Pulse

30 September 2026

Good morning. As the new water year begins, there are seahorses finding homes in shopping trolleys, native gardens taking root and plenty to explore across the country.

Nature and biodiversity

Shopping trolleys turned into seahorse shelters near Lisbon

Nine supermarket trolleys, donated by Lidl Portugal and adapted by local locksmiths, have been placed underwater in the Trafaria bay, in Almada, to serve as artificial shelters for seahorses. The idea came from researchers who observed the animals already sheltering in trolleys discarded amid marine litter. The project, part of WWF Portugal and MARDIVE's Tejo estuary initiative, targets a population described as unusually dense for the species. No removal date is set, as this is the first phase of a wider effort to clear debris and restore the habitat, with monitoring dives planned until October 2026.

Lisbon Ecosystems & Biodiversity More on this story →

Madeira replaces invasive plants in social housing gardens with native species

The IHM public housing company in Madeira has launched "Jardins+Nossos", a project to replant green spaces in social housing neighbourhoods with endemic species, replacing plants that are largely invasive or exotic. The idea came from Júnio Jardim, a 21-year-old biology student who noticed the problem at Bairro da Nazaré in Funchal, and was developed with local associations, the IHM and the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, which will supply the native plants. A pilot scheme will begin in a cleared-up garden at Bairro da Nazaré, with planting sessions scheduled for 15 and 22 October, before possible expansion to other neighbourhoods such as Romeiras and Nogueira.

Madeira Ecosystems & Biodiversity More on this story → View project: IFCN – Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza, IP-RAM →

São Miguel islet limits daily visitors to 400 for reopening

The Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, off São Miguel in the Azores, is a near-circular volcanic islet nicknamed the "Anel da Princesa", formed by a submerged crater roughly 150 metres wide that connects to the Atlantic. Classified as a Natural Reserve since 1983 to protect marine life and nesting seabirds such as the cagarro, it now reopens for the bathing season with daily access capped at 400 people, with boat transport run by Vila Franca do Campo's Clube Naval. The site has also hosted Red Bull Cliff Diving events, adding international visibility to its appeal for swimming, snorkelling and free diving.

Azores Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Postal ↗

European project seeks heat-resilient sheep breeding tool

The European project SheepHeatIT, involving researchers including Ana Mira Geraldo from the University of Évora's MED institute, aims to identify why some sheep cope better with heat stress than others. Researchers will study sheep of different breeds and regions, combining genetic data with measurements such as body temperature, respiratory rate, sweating and behaviour. The goal is a genomic selection index for heat resistance, plus a herd-level heat resistance index and a digital platform to share the data. The tool would complement, not replace, management measures like shade and water access, helping farmers breed animals better suited to a warming climate.

Alentejo Food & Agriculture Read more at Agroportal ↗

Tavira renews €187,000 hunting club deal for fire prevention

The Tavira council has renewed its partnership with the Algarve Hunters' Federation and 45 local hunting clubs, investing a total of €187,000 in rural fire prevention and biodiversity promotion. The council will provide €138,000 in financial support plus €49,000 for purchasing 21,000 tonnes of seeds, used to plant annual pastures along fuel management strips. The scheme also includes sowing cereal and legume crops to boost food availability for game species. The measures form part of Tavira's municipal forest fire defence plan and aim to strengthen coordination between hunting activity and structural fire-prevention efforts.

Algarve Ecosystems & Biodiversity More on this story →

Serra de São Mamede co-management body reviews project progress

The Co-management Commission of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park met in Marvão on 24 September to review ongoing initiatives in the protected area. The session, attended by CCDR Alentejo vice-president Sónia Ramos, introduced new commission members and appointed representatives to its Support Structure, alongside an update on the implementation of the park's co-management plan. Members also discussed 2025-2026 funding calls for protected area co-management, including a proposed change to the beneficiary entity for technical training support and progress on projects tied to the plan's execution. Ramos underlined the park's environmental and socioeconomic importance for Alentejo.

