Guimarães 2030 Biodiversity Action Plan in public consultation

On the day of World Biodiversity Day, the municipality of Guimarães is making its Biodiversity Action Plan – Guimarães 2030 (PABG) available for public consultation.

The document, which can be analysed by all citizens and businesses in Guimarães until 5 June, presents a diagnosis of the municipality’s biodiversity and also outlines a set of measures aimed at responding to the main climate challenges and protecting biodiversity and natural capital. PABG 2030 was developed by the municipality of Guimarães and the Landscape Laboratory, and resulted from the technical and scientific work of the respective teams, as well as participatory actions with citizens.

The Local Action Plan for Biodiversity is based on an innovative strategy adapted to the local scale and geared towards preserving the natural and socio-cultural values present in the heritage. Within the framework of this plan, a work agenda has been outlined that encompasses six main objectives, including: implementing a monitoring programme for fauna and flora; identifying areas for action to gather information on habitats and species; creating maps of protected areas, habitats, ecosystems or biotopes that can be designated as being of interest for the conservation of local biodiversity; defining strategies or plans for priority areas and sites of interest for biodiversity; promoting a participatory approach by the community, involving citizens, businesses and institutions in favour of nature; and also defining targets and actions to protect and improve ecosystems and promote biodiversity in the municipality.

It should be noted that the preservation of nature is a central principle guiding municipal policies, promoting the valorisation of natural resources, the protection of ecosystems, habitat management and the promotion of biodiversity. This commitment also encompasses the transition to a circular economy, decarbonisation and adaptation to climate change. In this sense, the municipality of Guimarães has actively participated in various initiatives and strategies proposed by the EU that will contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal, such as the Green City Accord, and the European Missions (EU Mission ‘Soil Deal for Europe’, EU Mission: ‘Restore Our Ocean and Waters; EU Mission 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities), It should also be noted that the Municipality of Guimarães is co-leader of the Green Areas and Biodiversity Group of the EuroCities European Network.

In order to further involve the Guimarães community in this journey to protect biodiversity, citizens should send their contributions to geral@labpaisagem.pt. Once these have been incorporated, the final version of the document will be submitted for approval by the relevant municipal bodies.

The provisional version of the Biodiversity Action Plan – Guimarães 2030 is available for public consultation here: https://labpaisagem.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DRAFT_PABG2030_VF.pdf.