Restoration and Recovery of the Meia Praia Dune System

#Lagos #Reabilitação e Recuperação do Cordão Dunar da Meia Praia
The main objective of the Meia Praia Dune Strand Rehabilitation and Recovery project, developed by the Municipality of Lagos and co-financed by the ERDF, was to preserve and protect one of the Algarve's most emblematic coastal areas, guaranteeing the ecological sustainability of the area and mitigating the effects of coastal erosion and climate change. The dune cordon is a fundamental natural barrier that protects the beach and the surrounding ecosystem from storms and rising sea levels. The intervention included the removal of invasive species, revegetation with native species, the installation of wooden palisades and walkways to regulate access and prevent trampling of the vegetation, and the creation of environmental and educational signage to raise awareness among residents, schools and tourists. The project promoted the ecological rehabilitation of the dune system, ensuring the stabilisation of the sands, the reinforcement of biodiversity and the protection of people and infrastructure. At the same time, it promoted environmental education and responsible tourism, encouraging the adoption of sustainable behaviour and respect for coastal ecosystems. This good practice has been recognised internationally, with Lagos winning 3rd place in the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards 2024, in the Nature and Landscape category, and the QualityCoast "Gold" certification, for its advances in nature conservation and local sustainability. The project reflects the municipality's commitment to climate action, environmental education and integrated coastal management, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable Algarve.
Impacts
Aumento da literacia ambiental e da consciência ecológica entre residentes e turistas
28
Painéis educativos instalados
Target
4 6
Universal literacy and numeracy
Envolvimento ativo de escolas e alunos na preservação dos ecossistemas costeiros
600
Estudantes envolvidos anualmente em atividades pedagógicas
Target
4 7
Education for sustainable development and global citizenship
Desenvolvimento de competências de cidadania ambiental nas camadas mais jovens
2
Campanhas anuais de sensibilização
Target
4 7
Education for sustainable development and global citizenship
Valorização ambiental e requalificação urbana da frente costeira
59
ha de cordão dunar recuperados
Target
11 4
Protect the world's cultural and natural heritage
Criação de espaços acessíveis e seguros para todos os cidadãos
6.162
m de passadiços inclusivos para pessoas com mobilidade reduzida
Target
11 3
Inclusive and sustainable urbanization
Promoção da mobilidade suave e da inclusão social
14
suportes para bicicletas
Target
11 3
Inclusive and sustainable urbanization
Melhoria da experiência turística e da qualidade de vida local
89
Ecopontos e papeleiras instalados
Target
11 6
Reduce the environmental impacts of cities
Redução da vulnerabilidade costeira e mitigação da erosão
1,4%
Redução nas zonas de erosão ativa
Target
13 1
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related disasters
Aumento da resiliência física e ecológica da faixa litoral
1.780
m de paliçadas instaladas
Target
13 1
Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related disasters
Regeneração de ecossistemas degradados
30.000
m² de espécies invasoras removidas
Target
15 1
Conserve and restore terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems
Criação de sinergias entre entidades públicas, privadas e educativas
80
Voluntários envolvidos anualmente em ações de manutenção e sensibilização
Target
17 17
Encourage effective partnerships
Melhoria do bem-estar físico e emocional da população através do usufruto de um espaço natural
1.141.176
Visitantes per year
Target
3 4
Reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health
Good practice information