Portugal Boasts 81 Beach Destinations With Zero Pollution Levels
In a bold announcement, the sustainable powerhouse ZERO - Earth System Association, declares a significant milestone this year. The goal achieved, they claim, aligns impeccably with the European Ecological Pact's vision, within the Zero Pollution Action Plan's ambit.
This achievement acknowledged 81 'Clean Coast' venues nationwide, spanning across 39 municipalities, which equates to approximately 12% of the existing 673 shoreline spots.
Among these pristine havens, 55 are stationed on the mainland, 20 in the Azores, and 6 in Madeira. Compared to the 2024 tally of 59 beaches, there's been a commendable 3% surge.
In the quest for balance, last year's lineup of 81 beaches has witnessed the subtraction of 19 and the addition of 41 new ones.
Torres Vedras (Lisbon district) leads the pack with 11 beaches, followed closely by Grândola (Setúbal district) with 7, and Alcobaça (Leiria district) with 4.
ZERO sheds light on the unique classification of two inland beaches, Alqueidão and Montes, situated within Tomar, Santarém district. Evidently, these inland areas are notoriously susceptible to microbiological contamination—an obstacle overcoming which only two inland beaches have managed in three consecutive years.
ZERO further recognizes the engagement of several dedicated municipalities: Angra do Heroísmo (Azores), Grândola (Setúbal), Ílhavo (Aveiro), Lajes das Flores (Azores), Lourinhã (Leiria), Olhão (Faro), Peniche (Leiria), Santa Cruz (Madeira), Santiago do Cacém (Setúbal), Sines (Setúbal), Tomar (Santarém), and Torres Vedras (Lisbon) on this crucial mission.
Withdrawing from the list are the municipalities of Leiria, Machico (Madeira), Pombal (Leiria district), and Santa Cruz das Flores (Azores).
Two days prior to the new beach season, Zero cautions stakeholders and beachgoers about safety and environmental concerns. They stress the importance of visiting only beaches recognized as bathing areas, places where water quality is well-known and there's surveillance. Additionally, they urge zero waste generation, preferably discarded through selective collections, and preservation of the landscapes and ecosystems around the bathing areas, keeping dunes and sensitive areas undisturbed.
A 'Clean Coast' accolade is bestowed upon beaches that, throughout the last three shoreline seasons (2021, 2022, and 2023), have consistently secured 'excellent' ratings and exhibited zero or undetectable levels in all microbiological parameter tests as mandated by legislation (Escherichia coli and intestinal Enterococci). These data are provided by the Portuguese Environment Agency.
In line with the achievement of 81 'Clean Coast' venues, ZERO emphasizes the importance of promoting environmental-science initiatives for these newly recognized locations, incorporating them into their home-and-garden landscapes to maintain pristine conditions and conserve the environmental lifestyle. The successful municipalities contributing to this endeavor, such as Angra do Heroísmo, Grândola, and Torres Vedras, will also need to adhere to science-based methods for continued environmental preservation and microbiological safety, aligning with ZERO's overall vision for a cleaner, sustainable future.
