Cascais is leading the urban transformation with nature-based solutions, promoting sustainability and the well-being of its citizens. Through projects such as the Bosque de Cascais, the city is integrating nature and urbanism to tackle climate change. A greener and more resilient future is being built, connecting urban spaces with nature in an innovative way.
Cascais has stood out as an example of innovation and commitment to sustainability, adopting nature-based solutions (NbS) to face the challenges of climate change and improve the quality of life for its inhabitants. Since 2009, the municipality has followed an integrated approach that combines science, citizen participation, and public policies, aiming to promote decarbonisation, enhance quality of life, and conserve biodiversity. Among its actions, sustainable urban planning, integrated natural resource management, and the promotion of green and blue infrastructures are particularly noteworthy.
One of the most emblematic projects of this strategy is the Bosques de Cascais programme, which aims to restore wooded areas through minimal interventions, preserving native species and creating trails that connect urban zones to natural spaces. This programme reflects the municipality’s vision of integrating nature with urbanism for both ecological and social benefit.
A concrete example of this effort is the intervention in the Bosque das Fontainhas, which seeks to restore forested areas of high ecological value, ensuring the safety of visitors and preserving the existing trees. Additionally, an informal trail has been created that connects the forest to the surrounding urban environment, reinforcing the integration of nature and the city, and promoting sustainable access to green spaces.
Another example of Cascais’s commitment to nature-based solutions is the rehabilitation of Bosque do Livramento. The primary aim here is to create an accessible and multifunctional natural space. This includes preserving native vegetation, encouraging natural regeneration, and constructing a wooden boardwalk that weaves through the woodland, offering visitors an immersive experience. Additional efforts, such as cleaning and widening the flow of the Caparide Stream without damaging the existing trees, as well as the creation of recreational areas, strike a balance between environmental conservation and providing educational and recreational spaces for the community.
Through these impactful actions, Cascais is solidifying its role as a model for implementing nature-based solutions. By mitigating the effects of climate change and creating inclusive green spaces for all its citizens, the city is fostering a greener, more resilient urban environment for the future.
