‘‘S.O.S. Climate Waterfront”, first Secondment of the project, Lisbon 01-31 March 2019

Together with researchers, students, and other experts we are visiting and exploring 3 metropolitan sites within Lisbon's area. The purpose of these visits  is to learn the impact of the climate change on the following: Alcochete Marshlands, Cascais Public Promenade and Riberia d’Ilhas World Surving Reserve.

 3 case studies:

"Alcochete Marshlands, located on the south bank of the Estuary of Lisbon occupies an extensive surface surrounded by an unique fragile ecosystem that hosts nearly 280 species of birds.
The central government has recently approved the construction of a new airport for low-cost flights that will refurbish and adapt an ancient military airfield on the Alcochete Peninsula. The environmental impact and the social consequences of the nearness of such intensive air traffic to the wildlife habitats in Alcochete have not been sufficiently studied and discussed. The new infrastructure has an impact of housing development, property values and job opportunities. What are the challenges to be combined? How the negative impact can be mitigated?"

''Ribeira d'Ilhas World Surfing Reserve, recently classified as the second World Surfing Reserve to be distinguished worldwide, this 4-km long waterfront area introduces a new approach to the territory. The classification of beach waves had a domino effect, introduced a new way of addressing the territory and boosted a prominent culture that attracts national and international attention. The economical development, environmental protection and community engagement has been successful. The growth of environmental protective initiatives have emerged thus enhancing a good balance between conservation and development. Ribeira's success is based upon the protection of an immaterial event, the wave. To which extend this new approach represents an effective response to the challenges brought by climate change on the waterfront?''

"Cascais Public Promenade. Along the rocky waterfront, a large public promenade was built  in the early 20th century connecting a sequence of several urban beaches and settlements located on the waterfront. This promenade effectively constitutes a popular urban public space, the most popular, with a daily large attendance of people engaged in several leisure activities.
Nevertheless, the rise of the sea level directly threatens the promenade, as the beach line recedes and sand vanishes each year with the increase strength of the storms. How the new design of the infrastructure may adapt to the new patterns brought by climate change and enhance the resilience of these public spaces, to prevent further damages?"

River // Cities is taking part in S.O.S. Climate Waterfront project 2018-2021 together with 10 partners; The project is financed by Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Horizon2020.

#Lisbon #Cascais #Portugal #Ribeira d'Ilhas World Surfing Reserve #Alcochete Marshlands

Project Partners:
ULHT – Universidade Lusofona, Portugal, lead partner 
Intercult, Sweden
PG – Politechnika Gdanska, Poland
AUTH – Aristotelio Panepistimio Thessalonikis, Grekland
UNIFI – Universita degli studi di Firenze, Italien
INESC ID – The Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores, Portugal
River//Cities – Poland
CPONH – CPO Noord-Holland, Nederländerna
Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Portugal
Miasto Gdank, Poland