Costa da Caparica Beach Sand Restoration Project
The beach nourishment project at Costa da Caparica, Portugal, recently commenced and is scheduled for completion within a 60-day window, as recommended by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). The project aims to replenish approximately 1,000,000 cubic meters of sand, with an expected completion date around late September 2025, barring any unforeseen delays [1].
The intervention at Costa da Caparica is part of the government's broader investment in priority coastal protection projects. In February, the Government approved a resolution authorizing expenditures for the artificial beach nourishment project, totaling 11 million euros [1]. The project is financed by European funds from the Thematic Program for Climate Action and Sustainability (PACS) and by the Port of Lisbon Administration, S.A.
The measures for the intervention at Costa da Caparica and S. João da Caparica include advanced engineering and nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and sustainable coastal management. The dredging of the Albufeira [Sesimbra] lagoon has already begun as part of the intervention, with the goal of improving water circulation, restoring natural systems, and minimizing risks on Praia da Califórnia and Portinho da Arrábida [1].
In January, the government announced an investment of €20.2 million in priority coastal protection projects, which included funding for stabilizing cliffs, protecting coastal infrastructure, and reinforcing the most vulnerable beaches. However, specific funding for the intervention at Costa da Caparica and S. João da Caparica was not mentioned [1].
The Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho, acknowledged in July 2024 that sand replenishment of the beaches of Caparica is essential to preserving this natural heritage [1]. The Mayor of Almada, Inês de Medeiros (PS), called on the government in July 2024 to ensure that the sand replenishments are completed by 2025 [1].
The intervention at Costa da Caparica and S. João da Caparica forms part of a broader government investment in priority coastal protection projects, which is backed by funding from the Cohesion/Sustainability Fund 2030. The fund approved funding for 12 applications for coastal protection and defense projects, but specific funding for the intervention at Costa da Caparica and S. João da Caparica was not mentioned [1].
In summary, the beach nourishment project at Costa da Caparica is underway and is expected to be completed within 60 days. The project is financed by European funds and the Port of Lisbon Administration, S.A., and forms part of the government's broader investment in priority coastal protection projects. The Minister of the Environment has acknowledged the importance of the sand replenishment process, which is an ongoing endeavour for preserving the natural heritage of the area.
[1] Source: Various news articles and government announcements from July 2024 to July 2025.
Science plays a crucial role in the beach nourishment project at Costa da Caparica, as environmental-science principles are used to design nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and sustainable coastal management. In the realm of finance and investing, the project is funded by European funds from the Thematic Program for Climate Action and Sustainability (PACS) and by the Port of Lisbon Administration, S.A.
