The DUVA project (“Duero/Douro: Green and Blue”) was presented in Barca D’Alva as part of a joint cross-border application to the Interreg VI-A Spain-Portugal Cooperation Programme (POCTEP). The goal is to enhance the shared Douro river region by reconverting and modernizing the river docks of Vega Terrón, Spain, and Barca D’Alva, Portugal, transforming them into a global, accessible, and sustainable tourist experience.
On the Portuguese side, the approved funds will be used to fully rehabilitate the riverside promenade, adjacent access points, and carry out renovation works on the headquarters of the Open Science Platform. The project also includes the digitalization of the river and environmental corridor by reinforcing telecommunications in this border area and along the river, improving navigation safety, and installing environmental sensors for water quality measurement. Digital tools for tourist information and territorial monitoring will also be developed.
The project has a total estimated budget of €2,335,622.88, with an investment of €574,111.38 allocated to the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. The execution period is between 2026 and 2028. It stems from a joint cooperation strategy between the Municipal Chamber of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, the Diputación de Salamanca (Spain), APDL (Administration of Ports of Douro, Leixões and Viana do Castelo), and the Ayuntamiento de La Fregeneda (Spain), all partner entities present at the initiative's public presentation.
The DUVA project aims to establish the Douro River as a connecting element between Portugal and Spain, revitalizing the adjacent riverside areas and transforming them into tourist destinations. The initiative will leverage technology, connectivity, and bilateral synergies to enhance visitor experience and the quality of life for local populations.
