LIFE-REVIVE Project: Kick-off meeting marks the beginning of the Lima and Vouga rivers' rehabilitation

On February 6th, the future of the Lima and Vouga rivers began to take shape during a meeting that marked the official launch of LIFE-REVIVE. This European project, spanning the next five years, was born with the mission to restore the ecological balance in these river basins through the integration of innovative solutions.

Supported by 6.5 million euros in funding from the European Union’s LIFE Programme, the initiative is coordinated by the University of Évora and relies on the fundamental technical and scientific support of MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre and the Associated Laboratory ARNET  – Aquatic Research Network.

The primary challenge for LIFE-REVIVE is to mitigate the marks left by human activity, focusing on reducing the impacts of hydromorphological changes. In practice, the project will address structures such as dams and weirs, as well as other modifications that affect natural flow regimes. Beyond these physical barriers, the team will intervene in biological pressures, specifically in the control of invasive aquatic flora that threatens the stability of these ecosystems.

This restoration effort brings together an extensive network of beneficiary partners present at the initial meeting: the municipalities of Ponte de Lima, Arcos de Valdevez, Águeda, Figueiró dos Vinhos, and Mora (including the Mora Fluviário), the engineering firm AQUALOGUS, and the University of Santiago de Compostela, alongside several associated partners.

During the meeting, an immediate action plan was outlined, with a special focus on activities for this first year. This phase will involve field monitoring and updating the environmental diagnosis, providing the scientific data necessary for future interventions.

Carlos Alexandre, researcher at MARE and ARNET at the University of Évora and coordinator of LIFE-REVIVE, summarises the initiative's ambition:

“LIFE-REVIVE represents a significant step in promoting sustainability and enhancing fluvial ecosystems, contributing to healthier and more resilient rivers in the face of today’s environmental challenges.”

Text: LIFE REVIVE project coordination and Vera Sequeira