Environmental Policy

 

Alqueva Multipurpose Project catchment area (EFMA) is a region with low population density and a high unemployment rate. Population has been decreasing in recent decades, particularly in inland areas.

The area is highly vulnerable to desertification with a very irregular rainfall, facing cyclical periods of drought.

In this context, EFMA is an instrument for essential priority intervention throughout Alentejo, the permanent effects of which are the revitalisation of economic activity in the region and settlement of its inhabitants.

The concept behind its creation is aimed at balanced, sustainable development based on environmental, economic and territorial planning requirements in the area in which the EFMA’s direct and indirect influence is felt.

Aware of the importance of its mission, EDIA has followed an environmental policy aimed at fostering sustainable development in its catchment area and furthering, mitigation, and boosting the impacts of the Project.

In 2013, EDIA defined strategic areas for implementation of its sustainability policy:

  • Water management;
  • Infrastructure management;
  • Promotion of irrigation;
  • Regional development;

These areas are complemented by company-wide activities.

This is how EDIA contributes to the economic and social development in its area of intervention, based on appropriate, proactive environmental management, with the involvement of all its employees, the communities covered by its work and society.