Government Authorizes €14.2 Million for Sand Replenishment on Algarve Coast
The Portuguese Government has approved the expenditure for a major sand replenishment project between Quarteira and Garrão in the municipality of Loulé, Algarve. A resolution published in the Diário da República on Monday authorizes the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) to execute the works.
The project, announced by the Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho, will address erosion along a 6.6-kilometre stretch of coastline. The total cost is estimated at €14.2 million, which will be financed through the European Cohesion Fund and Portugal's national Environmental Fund. Work is expected to begin after the end of the current bathing season.
This policy is part of the government's strategy for the integrated management of the Algarve's coastal zone. Its objectives include the “prevention or reduction of the effects of natural risks, in particular those arising from climate change” and investing in areas with “greater vulnerability to risk.” The government stated that the erosion in this area has been exacerbated by the construction of maritime works.
The project involves dredging sand from an offshore deposit and transferring it to the beach to combat the receding shoreline. The official resolution specifies the goal is to “mitigate the erosion of the sandy cliffs” by artificially nourishing the beach. This measure is also included in the Coastal Zone Management Plan (POOC) for Vilamoura-Vila Real de Santo António.
Funding was secured through an application to the EU's Thematic Program for Climate Action and Sustainability (PACS), which will provide €10,841,087.15, covering up to 85% of the cost. The national contribution of €3,426,974.35 will be sourced from the Environmental Fund. The total authorized amount, including VAT, is €14,268,061.50.
A resolution from the Council of Ministers, signed by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, was necessary to approve the multi-year expenditure, as the project is scheduled for completion in 2026. This allows the APA to assume the financial commitments for the duration of the works.
The APA is now authorized to proceed with the contracting and execution of the project. The government's resolution confirms that the national portion of the funding will be transferred from the Environmental Fund to the APA to cover the costs.
Local authorities in the Algarve have long called for such interventions to protect the coastline, which is a critical asset for the region's tourism-dependent economy. The project is expected to secure the beaches for the foreseeable future, benefiting local businesses, residents, and property owners.
The implementation will be monitored by the APA to ensure it meets environmental standards and achieves its intended objectives. The project timeline and specific start dates for the dredging and replenishment operations will be announced by the agency in the coming weeks.
Navigate Portuguese property regulations with expert guidance at realestate-lisbon.com.
