### Upcoming Seminar Details
The **7th seminar** will feature prominent speakers **Rafaela Xavier** from ARTIS, FLUL, and **Pedro Flor** from Univ. Aberta, IHA/NOVA FCSH/IN2PAST. Join us on:

**Date:** March 17, 2025  
**Time:** 18:00  
**Location:** Palácio do Beau-Séjour, Estrada de Benfica 368, 1500-100 Lisbon  

### Celebrating Historical Figures
This event, organized by the **Gabinete de Estudos Olisiponenses**, commemorates the **500th anniversary** of the birth of **Luís de Camões** and the **500th anniversary** of the death of **Vasco da Gama**. 

The seminar will be held **in-person** at the Palácio do Beau Séjour and will be streamed live on the **Gabinete de Estudos Olisiponenses' Facebook page**. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into Portugal's rich history and cultural heritage!

O 7º seminário conta com a participação de Rafaela Xavier (ARTIS, FLUL) e Pedro Flor (Univ. Aberta, IHA/NOVA FCSH/ IN2PAST).

Exploring the Legacy: Upcoming Seminar on Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões in Lisbon

### Final Event of the Earth Observation Conference Series
The series of events titled **“Earth Observation for Municipalities”** concludes on **May 8th** at the **University of Algarve (UAlg)** in **Faro**, focusing specifically on the Algarve region.

![Agência Espacial Portuguesa](https://maisalgarve.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Age%CC%82ncia-Espacial-portuguesa-1.png)

This last conference will highlight sessions dedicated to **coastal areas** and the **marine environment**. According to **Carolina Sá**, the manager of Earth Observation programs at the Agência Espacial Portuguesa, “These events aim to promote Earth observation tools for the benefit of territories, and we customize the topics for the region we are in. Thus, in the Algarve, the agenda will place greater emphasis on issues related to **water resources** and **coastal management**, showcasing practical applications.”

**Sara Raposo**, director of the **Marine and Environmental Research Center (CIMA)**, emphasizes the institution's commitment to **technological innovation** and **sustainable development**, enabling municipalities to make more informed decisions regarding territory and natural resource management.

The Agência Espacial Portuguesa will also promote the **InCubed for Municipalities** competition, which seeks innovative projects using Earth observation technologies to modernize Portuguese cities. Applications are open until **June 2nd**.

In Faro, the event will encourage collaboration among local academia, industry, and public administration to develop innovative solutions, with **CoLAB +ATLANTIC** joining forces to facilitate networking opportunities.

Reflecting on the series, Carolina Sá noted a **positive impact** on local stakeholders, indicating strong interest from industry, academia, and public administration in utilizing Earth observation tools. The series has traveled through five locations, engaging about **400 participants** and involving numerous partner entities.

The preliminary agenda is available on the **Agência Espacial Portuguesa** website, with free participation, though **registration is mandatory** until **April 30th**.

A região do Algarve é a última paragem do ciclo de conferências “Observação da Terra para os Municípios”, iniciativa da Agência Espacial Portuguesa que

Final Conference on Earth Observation in Algarve: What to Expect on May 8th?

# New Direction for ACCL

The **Association of Collectivities of Lisbon (ACCL)**, with a rich history of **23 years**, has a new leadership under **Artur Botão**. The newly elected board aims to strengthen ties with the hundreds of local communities, attract new members, and promote innovative activities to revitalize the city's associative fabric.

![](https://olharesdelisboa.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Associacao-das-Coletividades-do-Concelho-de-Lisboa-ACCL-com-23-anos-de-historia-tem-uma-nova-direcao-liderada-por-Artur-Botao.jpg)

## Vision for Community Engagement

Artur Botão, a seasoned community leader for nearly **40 years**, emphasized the importance of connecting with local associations. He stated, "We want to be close to the communities, understand their issues, and provide assistance. Our role is not just to organize events but also to offer training, consultancy, and legal support, which are essential for their success."