Alentejo Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Jornal Alto Alentejo ↗

Santarém becomes first council to join Nature Guardians network

The 4th National Meeting of Guardiãs da Natureza brought around 250 women to Santarém's Convento de São Francisco on 25 September. The event, organised by Business as Nature with Santarém's council, highlighted women's role in agriculture and featured a cooperation protocol between Business as Nature and CONFAGRI. Santarém signed a charter becoming the first municipality to formally join the network, launching a new Network of Partner Municipalities. The network currently supports about 675 women and over 263 entrepreneurship projects across 28 protected areas in mainland Portugal, with plans to expand to the Azores, Madeira and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Centro Community & Social Innovation More on this story →

Water at the start of a new year

Algarve reservoirs at 74% as new hydrological year begins

The Algarve's six main reservoirs hold 328 million cubic metres of water, 74% of capacity, 13 million more than a year ago, according to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). APA president José Pimenta Machado said the improvement should not slow investments to secure water supply, calling for reduced losses in urban and agricultural networks. He highlighted desalination and the Pomarão-Odeleite reservoir connection as priority projects to boost resilience ahead of future droughts, and urged continued water savings across homes, tourism, agriculture and services.

Algarve Energy, Water & Mobility More on this story →

Portugal's tap water safety rate stays near 100% for 11th year

ERSAR, the water and waste services regulator, reported that mainland Portugal's tap water safety indicator remained close to 100% last year, the eleventh year in a row this level has been achieved. The figure reflects the proportion of water supplied that meets safety standards for human consumption. The regulator released the data as part of its annual assessment of the sector's performance.

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

Setúbal Peninsula water resilience study to be presented 1 October

To mark National Water Day, Setúbal City Council and Águas de Portugal will publicly present the study "Setúbal Peninsula – Water Resilience" on 1 October at Cinema Charlot. The study, developed collaboratively with municipalities, public bodies, water utilities, scientists and users, examines the region's heavy reliance on the Tagus-Sado Basin left-bank aquifer system. It aims to build a knowledge base to guide future decisions on water use amid climate change, population growth and economic development pressures. The open session will bring together institutional representatives and specialists to discuss challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management in the region.

Lisbon Energy, Water & Mobility More on this story →

Quercus to host Lisbon debate on the value of water

Marking National Water Day, Quercus and the Associação Círculo de Reflexão are holding a debate-dinner in Lisbon titled 'How much is the last drop of water worth?'. The event, on 1 October 2026 at the Centro Cultural de Cabo Verde, brings together four specialists, including the president of the Portuguese Environment Agency and a former head of EPAL, to discuss sustainable water management and mounting pressures on the resource. Quercus says it has spent the past year calling for water management that respects the ecological limits of natural systems. Tickets cost 22.50 euros and registration closes on 30 September.

Lisbon Energy, Water & Mobility More on this story → View project: Quercus – Associação Nacional de Conservação da Natureza →

Baixo Mondego irrigation network gets €4.3 million repair contract

A contract worth €4,345,182 has been signed to repair and rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure in the Baixo Mondego hydro-agricultural scheme, benefiting around 12,000 hectares and roughly 2,500 farmers. The work, awarded to Oliveiras, S.A., covers irrigation, drainage and road networks damaged earlier this year, including removal of debris from the Casais dyke breach. The project stems from technical surveys and a funding application prepared by the Associação de Beneficiários do Baixo Mondego, following talks with the Ministry of Agriculture and the DGADR. It aims to restore water supply to farms and rebuild the scheme's resilience.

Centro Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Voz do Campo ↗

Anadia to get €100,000 to repair rivers after storm damage

The municipality of Anadia will receive €100,000 to restore and improve rivers and watercourses damaged by storms that hit the area in January and February. The funding comes from a programme contract signed between the Anadia council, the Fundo Ambiental and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). The money is intended to repair damage caused by the extreme weather to the concelho's waterways.

Centro Ecosystems & Biodiversity Read more at Notícias de Coimbra ↗

Close to home

Maia food waste collection to expand to 25,000 homes

Maiambiente is expanding selective food waste collection in Maia to cover more than 25,000 households, adding door-to-door collection for over 19,000 homes and 83 new street container points for around 6,300 more. Currently collection reaches about 55% of the municipality, and the goal is to recover 70% of biowaste potential by 2030. The move accompanies a national context where 1.82 million tonnes of food were wasted in Portugal in 2024. An awareness campaign starts today, with door-to-door outreach from the week of 12 October.

