It’s not only the sea: a history of human intervention in the beach-dune ecosystem of Costa da Caparica (Portugal)

Costa da Caparica, located south of Lisbon, has been since the 1960s favourite beach population Portuguese capital. The bridge over Tagus river (1966), connecting two margins, facilitated access to that wide sand and dunes. Due its natural features proximity Caparica become a highly populated area, where different social economic activities compete for use available space, increasing pressure upon local ecosystems. situation is even more problematic, because littoral deeply affected by coastal erosion from 1950s onwards. Authorities have dealing with issue using groynes artificial nourishments. Since 2015, Municipality Almada investing in rehabilitation dunes S. João, placing fences retain planting vegetation. This programme particularly interesting management history point view, these object many interventions purposes, but what was done why not very well known. aim this article therefore present results historical research about human intervention and, at João beach, starting 19th century, first dunes’ survey, afforestation experiences construction drainage system. paper offers long-term perspective on socio-evolution hybrid environments. Results discussion show how were trimmed works carried out reasons laid beneath these. Revealing ideas values, social, political pressures, across years within same time period, shaped strategies landscapes. Keywords: Environmental History; Dunes Rehabilitation; Afforestation; Wetlands; Coastal Erosion.