The new leadership, installed in January 2025, plans to enhance the **communication strategy** of the association, making it more visible and attractive. They aim to broaden the range of activities, focusing on areas such as **theater, music, and dance**.

## Upcoming Events

Every year, the ACCL organizes several community events, including:
- **Collectivities and Regional Houses Festival** in May 2025
- **Fado Festival**
- **Freedom Run**

Botão expressed the need for a significant amateur theater event in Lisbon, stating that many local theater groups lack a platform to showcase their work.

## Challenges Ahead

The association faces challenges due to demographic changes and real estate speculation, which have diminished the relevance of some communities. Botão highlighted the decline of social anchors in the city center and the critical role of associations in fostering community integration, particularly among immigrants.

## Addressing Leadership Gaps

A lack of leaders in associations is also a pressing issue. The ACCL plans to address this through training initiatives to empower potential leaders and demystify the responsibilities involved in managing a community organization.

## Expanding Membership

Currently, the ACCL has around **400 affiliated associations**. The new leadership aims to increase membership and strengthen relationships with the **Lisbon City Council** to ensure the survival of local communities.

## Promoting Cultural Traditions

The ACCL will also focus on promoting Lisbon's cultural traditions, including the **Marchas Populares**, which celebrate the city's heritage. They are working to include these traditions in the **National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage**.

The association seeks to internationalize its efforts by connecting with similar organizations in other European capitals to share experiences and showcase Lisbon's cultural offerings.

## Conclusion

The ACCL aims to become a vital voice for community associations, advocating for their needs and ensuring their sustainability in the face of modern challenges.

A nova direção da ACCL quer estreitar ligações com as centenas de coletividades da Lisboa, criando novas dinâmicas e captando novos sócios.

New Leadership of ACCL Aims to Strengthen Community Ties in Lisbon

### A Significant Event in Guarda

On March 16, 2025, the **Patriarch of Lisbon**, D. Rui Valério, presided over the **ordination of D. José Miguel Pereira**, marking a pivotal moment for the **Diocese of Guarda**. The ceremony highlighted the **rich ecclesiastical history** of the region.

> "Today, in Guarda, you are the **privileged interlocutor** to engage with the rich history of this diocese, which is written with **holiness, spiritual heroism**, and **missionary zeal**, in the hearts of every Christian," said the main ordaining bishop during the homily.

### Celebratory Details

The ordination was coordinated by **D. Manuel Felício**, the **emeritus bishop of Guarda**, and **Cardinal D. Manuel Clemente**, the **emeritus patriarch of Lisbon**. D. Rui Valério emphasized that this event, celebrated in the context of a **jubilee pilgrimage of hope**, finds the new bishop ready to share the **struggles and challenges** faced by the community.

![D. Rui Valério](https://agencia.ecclesia.pt/portal/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/D.-Rui-Valerio.jpg)
*Photo: Agência ECCLESIA/LFS – D. Rui Valério*

D. Rui Valério further reflected on the role of the new bishop, stating, "In service and gift, you realize the **mediation between humanity and God**; between temporality and eternal life; between history and beatitude."

### A Call to Action

As a messenger and prophet of a new world, D. José Miguel Pereira is called to encourage all to be guided by the **force of love** and to become **pilgrims of hope**. D. Rui Valério urged the new bishop to foster a **new culture woven with holiness, the presence of God, and universal brotherhood**.

D. José Miguel Pereira, 53, officially took office as the new bishop after his ordination. He has been a priest since June 29, 1996, and has served as the **rector of the Major Seminary of Christ the King** in Lisbon since 2011. Previously, he held various roles in seminaries and contributed to the pastoral ministry in neighboring parishes.

Patriarca de Lisboa, que presidiu à celebração, apresentou um «privilegiado interlocutor para conversar com a rica história» da diocese egitaniense

Historic Ordination: D. José Miguel Pereira Becomes New Bishop of Guarda

### Montenegro Family's Renovation Plans

The family of Prime Minister **Luís Montenegro** has informed the **Lisbon City Council** about their plans to combine two apartments in the **Lapa neighborhood**, creating a duplex. This communication, dated the first week of March and signed by the Prime Minister's youngest son, **Diogo Montenegro**, claims that the renovation works are **exempt from prior control**—a point of contention among experts consulted by the **online newspaper Observador**.

