Landscape Laboratory has another funded project approved

The Landscape Laboratory has seen another funded project approved. It’s called ‘Miniforests, Big Impacts’ and was one of five selected by AMI – International Medical Assistance, as part of the ‘No Planet B’ initiative, which aims to promote collective action in response to the ecological crisis.

The main aim of this environmental education project is to create Miyawaki mini-forests in schools in order to strengthen ecological connectivity, increase local biodiversity and improve climate resilience.

These mini-forests play an important role in capturing carbon and regenerating urban ecosystems, improving air quality and promoting natural habitats. Through training sessions and co-creation activities, students, families and the community will actively participate in planting and monitoring the mini-forests.

The nine-month project, starting in January 2025, will also include activities open to the community, allowing for broad citizen participation.

Guimarães already has an urban forest, located next to the Ecovia, at the roundabout near the CP station, in an area of around 800 m2. Built in 2021 under the Miyawaki concept, it is characterised by being dense and multifunctional, with rapid growth, a high carbon dioxide absorption rate and the ability to attract a diversity of species. It also acts as a sound barrier and is a reference resource for improving air quality. Several hundred trees and shrubs have already been planted on the site, including chestnut trees, oaks, strawberry trees, ash trees and others. The space also has a pond and different shelters for species, seeking to promote biodiversity.