Norte Products, Consumption & Circular More on this story →

Ílhavo installs 30 new bins for used cooking oil

The municipality of Ílhavo, in partnership with PRIO, has installed 30 new collection points for used cooking oil, operated by certified partner EC3R, which sends the waste to PRIO's New Energies Complex at the Port of Aveiro. The scheme targets a council with strong maritime, catering and food-industry activity; 1,316 kg were collected during the last Bacalhau Festival alone. PRIO data show a litre of used oil can contaminate up to a million litres of water, while 1,000 litres can yield about 950 litres of biodiesel, though only around 10% of used oil is currently recycled. Ílhavo's municipal fleet already runs on ECO Diesel containing 15% biofuel from used oil.

Centro Products, Consumption & Circular More on this story →

On-demand transport service launches in Batalha on 1 October

Batalha municipality is launching an on-demand transport service starting Thursday, 1 October. The service targets mainly residents in areas lacking regular public transport or where existing schedules fail to meet local needs, offering an alternative way to reach the municipal seat. Further details of routes, booking and pricing were not included in the available text.

Centro Energy, Water & Mobility Read more at Região de Leiria ↗

Beja migrant-labour scheme brings farmers and 500 workers together

The LIMA Alentejo project, launched by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Beja with nine partner organisations including Beja's council, EDIA, Cáritas and CERCIBEJA, aims to match farmers short of workers with 500 migrants seeking opportunities. Backed by the Gulbenkian Integration Initiative, it introduces a digital platform where farmers list labour needs and workers register their availability and skills. Beyond jobs, participants get 250 hours of training until December 2027 covering farming techniques, transport, Portuguese language, workplace safety and labour rights, plus social and legal support. Agriculture Minister José Manuel Fernandes is visiting the project today.

Alentejo Food & Agriculture More on this story →

Ponta Delgada raises building limits to boost housing supply

Ponta Delgada's municipal council has proposed a revision to its master land-use plan (PDM) allowing taller buildings in parts of the municipality to expand housing capacity. Consolidated urban areas and much of the areas to be consolidated would gain a standard three-storey allowance, including in more rural parishes, without indiscriminately extending urban perimeters. Mayor Pedro Nascimento Cabral said the plan must free up maximum legal space for housing to meet urgent demand. More than half of public consultation submissions were incorporated. The council votes on 1 October, before the proposal goes to regional authorities and eventually the Municipal Assembly for final approval.

Azores Construction & Housing Read more at Açoriano Oriental ↗

Centro 2030 opens funding call for affordable public housing

The Centro 2030 programme has launched a funding call to expand public rental housing at affordable prices in Portugal's Centro region, backed by EU support. The call targets municipalities, intermunicipal communities and municipal business-sector entities, with social solidarity institutions able to join as co-promoters in vulnerable areas. Projects must follow New European Bauhaus principles and circular economy criteria, prioritising energy efficiency, accessibility, green spaces and innovative construction methods. Applications can be submitted through the Balcão dos Fundos platform until 6pm on 29 February 2028.

Centro Construction & Housing Read more at Portugal 2030 ↗

Energy, transport and Europe

Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg seek new EU renewables target

Portugal, Spain and Luxembourg have written to the European Commission asking for a clear, ambitious renewable energy target for 2040, Spanish Energy Minister Sara Aagesen said ahead of an EU energy ministers' meeting in Dublin. The letter, sent to Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, argues for a dedicated renewables goal rather than a broader 'clean energy' target that would also count nuclear power. The EU currently aims for renewables to reach 42.5% of energy consumption by 2030, with a 45% ambition written into law. Brussels is preparing a new post-2030 framework, following the bloc's approval of a binding 2040 target for a 90% net cut in greenhouse gas emissions versus 1990 levels.

Energy, Water & Mobility More on this story →

Von der Leyen cites 40 daily Lisbon-Madrid flights as rail gap proof

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticised the lack of a direct rail link between Lisbon and Madrid, noting nearly 40 flights connect the cities daily despite being just over 600km apart. Speaking at Connecting Europe Days 2026 in Brussels, she cited this as an example of missing links in the Trans-European Transport Network. A new high-speed line across the Iberian Peninsula should allow a five-hour direct journey by 2030 and around three hours by 2034. She said completing the network could boost EU GDP by 2.4% by 2050, and the Commission has proposed over 50 billion euros for transport funding.

