Workshop debates control of cyanobacteria in Aguieira Reservoir
European project Cyan’EAU SUDOE brings together experts in Tondela to discuss prevention and control solutions for the proliferation of these microorganisms.
By Rui Tavares Fonseca
••3 min read
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Generic image of a water surface with subtle ripples and green and blue hues, suggesting microscopic life. Blurred background of a reservoir edge with vegetation.
A workshop on the prevention and control of cyanobacteria proliferation took place in Tondela, as part of the European project Cyan’EAU SUDOE, with the Aguieira Reservoir as one of the study sites.
The Intermunicipal Community (CIM) Viseu Dão Lafões organized, on the afternoon of October 28, a workshop dedicated to the prevention and control of cyanobacteria proliferation in inland waters. The initiative took place at the Technological and Entrepreneurship Center, in Tondela, within the scope of the European project Cyan’EAU SUDOE, which has the Aguieira Reservoir, in the municipality of Santa Comba Dão, as one of its study and monitoring sites.
The meeting brought together approximately 50 participants, including researchers, representatives of public entities, and water resource managers. The objective was to share scientific knowledge and discuss solutions to preserve the quality of the region's water resources. Cyanobacteria, microorganisms that can multiply excessively and produce toxins harmful to public health and ecosystems, are a problem exacerbated by climate change, nutrient accumulation, and rising temperatures.
The welcome session included the participation of Carla Borges (Mayor of Tondela), José Pimenta Machado (President of the Portuguese Environment Agency), Maria da Conceição Santos (Deputy Director of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto), and Nuno Martinho (Executive Secretary of CIM Viseu Dão Lafões). This was followed by the panel “Cyanobacteria Blooms: Causes, Dynamics, and Global Consequences,” with contributions from Olga Lage and Sara Antunes, from the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto.
The second part of the workshop focused on the participatory activity “From diagnosis to group action,” where participants debated challenges related to the identification, prevention, and communication of these phenomena. The meeting concluded with the presentation of the working groups' findings and the identification of contributions for the project's next phases.
The Cyan’EAU SUDOE project, funded by the Interreg SUDOE 2021-2027 Programme and led by the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, aims to develop innovative tools for the prevention, early detection, and control of cyanobacteria proliferation. It involves entities from Portugal, Spain, and France, including CIM Viseu Dão Lafões and the Portuguese Environment Agency.
In the Viseu Dão Lafões region, pilot sites are located in the Municipality of Santa Comba Dão, integrating the Aguieira Reservoir. Initial study results indicate high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, but also a progressive improvement in water quality. Researchers are using genetic analysis, land use studies, and satellite observation to understand the factors favoring proliferation.
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"Participation in various European projects allows CIM Viseu Dão Lafões to strengthen international cooperation with other regions and institutions, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions for the challenges territories face."
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"It is fundamental to study, reflect, gather data, and deepen knowledge, because that allows us to act. The Municipality of Tondela wants to remain at the forefront of environmental matters, promoting a proactive approach to sustainability and the protection of natural resources."
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"If we can have water in quantity, but it lacks quality, we have no water."
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"This freshwater project theme is strategic and addresses the vulnerability of water to human pressures and climate change, in a context where massive cyanobacteria proliferation represents one of the greatest risks to public health and ecosystems."
