Guimarães Moves Forward with Projects for D. Afonso I Park and the Future Vaqueiro River Beach

The Landscape Laboratory will be responsible for developing the ecological and landscape enhancement plans for D. Afonso I Park and the future Vaqueiro River Beach. Working in coordination with Guimarães City Council and the other technical teams, it will contribute to the development of two major initiatives aimed at enhancing the territory’s environmental value.

The projects are part of a series of agreements signed last Friday, 3 July, at Palácio Vila Flor, during a ceremony held as part of the Council of Ministers meeting in Guimarães. The event was attended by the Minister for Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho; the President of the Portuguese Environment Agency, José Pimenta Machado; and the Mayor of Guimarães, Ricardo Araújo.

During the ceremony, the Minister for Environment and Energy highlighted Guimarães’ track record in environmental restoration and emphasised the role of the Landscape Laboratory in developing these projects, underlining the importance of the work carried out in the municipality.

At D. Afonso I Park, the planned investment of €400,000 will transform the area into a new landmark urban garden. The project will involve restoring the Santa Luzia stream, creating new green spaces, enhancing biodiversity and establishing a connection between the historic centre and the University of Minho’s Azurém Campus. The intervention incorporates ecological restoration principles and nature-based solutions, contributing to the objectives of the National Nature Restoration Plan and the recovery of urban ecosystems.

The future Vaqueiro River Beach will benefit from an investment of €500,000 for the ecological restoration of the River Ave, between the parishes of Souto Santa Maria, Souto São Salvador and Gondomar. The project includes riverbank rehabilitation, the removal of invasive species, the planting of native vegetation and the creation of walking and interpretive trails. These improvements will help pave the way for an application for bathing water classification and the creation of Guimarães’ first river beach.

Ricardo Araújo highlighted the importance of these investments in “returning a prestigious space to the city” and bringing local residents closer to their rivers. José Pimenta Machado also emphasised the importance of enhancing water resources and restoring riverbanks to help create more resilient territories.

The Landscape Laboratory’s involvement in these projects reinforces its role as a scientific and technical partner to Guimarães City Council, putting applied research at the service of territorial development. The interventions will contribute to enhancing biodiversity, green infrastructure and water resources, consolidating the legacy of Guimarães – European Green Capital 2026.