Wildlife Crime Crackdown (Spain): Spain has published an updated Plan TIFIES in the BOE, strengthening its fight against illegal trafficking and poaching of wild species, linking the trade to smuggling, corruption, money laundering and organized crime, with new priorities for ministries, security forces, customs, prosecutors and scientific authorities. Portugal Environment & Access: In Melides, Quercus says beach access is being “indirectly privatised” by gates, fences, identity checks and private security, despite claims that public access has been restored. Coastal Waste (Spain): Mallorca-led clean-ups removed 7.1 tonnes of waste from sea and coastline in July, with plastics the biggest share. Animal Welfare (Faro): Faro authorities removed seven unregistered, unvaccinated dogs and moved them to the official animal centre for quarantine and possible adoption. Green Cities (Portugal): Guimarães was named European Green Capital 2026 for progress on greener, healthier urban life. Transport & Environment (Portugal): The Porto–Lisbon high-speed rail project can finally start after an environmental compliance report for the Campanhã–Oiã section was published. Heat & Fire Preparedness (Portugal): A Red Cross programme aims to train 100,000 people in Lisbon and Braga by 2029 to better respond to heatwaves and fires. Maritime Surveillance Drones (Portugal): Tekever’s AR5 drones will be delivered from September for Air Force maritime monitoring, including environmental protection missions. Skywatching (Portugal/Europe): On Aug 12, a total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Portugal and Spain, with many more areas seeing a partial eclipse—plus 12 Iberian zoos will study animal behaviour during the event.