and upgrading electrical, automation and control systems. Equipment previously out of service was restored, improving sludge and scum removal. The plant, which serves about 170,000 residents, continued operating throughout the intervention.

NorteEnergy, Water & MobilityMore on this story → View project: AdEPorto – Agência de Energia do Porto →

Funchal council approves €2.7m for water and waste networks

The Funchal Municipal Council approved launching an international tender for works on water supply and stormwater and wastewater systems, worth €2.7 million, council president Jorge Carvalho announced after the meeting. The project covers Rua Dr. António Sales Caldeira and Bairro das Virtudes, in the parish of São Martinho. Carvalho also referred to the recently approved Local Housing Strategy, which foresees €40 million in investment and 300 new homes, alongside existing housing support such as €2.5 million for rental assistance.

MadeiraEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at JM Madeira ↗

Getting around

Government approves €420m for Porto Metro extensions to Trofa and Gondomar

Portugal's government has approved a combined investment of around €420 million to extend the Porto Metro network into Gondomar and towards Trofa, minister António Leitão Amaro announced. The Trofa line will cost €184 million, covering 10km and nine stations between ISMAI in Maia and the Trofa interchange, combining metro and 'metrobus' (BRT). The Gondomar line, worth €237 million, will run 7km with nine stations between Estádio do Dragão and Souto. Works are planned between 2026 and 2031. Environment minister Maria da Graça Carvalho said funding comes mainly from the Environmental Fund and EU cohesion funds, targeting transport, Portugal's top CO2-emitting sector.

NorteEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at O Minho ↗

Baixo Alentejo launches €15m tender to overhaul public transport

The Comunidade Intermunicipal do Baixo Alentejo has opened an international tender worth more than €15 million to run a single road passenger transport service covering 13 of the district of Beja's 14 municipalities, excluding Odemira. The eight-year contract will merge two existing systems into one, with stricter rules on fleet quality, environmental sustainability, ticketing and passenger information. It will operate 54 routes, over 73,000 annual trips and around 2.5 million kilometres a year, using 58 vehicles, 12 of them clean-energy powered, and 57 drivers. CIMBAL president António José Brito called public transport vital for access to jobs, education and healthcare in a sparsely populated territory.

AlentejoEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at Rádio Pax ↗

Loulé turns parking spaces into activity area for Park(ing) Day

Loulé's Praça da República hosted this year's Park(ing) Day, part of European Mobility Week, converting car parking spaces into areas for sport, environmental awareness and community activities. The event, themed 'Ocupa o teu lugar na cidade', featured a GNR road safety track, a swap market and stands run by local firms and organisations including AMAL, the GNR and cycling clubs. Organisers also previewed VELA, Loulé's forthcoming shared bicycle scheme due to launch next year, presented as an eco-friendly alternative for daily trips. The council frames the initiative as part of its push towards carbon neutrality through sustainable mobility.

AlgarveEnergy, Water & MobilityMore on this story →

Students welcome new traffic layout on Coimbra's Rua da Sofia

Two weeks after changes to car traffic on Rua da Sofia in Coimbra, reactions to the new layout are mixed. Students Sara Marques and Bianca Mendes, interviewed at a café terrace, said the street now feels more pleasant and inviting. One of the changes introduced was the relocation of an unspecified street feature, though further details were not given.

CentroEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at Notícias de Coimbra ↗

Dacia Spring electric car sells in Portugal for around €17,000

A new electric car is now available in Portugal for around €17,000, below the €20,000 threshold once seen as hard to reach. The Dacia Spring, highlighted by Razão Automóvel, uses a 27.5 kWh battery offering 250 km of WLTP range, with trade-offs in space and range compared to pricier EVs. More affordable models are expected soon, including the Nissan Pixo and the Volkswagen ID.1, the latter to be built at Autoeuropa in Palmela. Despite cheaper options, Portuguese buyers still favour higher-end EVs, with the Tesla Model 3 topping sales in the first seven months of the year.

LisbonEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at Postal ↗

Zunder opens EV charging station on A8 near Caldas da Rainha

Spanish operator Zunder has opened a new electric vehicle charging station on the A8 motorway near Caldas da Rainha, on the Lisbon-Porto route. The station has 12 charging points with power of up to 400 kW, all fitted with CCS connectors, designed to serve both light vehicles and heavy-duty transport. It also features a photovoltaic canopy over the charging area, shielding users and vehicles while generating renewable energy on site. Zunder says the fast charging speeds are intended to minimise stop times for drivers on long-distance journeys.

CentroEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at Jornal de Leiria ↗

APDL seeks funding for €15m Douro waterway widening plan

The port authority APDL plans to invest €15 million to widen two stretches of the Douro Navigable Waterway, from 25 to at least 40 metres, to improve safety and capacity amid rising river traffic. Studies are complete, but the works still depend on securing funding, administrator Raquel Maia said at Porto Maritime Week 2026. The Douro carried 1.139 million passengers in 2025. Operators pressed for faster execution of long-identified projects, while the Douro intermunicipal community is preparing a 2040 strategy for the region, due for approval on 30 September.

NorteEnergy, Water & MobilityRead more at ECO ↗

Energy and the grid

ERSE tariff chief says cheap energy is not reaching household bills

At a conference marking PT Green's first anniversary, Jorge Sousa, president of ERSE's Tariff Council, said Portugal has a highly competitive clean energy mix, with wholesale electricity prices among the cheapest in the EU. However, he noted that wholesale prices fell about 61% between 2022 and 2025, while household bills rose 9% and SME/services prices rose 14% in the same period, as network costs, regulation and taxation absorb the gains. He pointed to CIEG costs, which exceeded €1.2 billion in 2025, up 89% since 2020, as one distortion that needs reducing to allow cheap energy to reach consumers.

Energy, Water & MobilityMore on this story →

EU renewables supplied 54.1% of electricity in Q2

Renewable sources generated 54.1% of electricity produced in the European Union in the second quarter of 2026, a slight decline from 54.3% a year earlier, according to Eurostat. Solar became the leading renewable source, rising to 41.6% of renewable output, ahead of wind and hydropower. Portugal exceeded the EU average, with renewables accounting for over 80% of net electricity generation, ranking close to Estonia and Lithuania. Latvia led the bloc at 97.7%, followed by Denmark and Croatia, while Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Malta recorded the lowest shares.

Energy, Water & MobilityMore on this story →

ZERO calls for offshore wind priority at Sines' new pier

Environmental association ZERO said the new General Cargo Pier planned for the Port of Sines, promoted by the APS port authority, should prioritise the energy transition and offshore wind. The project's Environmental Impact Study, in public consultation until 9 September, leaves the pier's final use undefined between renewables, agrifood bulk cargo, RO-RO car operations and dual civil-military use. ZERO argues this indefinition matters given the infrastructure's decades-long lifespan, and calls for the pier to build domestic industrial capacity around offshore wind rather than merely handling equipment made elsewhere. It also flagged insufficient electrification and storage planning, and gaps in assessing cumulative impacts alongside the nearby Molhe Leste extension.

AlentejoEnergy, Water & MobilityMore on this story → View project: ZERO – Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável →

Petition against nightly street lighting cuts hits 1,000 signatures

A petition demanding an end to the nightly switch-off of street lighting in Viana do Castelo has gathered over 1,000 signatures and was formally delivered to the municipal council. The lighting cut, applied between 3am and 5am across all parishes, is part of the Municipal Energy Efficiency Plan in force since 2022. Organiser Ricardo Luís has requested a meeting with the mayor to discuss the measure and propose alternatives, such as cutting festive lighting instead. The council confirmed receiving the petition and said a meeting between the mayor and the organiser will be scheduled.

NorteEnergy, Water & MobilityMore on this story →

Northern European buyers push Algarve homes towards energy efficiency

Real estate figures in the Algarve report growing demand from Scandinavian, German and Benelux buyers who now treat sustainability as a core requirement rather than an extra. Portugal's Energy Certificate is legally required to sell or rent a property, with fines up to €3,740 for non-compliance, and since 2021 new buildings must meet the nZEB nearly-zero-energy standard. Developers such as Boavista Golf & Spa point to features like heat pumps, solar collectors, EV charging points and rainwater reuse as responses to this shift, arguing that energy-efficient homes hold value better and cut running costs for buyers.

AlgarveConstruction & HousingRead more at Portugal Resident ↗

Needs attention

E-Redes on trial over illegal felling of cork oaks in Arouca

The energy distributor E-Redes went on trial in Arouca for illegally felling cork oaks, a protected species in Portugal. Prosecutors say the company ordered the cutting of 63 cork oaks on private land at Quinta das Regadas in January 2023, despite having authorisation from the ICNF for only eight adult trees. The contractor hired for the job admitted felling the trees but claimed he was following E-Redes' orders and that they threatened the power grid. E-Redes' representative declined to testify. The company and the contracted firm face a charge of environmental damage, punishable by up to five years in prison.

