I Congresso Ibérico do Rio Lima

The I Congresso Ibérico do Rio Lima is an in-person event organised by MoLima – Movimento para a Defesa do Rio Lima and the Escola Superior Agrária do Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo (ESA-IPVC), taking place on 29–30 May 2026 at ESA-IPVC, in Ponte de Lima, Portugal.

The River Lima rises in the Serra de São Mamede, in the province of Ourense, Galicia (Spain), flows through northern Portugal and reaches the Atlantic Ocean in Viana do Castelo. This cross-border river sustains unique ecosystems and communities, yet has rarely been addressed through an integrated, bilateral approach — a gap this congress aims to begin addressing.

The event brings together researchers, local authorities, environmental organisations, businesses and citizens from both Portugal and Spain to share knowledge and build a common vision for the future of the Lima river basin. The programme includes scientific panels on ecology and water quality, climate change and flood risk, governance, and river economy; round tables on cross-border cooperation, environmental challenges, citizen science, and nature tourism; a session on traditional knowledge and memory of the Lima; practical workshops on fish fauna sampling with electrofishing, birds of the Lima, and invasive plants; and a creative workshop on art and performance.

Migratory fish species highlighted include shads, lamprey, european eel, atlantic salmon and other diadromous species present in the Lima river basin, which face significant pressures from habitat degradation, barriers to migration and water quality issues on both sides of the border.

The congress is free to attend and open to all, with a particular focus on researchers, students, professionals, local communities and anyone interested in river conservation and cross-border environmental cooperation. Registration is required.

📝 Register here: https://forms.gle/K7YSxAohq1tGCPfv5

🌐 Website: molima.pt 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molima.riolima/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molima.riolima 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mov-riolima/ 📧 Contact: molima.pontedelima@gmail.com