Ripórtico, an Applus+ Group company, will be responsible for overseeing and executing several cultural heritage impact minimisation projects for EDIA

The main objective is to protect and preserve the cultural and archaeological heritage of the region, ensuring that the new hydraulic infrastructure, which is key to water management and agricultural development, does not affect the valuable local historical legacy. Ripórtico will work closely with local authorities and heritage specialists to implement the necessary preservation measures. The contract will have a duration of 20 months.

The following activities are planned:

• Archaeological survey (collection of documentary sources; field survey; relocation and georeferencing of sites);
• Production of heritage reports (with graphic, photographic and topographical records) on ethnographic heritage;
• Detection of archaeological sites through mechanical archaeological excavations;
• Manual archaeological surveys and excavations;
• Anthropological excavation of human osteological remains;
• Treatment, inventory, analysis and study of archaeological materials;
• Preparation of Technical Reports.
   

The successful execution of these contracts will bring various benefits to the project and the intervention area, fulfilling the commitments made to EDIA and the competent entities, ensuring that the project is carried out with a balance between development and preservation, providing a result that benefits the local community in the preservation of its heritage.

This project is a fundamental step in Alqueva’s sustainable development strategy, which not only seeks to modernise the region’s infrastructure, but also to promote water efficiency and contribute to the conservation of cultural heritage. The project takes a rigorous, technical and responsible approach to ensure that infrastructure development respects the cultural and archaeological context of the area and reinforces the commitment of Ripórtico and the Applus+ Group to sustainability and the preservation of Portugal’s natural and cultural resources.

Heritage protection

Ripórtico is one of the few companies specialising in heritage protection that has its own team of archaeologists and anthropologists trained to assess sites and define the most appropriate intervention measures.

At Ripórtico, we offer a comprehensive and detailed approach to archaeological activities, focusing on specific working methodologies, such as the application of excavation techniques adapted to the conservation needs of the area’s heritage; action strategies that allow for a gradual and responsible approach to minimise impact during construction; the creation of a complete structure of photographic records, georeferenced mapping and regular and final reports, ensuring the traceability and monitoring of activities and discoveries; and cultural preservation measures to ensure the conservation of any significant archaeological finds.