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

Opinion piece calls for shade to become core urban planning tool

An opinion article argues that as extreme heat becomes more frequent in Portugal, urban shade should no longer be an incidental by-product of trees or buildings but a deliberate planning priority. It calls for treating trees, green spaces, water and permeable pavements as climate infrastructure, and for new indicators measuring shaded public space, tree canopy continuity and heat exposure along pedestrian routes. The piece stresses that heat vulnerability is unevenly distributed, hitting pedestrians and public transport users hardest, and frames shade as a matter of mobility and territorial equity, urging cities to plan proactively for comfort during heatwaves rather than reacting to them.

Construction & HousingRead more at Observador ↗

Circular economy and innovation

EU-funded project to recover raw materials from old electric vehicles launches in Portugal

The CarMine project, coordinated by Portugal's CeNTI research centre, was officially launched in Vila Nova de Famalicão with a budget of about €8.6 million funded by Horizon Europe. It aims to recover, recycle and valorise critical and strategic raw materials from end-of-life electric vehicles, focusing on batteries and electric motors. The initiative combines advanced recycling technologies, digital traceability tools including a Digital Product Passport, and circular business models. Partners include Veolia Portugal, INEGI, LNEG and several European research and industry organisations, aiming to build a more resilient and sustainable EU supply chain for these materials.

NorteProducts, Consumption & CircularRead more at ECO ↗

Braval joins scheme to boost glass recycling in bars and restaurants

Braval, the waste management operator serving Braga, Amares, Vila Verde, Póvoa de Lanhoso, Vieira do Minho and Terras de Bouro, is joining the Horeca Recicla+ campaign run by Sociedade Ponto Verde under its Rede Recicla+ network. The scheme aims to increase separate collection of glass packaging from bars, restaurants and hotels. It covers 95 establishments across the six municipalities, which will receive dedicated collection containers. The initiative was presented during a working visit to Braval's facilities.

NorteProducts, Consumption & CircularMore on this story → View project: Sociedade Ponto Verde (SPV) →

Environment minister urges Braval to build eco-business park

During a visit to Braval's Ecoparque, Secretary of State for the Environment João Manuel Esteves challenged the waste management company to expand beyond waste recovery and turn the site into a hub for circular-economy businesses. He proposed an "eco squared" concept, combining ecology and economy, suggesting the creation of a business park that would be economic, sustainable and environmentally sound. The idea involves attracting companies to operate alongside Braval's existing activities on the site.

NorteProducts, Consumption & CircularRead more at Diário do Minho ↗

Coimbra hosts Europe-China forum on agricultural robotics

The University of Coimbra hosts the second edition of the Europe-China Agricultural Robotics Forum (ECARF 2026) on 25 January, bringing together around one hundred experts, researchers, companies and policymakers. Co-organised with China's NICECART institute, the event follows the first edition held in Wuxi in 2025 and focuses on robotics and AI as responses to labour shortages in agriculture. The programme includes a live robot demonstration and the signing of three cooperation agreements, including research and training partnerships between UC and NICECART, and a commercial deal between UK firm Antobot and Spain's New Growing System.

CentroFood & AgricultureMore on this story →

Peniche academy trains Portugal's only professional divers

JustDive Blue Academy, based in Peniche, is the only school in Portugal training professional divers, according to CEO Pedro Ramalhete. Founded in 2014 as a nautical school offering recreational diving courses, it shifted focus in 2020 to professional diving. Since then, more than 250 trainees from mainland Portugal and the islands have passed through its programmes, preparing for careers in underwater construction and maintenance, aquaculture, inspections, port work, rescue operations and seaweed harvesting.

CentroEducation & Eco-tourismRead more at Jornal de Leiria ↗

Leiria builders' association launches school-business scheme with 170 firms

The Aricop construction employers' association of Leiria and Ourém, marking its 50th anniversary, has launched the Empresa-Escola initiative to tackle a shortage of qualified workers in the construction sector. President José Luís Sismeiro said the project follows an earlier scheme, RAMP Construction Academy, launched in 2021 to train active workers in reading technical drawings and identifying available materials and solutions. The new programme has already assembled a network of around 170 entities.

