The energy transition is now an unavoidable priority on a global scale and has been identified as an urgent solution to the current climate challenges. In the face of climate change, dependence on fossil fuels and energy instability in an increasingly volatile world, it is only natural that renewable energy should emerge as an essential solution for reducing carbon emissions and building a more resilient future with reduced energy dependence, including between countries. However, as this transition progresses rapidly – and often without adequate oversight, driven by economic interests that dictate investment markets – it is becoming increasingly clear that ‘green’ energy is not automatically sustainable energy, or even ‘green’ in the true sense of the word, at least on its own.

Rewilding Portugal carried out the first reintroduction of the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) in one of its rewilding areas, marking another step forward in the recovery of ecosystems and prey populations in the Greater Côa Valley. The initiative took place in the Ermo das Águias rewilding area, as part of the LIFE LUPI LYNX project, which aims to create the ecological conditions necessary for the expansion of the Iberian wolf and the Iberian lynx in Portugal.

A pilot project organised by Rewilding Portugal and funded by Turismo de Portugal aims to transform key villages in the region into gateways for nature tourism in the Greater Côa Valley. On Monday, Vilar Maior, in Sabugal, took a historic step by officially becoming the first Rewilding Village in the Greater Côa Valley, following the signing of a cooperation agreement between Rewilding Portugal, the Municipality of Sabugal, the Union of Parishes of Aldeia da Ribeira, Vilar Maior and Badamalos, and the Muralhas de Vilar Maior Association.