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

Grid operators urge EU to boost investment for cheaper power

ENTSO-E, the association of 40 European transmission system operators including Portugal's REN, says lower electricity bills and faster electrification across Europe depend on stronger grids and greater investment. Responding to Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech and the European Commission's plans on future-ready electricity bills, the group set out five recommendations, including new remuneration models that attract investor capital, broader incentives covering security and cybersecurity, and letting national regulators, not ACER, assess operator performance. It argues that affordable, electrified energy in Europe cannot be achieved without modernising and reinforcing transmission networks.

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

Portugal joins EU network for cross-border self-driving car tests

Portugal signed a joint declaration with Slovakia and Norway at the Connecting Europe Days 2026 event in Brussels to build large-scale cross-border testing environments for autonomous vehicles. With Spain, which joined last week, the initiative now counts 22 participating countries. The plan aims to let autonomous vehicle projects, covering public transport, freight and logistics, be tested across borders under common approval rules rather than differing national procedures. It forms part of the European Commission's Automotive Action Plan, which also includes 20 million euros for digital infrastructure supporting autonomous driving.

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

Beja hosts seminar on sustainable energy production for Alentejo

A seminar titled "A Produção de Energias Sustentáveis para a Região do Alentejo" takes place this afternoon at the Escola Superior de Educação in Beja, part of the Instituto Politécnico. Organised under the BioAlentec project's sustainable biofuels strand, together with CEBAL and NERBE, it aims to present research and innovation happening at regional centres to companies, students and the wider public. The goal is to connect businesses with new clean energy solutions being developed in Alentejo. The topic will resurface at CEBAL's stand during the RuralBeja fair, running from 2 to 5 October.

Alentejo Energy, Water & Mobility More on this story →

Policy and debate

Madeira PS accuses agriculture secretary of reversing stance on farmland

Madeira's PS party has accused regional agriculture secretary Nuno Maciel of hypocrisy after he called for agricultural reserves to protect farmland from urban speculation, despite his own department issuing a negative opinion in 2025 on a PS bill to create such a reserve in Madeira. MP Sílvia Silva said the secretary's department argued existing municipal plans already safeguard farmland, and that the transitional regime since 2011 has sufficed. She noted Madeira's soil map is over 30 years old and much fertile land has already been lost to urban expansion. The PS says it will resubmit its proposal, challenging Maciel to make his coalition partners support it this time.

Madeira Food & Agriculture More on this story →

Madeira minister says state should enable, not dictate, business sustainability

Madeira's regional economy secretary, José Manuel Rodrigues, closed a public session on ISO 21401 sustainability certification for tourist accommodation, held at Funchal's Colégio dos Jesuítas and organised by the regional competitiveness and sustainability department. He argued sustainability should be embedded in company strategy rather than treated as a bureaucratic add-on, and that government's role is to create conditions for better business decisions, not dictate management. He cited Madeira's August 2025 EarthCheck Silver Seal Level IV certification, with a Gold certification targeted for 2027, and framed sustainability as an economic opportunity involving reduced costs from better resource and workforce management, rather than purely an environmental issue.

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

EU animal welfare experts hold pig meeting at Portugal's DGAV

Portugal's food and veterinary authority DGAV hosted a two-day meeting on 28-29 September with the EU Reference Centre for Animal Welfare of Pigs (EURCAW-Pigs). About twenty technicians from DGAV's regional directorates, Azores veterinary services and health inspectors attended. Discussions covered fitness for transport, emergency slaughter on farms, and enrichment materials to prevent tail-biting, along with inspection of CO2 stunning systems. The programme included a guided visit to a pig slaughterhouse to review structures, procedures and assessment methods for animal welfare.

Food & Agriculture Read more at Agroportal ↗

Coimbra university holds sustainability days on AI ethics

The University of Coimbra will hold the fourth edition of its Sustainability Days from 30 September to 15 October, focused this year on artificial intelligence. Sessions across the Polo I campus will bring together academics, university leaders, students and civil society to discuss AI's role in teaching, research, innovation and civic participation, alongside concerns about digital infrastructure, institutional responsibility and governance. Events include a student-focused afternoon at the Botanical Garden on 7 October and a closing international conference on 15 October about universities' role in setting safeguards for advanced AI systems. Most sessions are open to the public with registration open until 23 September.

