European Commissioner Visits the Landscape Laboratory
European Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, visited the Landscape Laboratory, where she learned about the work being carried out in scientific research, sustainability and territorial enhancement.
The visit included the immersive experience of Guimarães 26 – European Green Capital and a tour of the research laboratories. Along the way, several projects and solutions developed to understand, protect and enhance the local environment were presented, demonstrating how scientific knowledge can be brought closer to the community and support decision-making in response to current environmental challenges.
“I am in Guimarães because it is the European Green Capital. I came to learn and seek inspiration, and I am very pleased to have come,” said Jessika Roswall, highlighting the area’s potential to inspire other European cities.
The European Commissioner highlighted work in areas such as flood prevention, nature-based solutions, water quality improvement and the circular economy. She also emphasised the importance of mobilising society as a whole for the environmental transition.
“One thing that is very important to me is that everyone is involved. Including people is essential,” she noted.
Jessika Roswall also underlined the importance of these projects in the context of the extreme weather events experienced across Europe. “After a very difficult summer marked by wildfires and droughts, and a spring with flooding, it is clear that we need to make this transformation happen. Guimarães is taking the lead.”
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the work carried out daily by the Landscape Laboratory and demonstrate how science, innovation and community participation can help build more resilient and sustainable territories.
The Commissioner was accompanied by Ricardo Araújo, Mayor of Guimarães; João Manuel Esteves, Secretary of State for the Environment; and José Pimenta Machado, President of the Portuguese Environment Agency.