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Description
In order to increase climate change resilience in the Porto Metropolitan Area, the project aims to recover and enhance water lines, riparian galleries and wetlands as part of a municipal and metropolitan strategy for environmental and landscape enhancement. Actions will include giving priority to the reinforcement of native species, with the characteristics of riparian forest, as a support for the ecosystems and preservation of the landscape. The aim is to provide a better flow fit for small and for extreme flows, allowing different water heights and speed values, thus preventing risks of erosion and bank instability. The project is also part of the National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change 2020 in the Action Program for Adaptation to Climate Change. This project also aims to follow the objectives of the EEA Grants concerning strengthening bilateral relations between Portugal and the Beneficiary States, as well as increasing the territory''s resilience and capacity to respond to climate change.
Summary of project results
The project "Riparian Galleries and Water Lines of the Protected Landscape of Vila do Conde and Mindelo Ornithological Reserve" aimed to address significant ecological, hydrological, and environmental challenges affecting the Silvares Stream. Over time, the riparian ecosystem had experienced severe degradation, resulting in reduced biodiversity, habitat loss, poor water quality, erosion of riverbanks, and recurring flooding. These issues were exacerbated by the presence of invasive plant species such as Arundo donax, Acacia longifolia, and Tradescantia fluminensis, which displaced native vegetation and disrupted the ecological balance.
The project also sought to improve the hydrological functioning of the stream by enhancing its water flow capacity, reducing sediment buildup, and mitigating the adverse effects of flooding. Additionally, the initiative aimed to raise public awareness and foster community engagement in sustainable water line management and biodiversity conservation.
The project was implemented over 36 months and involved a range of actions focused on ecological restoration, hydrological improvements, and community outreach. Key activities included:
Ecological and Landscape Restoration:
- Removal of invasive species and re-establishment of native vegetation through targeted planting of trees and shrubs such as alder (Alnus glutinosa), willow (Salix spp.), and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna).
- Implementation of natural engineering techniques to stabilize riverbanks and mitigate erosion. This included the use of live fascines, live wattling, and live rock fills to reinforce the integrity of the streambed and banks.
- Creation of shelters for native fauna by repurposing organic debris, such as logs and branches removed during cleanup operations.
Hydrological and Structural Interventions:
- Restoration of micro-dams and polders to improve water aeration and sediment flow regulation.
- Reprofiling and micro-modeling of the streambed to enhance water flow and reduce flood risks in vulnerable sections.
- Rehabilitation of a pond to serve as a retention basin and support local biodiversity.
Communication and Education Campaigns:
- Development of a dedicated communication plan, including the design of visual identity materials such as banners, roll-ups, and posters.
- Creation of a short promotional video documenting the project''s evolution and achievements.
- Organization of public sessions and workshops to educate local stakeholders and school communities about the importance of riparian restoration and biodiversity conservation.
- Distribution of educational materials to local schools, enabling teachers to incorporate project themes into their curricula.
The project achieved several significant results that benefited the local ecosystem, community, and broader environmental objectives:
Ecological Impact:
- Rehabilitated riparian galleries along the Silvares Stream, restoring its hydrological and ecological functions.
- Improved habitats for native flora and fauna, leading to increased biodiversity and better ecosystem resilience.
Community and Educational Benefits:
- Raised awareness among local residents, landowners, and stakeholders about the importance of protecting water lines and adopting sustainable practices.
- Empowered educators with tools and materials to teach environmental conservation in schools, fostering a culture of ecological responsibility among young people.
Hydrological Improvements:
- Enhanced the stream''s capacity to handle peak water flow during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding.
- Stabilized riverbanks and reduced sedimentation, mitigating erosion and preserving the integrity of adjacent lands.
Visibility and Replication Potential:
- The project served as a demonstrative example of best practices in riparian restoration, with its methodologies and outcomes providing a model for similar initiatives in other regions.
The primary beneficiaries of the project included the residents of Vila do Conde, local farmers, schools, and the broader community of stakeholders invested in sustainable environmental management.