Centro Education & Eco-tourism More on this story →

Small wonders and things to do

Spanish artist turns Porto de Mós quarry into sound and colour project

Spanish artist Sea162 has launched "Entre Tierras Sonoro" at the Pedreira dos Bentos quarry in Serro Ventoso, Porto de Mós, part of the Stone Artpark open-air museum in the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros natural park. After an artist residency at the Codaçal extraction site, the work was inaugurated on 28 September and runs until 28 October, though the murals will remain afterwards. The project involves geologists, biologists, local firms and residents in collecting minerals to create natural pigments and building lithophones, stone instruments, exploring the quarry materials' sound properties. It is part of the Spanish Ministry of Culture's Mostra Espanha 2026 biennial.

Centro Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Jornal de Leiria ↗

Arouca forest trail to honour 25 women activists worldwide

The Instituto Marquês de Valle Flor and the association 4540 Jovem have launched the "Floresta Ativista" in Arouca's Parque Florestal da Palma, pairing 25 trees with 25 women recognised for defending equality, human rights, peace, education and the environment, including Greta Thunberg, Capicua and Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo. The project, funded by the EU and the Instituto Camões under the "Jovens 2030" programme, involved young people from the Moldes parish. It includes planting 300 new trees by the end of 2027 and monitoring their growth, alongside physical and digital information about each honoured activist.

Norte Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Diário de Aveiro ↗

Olhão's Fértil festival moves to new riverside park for fourth edition

The Fértil festival returns to Olhão on 3 and 4 October for its fourth edition, relocating to the recently opened western riverside park by the Ria Formosa. Organised jointly by the MOCES association and Olhão council, the free event runs from 2pm to 11pm around four themes: environment, community, culture and innovation. The programme includes live music from Sensible Soccers and Rossana, DJ sets, talks on circular economy and conscious eating, wellness activities, a creative market, food trucks and a children's area. Clay cups bearing the festival's seal remain a sustainability feature, alongside encouragement for attendees to bring their own cup.

Algarve Education & Eco-tourism More on this story →

Alte school to hold guided hike through Algarvensis Geopark

The Escola Profissional de Alte is organising a guided walking tour on 25 October called "À Descoberta da Penina", marking the region's recognition as part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. Over a 10-kilometre route, participants will explore the geological and cultural features of Alte and Penina, including the Fonte Pequena, the Fonte Grande and the Penina fossil sites. The event combines nature, culture and gastronomy, ending with a meal at Restaurante Rosmaninho. Registration details are available through the school.

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

Santa Luzia hosts octopus food route for World Octopus Day

Santa Luzia parish council is marking World Octopus Day, celebrated on 8 October, with "Haja Polvo - Rota Gastronómica", running from 8 to 11 October. Known as the "Capital do Polvo", the parish is highlighting octopus as central to its identity and its fishing and culinary heritage. Participating restaurants will each create their own octopus tapa or tasting dish, accessible via a two-euro passport that also enters visitors into a prize draw. The programme also includes an exhibition, a themed parade and tourist routes exploring the parish's history and culture.

Algarve Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Postal ↗

Beja fair to host over 30 hands-on activities for children

The Beja Educa initiative returns to the RuralBeja fair from 2 to 5 October, offering children and young people more than 30 hands-on activities across the municipal fairground. Rather than passive observation, participants will build, test and solve challenges involving robotics, programming, live insects, science experiments, rappelling and obstacle courses. Civil Protection, police and other bodies will teach road safety, first aid and firefighting. Local institutions including the municipal library, regional museum and conservatory are also taking part. The first day is reserved for pre-registered schools, with public sessions running on the following days.

Alentejo Education & Eco-tourism Read more at Rádio Pax ↗

REN launches mobile game on building electricity grids

REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais has released Guess Watt, a mobile game challenging players to plan and build electricity grids while keeping communities supplied with power. Players work with limited budgets, choosing sites, investing in repairs and responding to unexpected events such as storms that threaten supply. Sustainability considerations run through the decisions at every stage. Aimed mainly at younger audiences aged 12 and up, the game covers steps such as stakeholder relations, easements and environmental issues. It was developed by companies within WYgroup and is available on the App Store and Google Play.