The Lisbon Port Authority (APL) and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) have signed a protocol today that will help reduce coastal erosion of the urban beaches of Costa de Caparica and the beach of S. João da Caparica. The protocol ensures the artificial nourishment of the beaches using sediments extracted during dredging operations, allowing for the protection of the coastline against the effects of coastal erosion.

The protocol was signed in the early afternoon by APL President Carlos Correia and APA Vice-President José Pimenta Machado at the Costa da Caparica Tourist Office. The event was attended by Inês de Medeiros, Mayor of Almada, and Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister of Environment and Energy.

Carlos Correia, President of APL, stated: "Dredging is an essential public service for the safety of navigation in the Tagus estuary and the operability of the Port of Lisbon. We know that sediments are a valuable natural resource that should be sustainably valued and reused to minimize the effects of coastal erosion, such as beach nourishment, to protect environmental values, populations, and their properties. This Protocol aligns with the strategy being implemented at the Port of Lisbon for increasing sustainability of port activities, particularly in the circular use of resources contributing to the circular economy."

Inês de Medeiros, Mayor of Almada, remarked, "The artificial replenishment of one million cubic meters of sand next year, in an intervention that will cost around nine million euros, is fundamental not only to ensure the quality of our beaches but especially to sustainably protect our coast, as was well demonstrated in the presentation."

Maria da Graça Carvalho, Minister of Environment and Energy, highlighted, "These sands, which will be removed from the bar channel of the Port of Lisbon and placed on the beaches of S. João da Caparica and Costa de Caparica, are extremely important for this entire area. A project where everyone benefits!"

The artificial nourishment of beaches in Costa de Caparica is a coastal protection project aimed at protecting people and property by improving coastal protection against wear and destruction caused by hydraulic erosion agents.

With the implementation of this operation, the wave breaking zone is moved further from the coastline, also preventing the coastline from retreating and the consequent loss of territory in terms of area.

The event, which took place as part of the Minister of Environment and Energy's visit to the coastal beaches to mark the 2024 Bathing Season, concluded with a visit to the sand replenishment projects in Costa da Caparica.