Ana Ferreira

Traditionally, the management of stormwater has relied on pipes and sewers. Due to limited storage capacity, these systems are susceptible to overflowing during storm events, presenting risks of harmful contamination to the environment, and causing damages on buildings. Nature based rainwater management is designed to collect runoff water and relieve the pressure on sewer systems. This is done by handling the water on the terrain surface and including the hydrological performance of nature. They are based on retention and infiltration principles, which mitigates flood problems, improve quality of water and recharge underground watercourses as well as promoting and improving both biodiversity and the wellbeing of people. These NBS are very flexible and includes various possibilities for site specific adaptation, in terms of scale, technical solution and combination with other programs.

Watercourse restoration concerns rivers/streams that have been degraded by the urbanization process or by heavily engineered water management solutions: contained underground watercourses, channelled rivers, concrete banks, embankments, dams, among others. Despite being necessary solutions, excessive containment of waterflow means that a man-imposed limit on volume and flow might not be sufficient, offering lower flexibility to behaviour changes over time. Mixed solutions that combine man-driven watercourse control while respecting the riverbank ecosystem offers greater success at short and long term, while promoting biodiversity, ecological connectivity and a major increase in water purification.

Green space designed according to sustainability principles where natural dynamics and ecological succession are a central concept and part of the design. The ecology of the site, its plants and habitats are expected to change over time, a process that can be integrated into the site’s planning and design. Special care is given towards the promotion of urban biodiversity, natural regeneration, habitat development and ecological succession, through specific planting design and management. It can be a cost-efficient solution able to provide a deeper connection between recreational uses and nature.

Urban woodland designed and managed according to ecological, aesthetic and economic principles. This NBS relies mostly on plant-based material, particularly on autochthonous vegetation. Plant species and habitat design should be chosen in accordance with local characteristics (climate, soil conditions, pollution levels, spatial needs and management capability). By using native vegetation its adaptation to the site is ensured, just like the performance in terms of water absorption and carbon fixation. Urban woodlands can help to raise social awareness towards ecological benefits of using autochthonous vegetation. At the same time, it contributes to sustainable development goals by promoting urban resilience to climate change and recreational opportunities.

Open meetings facilitated and organized in small groups in which participants are invited to debate a specific thematic. This method allows to explore and develop bottom-up and grassroots community development skills for people within their own communities. Participants can identify their most pressing social determinants, with positive and negative aspects of their environment, bringing social justice and environmental sustainability. The method also assists people to gain a clearer understanding of the principles of community development and community capacity building, increasing awareness and understanding of the main themes, terms and definitions.