CentroEducation & Eco-tourismRead more at Jornal de Leiria ↗

Policy, funding and good to know

Centro 2030 opens funding call for affordable public housing

The Centro 2030 programme has launched a funding call to expand public housing available for rent at affordable prices in Portugal's Centro region. Investments must align with the New European Bauhaus and circular economy principles, prioritising energy efficiency, accessibility, green spaces and innovative construction methods. Municipalities, intermunicipal communities and municipal or intermunicipal business entities in the region can apply, with social solidarity institutions able to join as co-promoters in vulnerable areas. Applications can be submitted via the Balcão dos Fundos platform until 18:00 on 29 February 2028.

CentroConstruction & HousingRead more at Portugal 2030 ↗

Centro 2030 opens funding call for university residences

The Centro 2030 programme has launched a funding call to expand and upgrade public university residences in Portugal's Centro region, aiming for innovative, sustainable projects aligned with the New European Bauhaus and circular economy principles. The goal is to offer more affordable, dignified housing for displaced higher-education students, helping the region catch up with European averages for youth education access. Eligible applicants include universities, polytechnic institutes, municipalities, intermunicipal communities and related business sectors. Applications open in three phases, running until 26 February 2027 via the Balcão dos Fundos.

CentroConstruction & HousingRead more at Portugal 2030 ↗

DGADR, IRN and eBUPI sign land registry cooperation deal

The Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DGADR), the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) and the eBUPI mission structure signed a technical cooperation protocol on 18 September to improve identification and management of Portugal's rural land. The agreement lets DGADR technicians, once accredited by eBUPI, use the BUPi platform directly to produce georeferenced graphic representations of rural properties. It also creates a direct link with IRN's land registry, aiming to share territorial data and strengthen property identification. Officials say the deal will support land consolidation, irrigation management and better-informed public policy. Accreditation of DGADR staff is now beginning.

Food & AgricultureRead more at Rede Rural ↗

Most Portuguese back measures for healthier eating, DGS study finds

A study by Portugal's Directorate-General of Health (DGS) found that most proposed measures to encourage healthier eating win support levels above 80% among the population. Backing is strongest for measures promoting healthy food options in institutional settings, particularly those targeting children, such as schools and other public facilities. The findings suggest broad public readiness to accept policy interventions aimed at improving diets, especially where children's food environments are concerned.

Health & WellbeingRead more at The Portugal News ↗

Portugal expects nearly 10% rise in olive oil output

The Olivum association, which represents Portuguese olive growers and mills, forecasts national olive oil production will grow by almost 10% this year, nearing the 2024/2025 season's levels. High temperatures are speeding up olive ripening, which could push harvests and mill activity earlier than usual. Output could reach close to 177,000 tonnes, up from 160,000 tonnes in the previous campaign, though Olivum urges caution before drawing firm conclusions. The association also warns that fuel costs have risen sharply, with agricultural diesel up around 60% and road diesel up 40% compared with the previous season.

AlentejoFood & AgricultureRead more at Rádio Pax ↗

Portalegre restaurant Tombalobos plans production and dining expansion

Aromas à Solta, the company behind chef José Júlio Vintém's Alentejo restaurant Tombalobos in Portalegre, is expanding with support from business association NERPOR. An approved project under the "AI for SMEs" scheme is already being implemented, while a separate application to the Alentejo territorial incentive system aims to expand and improve its production and restaurant spaces. NERPOR also provides accounting services and is helping develop the company's Enfrascados jarred food line, which was shortlisted in the AHRESP awards, and prepare a new project called RAYASTAPARTA!, planned for 2027.

AlentejoHealth & WellbeingRead more at Jornal Alto Alentejo ↗

Forum theatre teaches waste sorting in São Tomé community

The NGO Oikos brought a forum-theatre session to the community of Messias Alves in São Tomé and Príncipe, engaging around 60 participants to explain how to correctly separate plastic, glass and metal waste. The initiative follows the installation of informative signs at waste collection points and aims to make sorting more intuitive and raise awareness of its benefits for community wellbeing. Oikos links poor waste management to marine pollution, noting that unsorted plastics can reach rivers, beaches and the sea. The activity is part of the project "Çê úcu, maxi futulo", run with Missão DIMIX and funded by Portuguese Cooperation/Camões, IP.

