Funding for a significant beach development in Algarve receives the green light
Portugal's Quarteira-Garrão Coastal Sand Replenishment Project Aims to Combat Erosion
The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) has been authorized to undertake a significant sand replenishment project along the Quarteira-Garrão coastal stretch in the Algarve region. The project, titled "Artificial Feeding project on the Quarteira-Garrão coastal stretch," is expected to begin at the end of the summer season in 2025.
The strategic objectives of the project include preventing or reducing the effects of natural hazards, particularly those resulting from climate change, and implementing investment in coastal areas most vulnerable to risk. The project falls under the scope of integrated coastal zone management in the Algarve and is part of a set of actions proposed by the Vilamoura-Vila Real de Santo António Coastal Development Plan (POOC).
The project will take place along a 6.6-kilometre stretch of coastline between Quarteira and Garrão. The APA will be responsible for contracting and executing the project. The total project budget, including VAT, is €14,268,061.50. The funding for the project has been secured jointly by the European Cohesion Fund and the National Environmental Fund, totaling €14.2 million. The Cohesion Fund has provided €10,841,087.15 for the project, while the national funding will be implemented by APA, IP and supported by the Environmental Fund, totaling €3,426,974.35.
The project will be financed under the Thematic Program for Climate Action and Sustainability (PACS), which allows for up to 85% co-financing. The increased erosion in this area is associated with the construction of maritime projects. The project aims to artificially replenish the coastal stretch between Quarteira and Garrão to combat sand retreat.
The project's completion will result in budgetary charges in a fiscal year other than the year of completion. It is important to note that the APA is authorized to incur expenses and assume multi-year costs for the project, up to a total amount of €11,600,050.00, including VAT. The authorization allows the APA to incur expenses related to price reviews for the project.
This project fits within a larger strategy of integrated coastal zone management aimed at climate resilience and environmental sustainability of Portugal’s vulnerable coastal areas. The national counterpart for the project, to be provided by APA, IP, will be financed by resources transferred from the Environmental Fund. The application to the Cohesion Fund was submitted under the Thematic Program for Climate Action and Sustainability (PACS).
| Aspect | Details | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Location | Quarteira-Garrão coastal stretch, Algarve | | Objective | Sand replenishment to mitigate erosion, prevent climate hazard impacts | | Length of coast | 6.6 kilometres | | Responsible body | Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) | | Funding amount | €14.2 million | | Funding sources | European Cohesion Fund, National Environmental Fund | | Timeline | Expected start: End of summer 2025 | | Program framework | Thematic Program for Climate Action and Sustainability (PACS) | | National counterpart | APA, IP (to be financed by resources transferred from the Environmental Fund) |
- The Quarteira-Garrão coastal sand replenishment project, situated in Portugal's Algarve region, is an initiative rooted in environmental science, aiming to combat the impacts of climate change and promote climate resilience.
- In alignment with the Vilamoura-Vila Real de Santo António Coastal Development Plan (POOC), the project's financial management falls under wealth management, with funds secured jointly from the European Cohesion Fund and the National Environmental Fund.
- In addition to preventing erosion, the sand replenishment project endeavors to reinforce the coastal environment, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development and the preservation of the Algarve's unique ecosystems, reflecting the principles of environmental-science and climate-change mitigation strategies.
