CIM Alto Minho

The Alto Minho region concentrates a rich and diversified offer. This territory is well known for its natural assets as well as for its production of green energy (from wind, hydro and biomass). Beaches, rivers, rails, wind farms and many recreational areas are part of the scenery. Painted blue and green these lands of Minho have a breathtaking landscape. But they don’t stop with the magnificence of its natural resources. The fertile lands allow great advances in agriculture and consequently guarantee a gastronomy of excellence. Marked by tradition, this region of Portugal tells endless stories. The pilgrimages and customs that go back to ancient times extend to this day, contributing to the preservation of monuments and patrimony.

Statistically, Alto Minho has a population of around 230 954 people (INE, 2018); has an average population density of 104,1n/Km2 (INE, 2018) and has 29151 enterprises (INE, 2017) most of which mainly micro enterprises (96,8%).

Alto Minho includes part of the only National Park in Portugal – the Peneda-Gerês National Park, which is also classified as a World Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. Moreover, two Protected Landscapes (Bertiandos and Corno de Bico), the Litoral Norte Natural Park, the Minho and Coura Estuaries, represent safe havens for several species, such as migratory birds. Thus, almost 30% of this territory is classified as Natura2000.

Alto Minho is also known for its green energy production.
In Alto Minho there are 9 wind farms (one of which, Alto Minho I, sub-divided into 5 smaller ones), 1 biomass power plant, 2 biogas power plants and 7 hydroelectric power plants. All the electricity which is generated in Alto Minho is produced solely from renewable energy sources [mainly from wind, hydro and biomass (solid biomass and biogas) and, residually, from PV and geothermal].
In 2018, according to DGEG, the energy production in Alto Minho was, approximately, 2 692 GWh - being its major contributor Hydro (1 047 GWh).

Alto Minho is also pioneer in offshore wind power (WindFloat Atlantic).

In terms of Alto Minho’s energy consumption – approximately 3 963 GWh, in 2017 -, Industry is the most relevant type of energy usage, followed by Transport.

Alto Minho is also an example for the energy consumption reduction measures which are being or have been implemented. Among such measures, emphasis should be given to the: (i) use of led technology in street public lighting and in traffic lights, promoted by Alto Minho’s Municipalities and by EDP Distribuição; (ii) incorporation of electric vehicles in the municipal transport fleet, promoted by Alto Minho’s municipalities; (iii) construction of a network of greenways and bicycle paths, promoted by Alto Minho’s municipalities, by CIM Alto Minho and by several private entities; (iv) construction of a geothermal power plant, promoted by the municipality of Monção; (v) installation of biomass boilers (wood chips and wood pellets), promoted by Alto Minho’s municipalities;(vi) installation of solar panels, promoted both by public and private entities as well as by private building owners and/or residents; (vii) replacement of energy inefficient equipment, promoted both by public and private entities as well as by building owners and/or residents; (viii) organization of seminars and workshops which inform about existing incentives (for the implementation of EE and RES measures), promoted by Alto Minho’s municipalities, by CIM Alto Minho and by AREA Alto Minho and (ix) organization of energy efficiency awareness raising actions, promoted by Alto Minho’s municipalities, by CIM Alto Minho and by AREA Alto Minho.

In 2015, Alto Minho became the only Portuguese subregion fully certified with the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism by EUROPARC Federation and, in July 2019, this territory was given the recognition Quality Coast platinum award, by the Green Destinations Foundation.

Site:
http://www.cim-altominho.pt/

https://www.altominho.pt/pt/

Please find, in the links below, more information on CIM Alto Minho’s Territory:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl5TIqrR1xE&t=82s

http://collection.greendestinations.org/dest/alto-minho-cim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLWMHwMMGhk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuTJ41Z3Vuw&t=382s