Portuguese mayors demand action to protect Mondego River basin

Mayors from Viseu, Guarda, and Coimbra, alongside environmental activists, are calling for urgent, concrete strategies to manage the Mondego River basin and its surrounding ecosystems. During the inaugural congress, “Mondego, what future for this hydrographic basin?”, leaders emphasized the need to transition from diagnosis to decisive political action to combat climate change, pollution, and soil erosion.

Sérgio Costa, Mayor of Guarda, highlighted the interconnectedness of the river and the surrounding region, noting that damage to the Mondego affects the entire central area. He specifically pointed to the impact of forest fires, such as those in the Serra da Estrela in 2022, which left ash and burnt wood flowing in the river. Costa criticized the lack of reforestation efforts following these fires and advocated for a management approach that integrates human presence and traditional practices with nature protection.

João Azevedo, Mayor of Viseu, stressed the importance of bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and political decision-making. He also noted the significance of understanding water resource availability, specifically regarding the Fagilde dam's storage capacity, to inform future management policies.