Making its environmental, cultural, and heritage treasures available for residents and visitors to explore responsibly
Valongo, Portugal demonstrates how cities can enhance and preserve their biodiversity, natural scenery and cultural heritage, while simultaneously enriching the well-being of ther citizens. Valongo makes its environmental, cultural, and heritage treasures available for residents and visitors to explore responsibly. The success of Valongo's green transition, which won the municipality the European Green Leaf 2022 award, lies in its integrated approach, involving stakeholders, communities, and businesses.
Forward thinking sustainability
The Porto Mountain Park demonstrates Valongo's commitment to sustainability. Not only is the park a tourism hotspot, but it also plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation. Collaborating with neighbouring municipalities, Valongo formed the Porto Mountains Park Association of Municipalities in 2016. This collective effort aims to manage the Protected Landscape, safeguard biodiversity, control invasive species and mitigate forest fires.
Valongo developed a Municipal Plan for Climate Change Adaptation to address future challenges due to climate change. Under these plans, the city focuses on the rehabilitation of local river ecosystems. The Leça River Corridor Association targets the ecological recovery of the river, amplifying the landscape's allure, and fostering socio-economic development. The Program of Action for the Adaptation of Climate Alteration includes the requalification of Ferreira and Sousa Rivers aligns with the Program of Action for the Adaptation of Climate Alteration. By leveraging bioengineering techniques and nature-based solutions, these initiatives enhance the ecological and environmental quality of these rivers, fostering climate resilience.
Valongo keeps the well-being of its residents as a priority. The city aims to promote the increase of literacy and knowledge, increase environmental awareness, create new opportunities for sustainable mobility, leisure areas, at the same time as increasing the proximity of the community with the rivers, nature and outdoor life.
The Cuca Macuca Staircase Project, for example, enhances accessibility from the city to the mountain through a thoughtfully designed pedestrian route. The landscape offers contemplative swings and belvederes overlooking the sea, offering residents a chance to relax and connect with nature.