Guimarães Highlighted by New Scientist Magazine as an International Example of Sustainability

New Scientist magazine recognises Guimarães as an example of how science, innovation and public participation can drive the transition to sustainability.

The city of Guimarães is the subject of an extensive feature in the latest issue of New Scientist, one of the world’s most prestigious popular science publications. The article presents Guimarães as a leading example of a development model that reconciles quality of life, sustainability and climate action.

The feature highlights the policies and projects implemented by Guimarães City Council, in close collaboration with the Landscape Laboratory, which have established the area as a living laboratory for testing sustainable solutions. The work carried out under Guimarães 26 – European Green Capital is also presented as an example of the integrated strategy that has placed sustainability at the heart of public policy.

The publication showcases initiatives in the fields of the circular economy, ecological restoration, climate change adaptation, environmental education and public participation, recognising their contribution to reducing the area’s environmental footprint and improving residents’ quality of life.

The Landscape Laboratory’s role receives particular attention, with the organisation presented as one of the key drivers of this transformation through research, environmental monitoring, sustainability education and community engagement in climate action.

For Carlos Ribeiro, President of the Landscape Laboratory, this international recognition is an important endorsement of the work carried out in Guimarães.

“Seeing Guimarães and the Landscape Laboratory recognised by an international publication such as New Scientist confirms that it is possible to build a development model that brings together scientific knowledge, community participation and public policies focused on sustainability. This recognition strengthens our responsibility to continue innovating and inspiring other cities along this path.”

For New Scientist, Guimarães’ designation as European Green Capital 2026 reflects this sustained progress, built over the past decade and now recognised internationally. The feature also highlights the interest Guimarães’ experience has generated among other European and international cities, consolidating the area’s position as a reference point in the transition towards a more sustainable future.