On **March 7**, shortly after **CNN** reported the family's failure to notify municipal services about the duplex project, Diogo submitted the notice to Lisbon's mayor, **Carlos Moedas**. He and his brother own the second floor, while their parents purchased the first floor below.

According to the Prime Minister's office, they chose to communicate the renovation to the city council to eliminate any doubts regarding compliance with regulations. The delay in notification was attributed to the **technical team** believing that prior notification was unnecessary, especially since some work had already been reported in November.

### Legal Framework

Under the **Legal Regime of Urbanization and Building**, alterations within buildings that do not affect structural stability, alter façades, or involve the removal of tiles are exempt from municipal oversight. The Montenegro family purchased the two apartments for **€715,000**.

Following news of the duplex conversion, council members from the **Socialist Party (PS)** and **Left Bloc (BE)** requested clarifications from Mayor Moedas, who has denied any accusations of favoritism towards the Montenegro family regarding the renovation approval.

Participação enviada à autarquia alega que obras nos apartamentos da Lapa estão isentas de controlo prévio.

Montenegro Family's Controversial Duplex Renovation Sparks Debate in Lisbon

## The Beatles of Lisbon: A Growing Concern

Cockroaches in Lisbon, often referred to as the **Beatles** (with a local twist), have become an increasingly difficult challenge for residents. While five years ago, the municipality reported a decrease in pest complaints due to rigorous extermination efforts, the current year has seen a resurgence in issues. The **Integrated Pest Control Service** has emphasized the need for adequate staffing to manage this extensive problem.

## Environmental Changes and Genetic Engineering

**Climate change** and the **genetic engineering** of cockroaches have led to imbalances in pest management. These pests develop heightened resistance to insecticides within just a few generations, complicating extermination efforts significantly.

![A giant cockroach inside a Lisbon apartment sink](https://www.radiom24.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ha-cada-vez-mais-baratas-em-Lisboa-devemos-aprender-a.webp.webp)

## The Origin of Cockroaches in Lisbon

The **red cockroaches** commonly seen in Lisbon made their way to the Portuguese coast about a decade ago, travelling in furniture boxes and potato sacks. These adaptable insects can grow up to **5 cm** long and are capable of flight. They thrive in various habitats, making them a common sight in the city.

## A Favorable Habitat for Cockroaches

Lisbon’s homes provide **air conditioning**, controlled humidity, and abundant food — all ideal conditions for cockroach survival. Their life cycle has shortened, with a lifespan of around **100 days**, and rising temperatures allow for rapid reproduction, escalating their population.

## Increasing Resistance to Insecticides

Cockroaches possess remarkable survival capabilities, bolstered by genetic mutations that grant them resistance to traditional biocides. Their ability to spread into new territories makes them a formidable foe in pest control.

## Importance of Coexistence and Prevention

Experts warn that ignoring the problem is not an option. While cockroaches themselves are not pathogens, they can carry microorganisms that pose serious health risks, including **dysentery**, **salmonella**, and **infectious hepatitis**. Coexisting with cockroaches in Lisbon, as in other major cities, should not be a passive endeavor. Residents must take preventative measures by keeping spaces clean, eliminating accessible food sources, and reducing water availability.

## The Role of Cockroaches in the Ecosystem

Despite their nuisance, cockroaches play a vital role in **organic matter recycling**. Given that Lisbon lacks a balanced food chain, their presence is more pronounced. Therefore, if coexistence is inevitable, focusing on prevention by creating unwelcoming environments for cockroaches is essential. Keeping streets clean and food waste secured in closed containers is the most effective strategy.

