Portugal – Predefined Project Rio Ceira (EEA Grants)

The management of natural resources and ecosystem services, such as water and water bodies, needs to be reassessed and updated in order to increase the resilience towards current and future climate change effects.

Local action to reduce vulnerability frequently requires cooperation between municipalities or regions as they share one or more ecosystems, habitats or natural resources.economic development.

The pre-defined project concentrates on the management of the Rio Ceira River Basin. The Rio Ceira is located in an area severely affected by the extensive forest fires that hit Portugal in 2017.  It will be implemented by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) through the local River Basin District Administration of the Centre Region (ARH).

Local partners include the municipalities of the river basin region (Arganil, Góis, Pampilhosa da Serra and Lousã) and local non-governmental organisations and universities. Key beneficiaries are municipalities, private sector and the general public in the region surrounding the Rio Ceira.

The pre-defined project will enhance the management of the Rio Ceira River Basin, the hydrology (movement, distribution, and quality of water in the river), the ecosystems in and around the river as well as incorporate past and current socio-cultural aspects related to the river.