Posted on January 6, 2025
Coastal protection “a priority for Portugal’s government”
The government has announced a €20.2 million investment in “priority interventions to stabilise cliffs, protect coastal infrastructure and strengthen the country’s most vulnerable beaches, contributing to environmental preservation and the safety of local communities”.
Almost €14 million will come from Sustainable 2030 funds, which cover innovative projects that combine advanced engineering with nature-based solutions, promote climate adaptation and sustainable coastal management.
As today’s press release from the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, quoting minister Maria de Graça Carvalho, proclaims: “Coastal protection is a priority for the government”.
The 12 interventions (listed below) include two in the Algarve. According to the release, the projects “represent a significant milestone in the fight against coastal erosion, adaptation to climate change and the promotion of sustainable solutions for the protection of the Portuguese coastline”.
In addition to the amount funded by Sustainable 2030 – a programme for which the ministry is responsible – there will be another €6.3 million provided from the State Budget.
The various projects have all been designed to “guarantee the protection of people and property, preserve natural heritage and increase the resilience of local communities”.
Measures adopted, “such as restoring natural systems, reinforcing infrastructure and sediment management, aim to mitigate risks and ensure lasting solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
“These investments reflect the government’s commitment to a more resilient coastline that is prepared to face the challenges posed by climate change. Throughout 2024, after taking office in April, the government has reinforced its commitment to solutions based on nature and sustainability, promoting the safety of populations and the preservation of our coastal heritage.
“This is another fundamental step towards ensuring the quality of life of future generations and positioning Portugal as a leader in climate adaptation in Europe,”, the minister emphasised.
The 12 interventions are:
- A cost-benefit analysis study of the implementation of a project to protect the erosion slope of the Estela dune cordon (Póvoa de Varzim);
- Rehabilitation of coastal spurs in Ofir (Esposende) and Paramos (Espinho), improving their resistance to climate change;
- Structural rehabilitation of the coastal wall at Lavadores Beach in Vila Nova de Gaia, guaranteeing protection against the advance of the sea;
- Environmental impact and implementation studies for the protection of critical areas such as Esmoriz (south of Porto) and Furadouro (Ovar), promoting sustainable engineering solutions;
- Preparation of execution projects for the stabilisation of slopes on the beaches of Légua and Pedra do Ouro, in the West (Alcobaça);
- Preliminary study and execution project to minimise risks to cliffs and slopes at Calada beach in the municipality of Mafra;
- Containment of the cliffs between Praia da Bafureira and Parede, in Cascais;
- Artificial sand nourishment on the beaches of Costa da Caparica and S. João da Caparica, strengthening coastal resilience in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area;
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Desilting of the Albufeira Lagoon (Sesimbra), improving water circulation and environmental sustainability in the region;
- Restoring natural systems and minimising risk at Praia da Califórnia (Sesimbra) and Portinho da Arrábida (Setúbal);
- Renaturalisation of the Ancão Peninsula, in the Algarve, by removing illegal constructions and reinforcing dune systems with native vegetation;
- Stabilisation of the Arriba da D. Ana, in Lagos (the Arriba being the very steep cliff leading to the iconic beach).
What stands out from this release is the lack of mention of the Algarve’s Ria Formosa, which for years saw islanders – principally on Culatra island’s nuclei of Farol and Hangares, but also on Armona – fighting to remain in their homes, after being told by governments of the day that they were all ‘liable to coastal erosion/ climate change/ rising sea levels’. As the islanders stressed during the most intense period of their fight, the main reason their homes were considered vulnerable was that sand removal from their shorelines (for the purposes of the Algarve’s construction boom) had allowed the sea to advance.