Os Beatles (com sede em português) em Lisboa não são novos, mas sua crescente resistência e a presença

The Growing Cockroach Problem in Lisbon: How Residents Can Coexist

## Essential Safety Recommendations Amid Severe Weather in Madeira

Due to the passage of **depression Laurence** over the Madeira archipelago, with forecasts of **heavy rainfall**, **strong winds**, and **high sea agitation** until **March 17**, the **Regional Civil Protection Service** has issued several safety recommendations via its social media channels.

To **minimize the impact** of the anticipated adverse weather, the following **preventive measures** are advised:

- **Keep drainage systems clean**;
- **Secure or remove wind-permeable structures**;
- **Avoid flooded areas and the coastline**;
- **Stay clear of trees and vulnerable areas**;
- **Do not park in risk zones** historically prone to flooding.

The **Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)** has also issued various **weather warnings** for the Madeira archipelago, effective from this **Sunday, March 16**, to the following **Tuesday, March 18**, including a **red warning** for strong sea agitation.

Additionally, the severe weather is affecting operations at the **Madeira International Airport - Cristiano Ronaldo**, with **flights canceled** and **diverted**. Notably, a TAP flight (TP 1709) from Porto scheduled to arrive in Madeira was canceled due to the ongoing adverse conditions.  
![Weather Impact](https://static-storage.dnoticias.pt/www-assets.dnoticias.pt/images/configuration/LG/formosaaa_VT12qDB.JPEG)

For further updates, stay tuned to local news outlets and follow the recommendations provided by the authorities.

Evite zonas inundadas e a orla costeira, bem como circular junto a árvores e em áreas vulneráveis

Severe Weather Hits Madeira: Essential Safety Recommendations Issued by Civil Protection

### President Marcelo's Vision for Government Action

The **President of the Republic**, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, is advocating for a **caretaker government** to operate as if it holds **full powers** regarding the **Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR)**. This push aims to ensure that the projects tied to European funding are not delayed, especially as deadlines loom.

In light of the recent government collapse, the President emphasizes the need to avoid wasting time, a concern that echoes the situation from 2024 under the previous administration. Marcelo stated, "The goal is to act as if it were a full powers government, as was the case in 2024."

As deadlines for the PRR approach, the caretaker government's limited capacity for action poses challenges. However, Marcelo's priority is to ensure the execution of as many projects as possible before the upcoming elections. 

During an informal visit to the **Lisbon tourism fair**, he reiterated the importance of the PRR investments, stating, "I receive weekly updates on the PRR's execution; I know how many millions have been allocated each week." Marcelo promised to **continuously monitor** the involved projects and investments, highlighting the commitment to the timely realization of these funds from the **European Union**.

O objetivo passa por cumprir os prazos associados ao financiamento europeu e, para isso, importa evitar perder tempo. O mesmo aconteceu em 2024, com o governo anterior.

Exploring the Legacy: Upcoming Seminar on Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões in Lisbon

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Upcoming Seminar Details

Celebrating Historical Figures

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Other Latest News

Final Conference on Earth Observation in Algarve: What to Expect on May 8th?

New Leadership of ACCL Aims to Strengthen Community Ties in Lisbon

Historic Ordination: D. José Miguel Pereira Becomes New Bishop of Guarda

Montenegro Family's Controversial Duplex Renovation Sparks Debate in Lisbon

The Growing Cockroach Problem in Lisbon: How Residents Can Coexist

Severe Weather Hits Madeira: Essential Safety Recommendations Issued by Civil Protection

Marcelo Advocates for Full Powers for Government to Expedite EU Recovery Fund Projects

Other Latest News

Final Conference on Earth Observation in Algarve: What to Expect on May 8th?

New Leadership of ACCL Aims to Strengthen Community Ties in Lisbon

Historic Ordination: D. José Miguel Pereira Becomes New Bishop of Guarda

Montenegro Family's Controversial Duplex Renovation Sparks Debate in Lisbon

The Growing Cockroach Problem in Lisbon: How Residents Can Coexist

Severe Weather Hits Madeira: Essential Safety Recommendations Issued by Civil Protection

Marcelo Advocates for Full Powers for Government to Expedite EU Recovery Fund Projects