Águeda reinforces its environmental strategy to enhance water resources as the 2026 European Green Leaf

On 19 December, the municipality of Águeda and the Portuguese environment agency (APA) formally signed a technical and financial cooperation protocol for the implementation of the project 'Rehabilitation and Enhancement of the Alfusqueiro River – River Park'. This initiative is part of the national programme 'Água que nos Une / ProRrios 2030'.

The project will restore and enhance approximately two kilometres of the Alfusqueiro River’s water domain, with implementation scheduled for 2026. Once completed, it will directly and indirectly benefit around 46 000 people.

With a total investment of EUR 300,000, funded by APA through the environmental fund, the operation is part of Águeda’s broader strategy to enhance its water resources. It also contributes to the municipality's commitments under the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, further reinforcing its role as European Green Leaf 2026.

Mayor Jorge Almeida highlighted Águeda's deep historical and structur connection to its rivers, noting that the municipality is the largest in the Aveiro district by land area, with an extensive hydrographic network that requires continuous, planned intervention.

The mayor emphasised Águeda's pioneering use of natural engineering techniques and river renaturalisation, acknowledging past neglect: “For decades we turned our backs on the rivers”. Today, he emphasised, this mindset has shifted, with visible results in environmental quality and enhanced enjoyment of riverside areas.

The signing of this protocol is particularly significant at a time when Águeda is assuming its title as European Green Leaf 2026. The municipality has planned a year-lig programme of initiatives focused on sustainability, rivers, wetlands, biodiversity and quality of life, reaffirming its commitment to environmentally responsible and socially inclusive development.