Under the EEA Grants 2014 – 2021, the Secretary General of the Environment and Climate Action is the operator of the Programme "Environment, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy", with three areas of intervention:
Circular Economy
Promote the application of the principles of the circular economy, by reducing the use of materials and production of waste, in particular, a system of return of plastic bottles and the application of innovation in the construction sector and in the use of building materials.
- Plastic Sector:
a) Creation of a system of deposit and return of plastic bottles
b) Reduce marine plastic littering
- Construction sector:
The application of innovation in the construction sector and in the use of building materials which reduce the waste of energy and material resources and create value using digital technology. Support of demonstrative projects of economic and environmental advantages of an economy of less waste to encourage all economic sectors to adopt these models.
Decarbonization of Society
Through concrete measures of adaptation to climate change at the local level, and the application of low carbon technology solutions and mitigate climate change measures in cities.
- Adaptation to Climate Change at Local Level:
a) Plans and climate change adaptation initiatives in cities, following the previous programme (2009-2014).
b) Pursue a pilot project in the River Basin of ‘Ceira’ (Centre Region of Portugal) for the recovery of green infrastructure, awareness of climate change and reduction of vulnerabilities to climate change, bearing in mind the aspects socio-cultural in the region and promoting the involvement of the population.
- Living Labs for Low Carbon and Mitigation of Climate Change in Cities:
The effects of climate change are evident by the emission concentration and resources in the main urban centres of Portugal. In big cities, there is a high potential to test innovative solutions and digital technology due to the concentration of resources and active citizens.
The Environment Programme will promote living labs to test innovation and the development of low carbon solutions in specific areas of the cities.
Valorisation of the territory
Promote sustainable development in the Biosphere Reserves. The 11 of biosphere reserves, existing in Portugal are areas in which there is a huge wealth and variety of animal and natural capital and for that reason are living laboratories for sustainability and environmental protection.
It will be supported the management and sustainability in the reserves, development of their economy and promotion of the involvement of local people and the attraction of visitors and tourism.