proTEJO movement demands ecological flows for Tagus River

The proTEJO movement has approved a formal contribution to the upcoming management plan for the Tagus River basin. The group is demanding that ecological flows and the identification of new dams, weirs, and water transfers be recognized as significant pressures on the river.

Spokesperson Paulo Constantino stated that water management must not be treated as a technical exercise isolated from the causes of the ecological crisis. The movement also raised concerns regarding the degradation of groundwater, alleged failures by Portugal and Spain to maintain minimum flows, and the extended operation of the Almaraz nuclear power plant.

ProTEJO highlighted critical infrastructure issues, noting that 93% of dams in the basin lack defined ecological flow regimes and 98% of large dams do not have fish passage devices. The group's position will be submitted as part of a public consultation for the 4th cycle of the Tagus and West Streams Hydrographic Region Management Plan for 2028-2033.