Situated in northern Portugal, in the Aveiro district, Estarreja is a city where industrial heritage meets a renewed commitment to environmental sustainability. Home to approximately 26,000 residents, the municipality is characterised by its proximity to the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, its wetlands, rivers and agricultural landscapes. Historically shaped by agriculture, salt extraction and, later, the chemical and metallurgical industries, Estarreja has embraced its industrial past as a driving force for environmental transformation and a more sustainable future.
Estarreja’s sustainability strategy is deeply rooted in its ability to turn environmental challenges into opportunities for regeneration. After decades of industrial activity that left lasting impacts on air, water and soil quality, the city has made significant progress in restoring its natural environment. Initiatives such as the BioRia project, which has transformed formerly polluted wetlands into an ecotourism and nature conservation area, demonstrate how environmental restoration can go hand in hand with biodiversity protection, education and sustainable tourism. The preservation of Natura 2000 sites further reflects the city’s commitment to safeguarding its rich natural heritage.
At the heart of Estarreja’s transformation lies a strong culture of collaboration. Through the PACOPAR platform, the city brings together industries, local authorities and community stakeholders to address shared environmental challenges and advance a common sustainability agenda. By actively engaging major industrial actors and residents, Estarreja demonstrates how cooperation can drive meaningful environmental progress, even in smaller municipalities. This inclusive approach has enabled the city to turn its industrial legacy into an opportunity for collective action and innovation.
Estarreja’s progress is supported by strong governance and a clear vision for the future. Its communication strategy, structured around the phases of rooting, blossoming, pollinating and sowing, reflects a long-term approach to sustainability, from building solid foundations to sharing knowledge and inspiring further action. By connecting environmental restoration, stakeholder engagement and public awareness, the city has developed a model that combines local commitment with the ambition to create an impact beyond its borders.
With its collaborative spirit, commitment to nature restoration and determination to overcome the challenges of its industrial past, Estarreja demonstrates that a city’s size does not determine its ability to drive change. As a European Green Leaf 2028 winner, the city stands as an inspiring example of how strong partnerships, shared responsibility and local leadership can transform industrial regions and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for Europe.
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For more details, explore Estarreja’s application and presentation. Additionally, the jury report and the Technical Assessment Synopsis Report are accessible for further insights.