Products, Consumption & CircularRead more at Oikos ↗

Small wonders close to home

MAAT to host three free Repair Café sessions in 2026

Zero Waste Lab and ADM Estrela's Porta 11 project have launched a partnership to bring three Repair Café sessions to the MAAT garden in Lisbon by the end of 2026, on 26 September, 7 November and 12 December, from 10am to 1pm. Free but requiring registration, the sessions are open to anyone wanting to repair equipment or learn repair skills. Porta 11, founded in 2021, trains young people in electronics repair while supporting social inclusion. The partnership aims to expand Lisbon's repair offer, train new repairers and raise the project's visibility.

LisbonProducts, Consumption & CircularMore on this story → View project: Zero Waste Lab →

Beja market to host European Researchers' Night in 2026

The Polytechnic University of Beja (UPBeja) will hold the NEI 2026 – European Researchers' Night on 25 September, from 6pm to 10pm, at Beja's Municipal Market. The free event aims to bring science, research and innovation closer to the community through hands-on activities, demonstrations and interactive sessions covering topics such as environment, sustainability, food, health, agriculture and technology. Visitors of all ages will be able to meet UPBeja researchers, teachers and students directly. By choosing the market as its venue, the university seeks to extend knowledge beyond the campus and strengthen ties with the local community.

AlentejoEducation & Eco-tourismRead more at Rede Rural ↗

Funchal Food Week closes Friday with community soup event

The sixth edition of Funchal's Food Week is taking place this week at Largo da Restauração, with talks, workshops, cooking demonstrations and visits to an urban sensory garden. Avenida Arriaga is hosting a Healthy and Sustainable Market alongside a health area. A community soup event runs on Friday from 11am to 2pm, and the programme closes on Saturday at Parque de Santa Catarina with intergenerational physical activities and a SEMEAR picnic. The event is part of Funchal's Municipal Food Strategy (SEMEAR), which since 2023 has reached 25,000 people through 472 food literacy actions, including 84 cooking demonstrations.

MadeiraFood & AgricultureMore on this story →

Crédito Agrícola sponsors Raízes Vivas rural festival in Santarém

Crédito Agrícola is the official bank of the Raízes Vivas festival, taking place on 25 and 26 September at the Jardim das Portas do Sol in Santarém. The event brings together farmers, artisans and cultural agents to showcase Portuguese agriculture, gastronomy, local produce and rural traditions. Highlights include gastronomy gardens featuring regional dishes and native breeds, a producers' and artisans' market, and areas dedicated to regenerative agriculture and debates on sustainability and climate change. The programme also features concerts, equestrian shows and a horseback procession celebrating rural identity.

CentroEducation & Eco-tourismRead more at Agroportal ↗

Portuguese book links seaweed science, farming and fine dining

After three years of work, the book "Todo Um Oceano no Prato – Ciência, Cozinha e Produção de Algas" is entering production and promotion. Coordinated by GreenCoLab and PROALGA, it traces the journey of micro- and macroalgae from production and research to gastronomic use, with contributions from three key figures: chef Leonel Pereira, biotechnology entrepreneur João Navalho and GreenCoLab's Hugo Pereira. Though drawing on institutions nationwide, the project has strong Algarve roots. It will be presented on 27 September at the Congresso de Cozinha 2026 in Oeiras and on 16 October in Coimbra, with further events to be announced.

AlgarveFood & AgricultureMore on this story → View project: CCMAR – Centre of Marine Sciences (Universidade do Algarve) →

Setúbal offers young people up to €5,000 for climate projects

Setúbal's city council has joined the Youth Climate Action Fund, an international programme funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, to support climate action projects designed and led by young people aged 15 to 24. The municipality will receive $50,000 (about €43,400) to fund up to eight projects, with individual grants ranging from €1,000 to €5,000. Applications are open to youth associations, non-profits, schools and organisations working in youth, environment, education or community development, and proposals will be assessed on innovation, community impact and alignment with the local climate action plan. A public session will present the open call before applications are reviewed.

LisbonCommunity & Social InnovationMore on this story →

Arcos de Valdevez hosts conference on humanity and the Earth

The Oficinas de Criatividade Himalaya, in Arcos de Valdevez, are hosting the initiative "Fazer a Paz com a Terra" until Saturday. The event includes an international conference bringing together experts to discuss the Anthropocene, the current geological epoch marked by human impact on the planet. The news is reported by ALTOMINHO.TV, an online platform created to connect development stakeholders in the Alto Minho region and share local information freely.

NorteEducation & Eco-tourismMore on this story →
Seven days of the Pulse, curated into one weekly read.Read the Weekly Pulse

The Pulse in your inbox

A short read every morning — what's happening across sustainable Portugal.

Recent