The Guadiana will be navigable upstream as far as Alcoutim from next Tuesday, November 3rd, according to General Directorate of Marine Resources.
The announcement was made during the seminar 'Opportunities and Structuring Projects in Cross-Border Cooperation' organized by the Odiana Association and held in Castro Marim.
"Since the work will finish between the International Bridge and the town of Alcoutim next Tuesday, it finally will be possible to navigate without restrictions," said Alexandre Santos Ferreira of Odiana, who presented the Guadiana project and the river's new role as a tourist attraction.
"It was clear at the seminar that the Portuguese and Spanish want to continue to cooperate to achieve more and better results in the development of the Lower Guadiana," added Ferreira.
The Mayor of Castro Marim Francisco Amaral announced that Odiana has already applied for EC funds for more associated projects.
José Parlon from the Huelva regional authority said, "We must look to the future and have continuity with more projects of this type that bring development to the territory. This support will serve to increasing cross-border mobility, which is the main objective of the Interreg programme."
The Algarve regional development board closed the event with a presentation about the new Interreg funding programme which the private sector now is allowed to access as long as projects demonstrate a strong cross-border element.
Comments
Crossing the International Bridge, we could see no sign of the trumpeted 'marina' at Castro Marim-Sapal Nature 'Reserve' - nor of the rumoured 'new' marina at Ayamonte. Must be round the bend.. Further up-river, non-night lit channel marker poles have been placed - p'raps this is what they're rabbiting on about? Who knows? Do 'they'?
BTW, one view propounded is that 'navigation on the river is prohibited at night by law' - eh? Tell that to the dredgers, fishing boats, etc. Love it!
All of the above, plus the Portas Submarine Experience.