AECT calls for inclusion of Minho's problems in the Iberian Summit

The European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Rio Minho called on the Governments of Portugal and Spain to assume the management of the Minho River as a joint priority at the next Iberian Summit, scheduled for November 5.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, the AECT Rio Minho explains that “one of the problems that requires urgent intervention is the silting of the river, which is compromising navigability and safety, hindering fishing activities and rescue and relief operations on the international section.”
Based in Valença, the AEGTC Rio Minho was created in 2018 and includes 26 municipalities, the 10 municipalities of Alto Minho and the 16 Galician municipalities of the province of Pontevedra, covering a territory of more than three thousand square kilometers and a population of over 376 thousand inhabitants.
"The proliferation of invasive alien species, both fauna and flora, is identified as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and to economic and cultural activities associated with the river, particularly artisanal fishing," the document emphasizes, highlighting that the problem "has been worsening with climate change."
Another concern for the AECT Rio Minho “is the management of hydroelectric plants located in Spanish territory, especially the Frieira dam, which has caused sudden variations in flow.”
"Although the average values are formally within the agreed limits, the sudden fluctuations significantly affect the reproductive cycles of migratory species, the water supply to riverside populations, and the activity of traditional fisheries on the Minho River," he argues.
For the director of AECT Rio Minho, José Manuel Carpinteira, the group “is deeply committed to representing, in a coordinated and constructive manner, the interests of riverside communities”.
"Our role is to strengthen this voice, coordinate efforts, and raise awareness among the relevant authorities so that the urgent problems affecting the Minho River receive an effective and lasting response," emphasized José Manuel Vaz Carpinteira, who is also mayor of Valença.
The official emphasized that "the sustainability, safety, and development of the international section of the Minho River are at stake, ensuring that the EGTC will continue to promote efforts with the competent authorities of both countries to achieve integrated and sustainable management of this cross-border territory."
observador