Beach sand restoration in Costa da Caparica
Portugal Boosts Coastal Protection with Major Investments
The Portuguese government is taking significant steps to protect its coastline and preserve natural heritage, as revealed by a series of recent announcements.
In a bid to stabilise cliffs, safeguard coastal infrastructure, and reinforce vulnerable beaches, the Ministry of the Environment has embarked on a series of projects, financed by European funds from the Thematic Program for Climate Action and Sustainability (PACS) and the Port of Lisbon Administration, S.A.
One of these projects is the artificial beach nourishment in Costa da Caparica, led by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). The project, currently underway, aims to strengthen coastal resilience in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. With a target completion scheduled for late September 2025, the project involves replenishing the beach with a total volume of 1,000,000 cubic meters of sand.
The estimated investment for this project is 8.6 million euros, a figure approved by the government in February. The APA-led intervention also includes advanced engineering and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and sustainable coastal management.
In early January, the government announced an investment of €20.2 million in priority coastal protection projects. The Cohesion/Sustainability Fund 2030 approved funding for 12 applications for coastal protection and defense projects.
Meanwhile, the dredging of the Albufeira [Sesimbra] lagoon has already begun. The goal is to improve water circulation, restore natural systems, and minimise risks on Praia da Califórnia and Portinho da Arrábida. However, the completion date for this project and the total investment for both the Albufeira [Sesimbra] lagoon dredging and the Costa da Caparica beaches intervention are not yet explicitly stated.
The Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho, has emphasised the importance of these initiatives, admitting in July 2024 that sand replenishment of the Caparica beaches is essential for preserving the natural heritage. She also acknowledged that the process is long and ongoing and must be maintained.
The Mayor of Almada, Inês de Medeiros (PS), has called on the government to ensure that the beach replenishments are completed by 2025. The Minister, in response, admitted that the process is a priority and is being actively pursued with the available resources.
[1] Source: Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) press release, July 2025.
The Portuguese government's environmental efforts extend beyond coastal protection, as evident in the €20.2 million investment announced in January for priority climate adaptation projects. To combat climate change, the government is also investing in environmental science and sustainable real-estate development, as acknowledged by Maria da Graça Carvalho, the Minister of the Environment, in her July 2024 address.
The financing for these extensive environmental initiatives comes from various sources, including the Thematic Program for Climate Action and Sustainability (PACS) and the Port of Lisbon Administration, S.A., as revealed by the Portuguese government's announcements.
As part of the Portuguese government's plan to foster sustainable development, the government is considering investing in green technologies and practices within the real-estate sector, aiming to create eco-friendly cities and contribute to the global fight against climate change. This strategic investment, if pursued, will likely align with the growing trend of environmentally-conscious investing worldwide.
