“The high tide, combined with bad weather, caused waves 11 meters high, the sea broke the wall and caused damage to the Furadoro promenade in Ovar. we read in the columns of the weekly Espresso published Dec 2. It happened a few days ago, and those who live there are no longer surprised.” Because this city, located half an hour south of Porto, is one of the most affected by coastal erosion.

A fifth of the Portuguese coast was affected. According to the Portuguese Environmental Protection Agency (APA), in sixty-two years (1958-2020), the sea ate 13 square kilometers (1,313 ha). In Ovar, erosion of 4.8 meters per year has been recorded. Without intervention to protect the coast, “The coast could recede in places by 500 meters by the end of the 21ste century”, dedicated Espresso.

“The situation is likely to get worse due to rising sea levels and an increase in the frequency and strength of storms due to climate change.”

“Battle Against the Ocean”

This reality raises concerns for the mayor of Ovar, Salvador Maleiro: “We know that we have some of the most problematic areas and we have lost some of our territory in this battle with the ocean.”

Aedile calling “heavy engineering work”, reports that it has already resettled 30 families on the coast of Esmoriz and spent 2 million euros on 30 new homes. However, he warns, the relocation of 5,000 people who own houses, restaurants, hotels or shops on the seafront will not be feasible.

Espresso reports that since 2005 the state has invested 180 million euros in research, projects and works to protect the coastal strip. And since 1950, at least 43 million cubic meters of sand have been artificially deposited on the Portuguese coast to protect it.