Parque da Cidade do Porto, inaugurated in 1993 and designed by landscape architect Sidónio Pardal, is the largest urban green area in the country, with 83 hectares extending to the seafront, making it the only European urban park with a seafront. Since it was built and over its three decades of existence, it has been subject to enlargement and improvement interventions that have integrated nature-based solutions to promote environmental and urban sustainability and adaptation to climate change.
In a network of approximately 10 km of paths, its large green areas, diversity of trees (around 13,000 trees in total) and naturalized soil management contribute to thermal regulation, improvement of air quality and conservation of biodiversity. The lakes, ponds and permeable soils act as green infrastructures that facilitate the retention and infiltration of rainwater, which prevents flooding and supports aquatic ecosystems. In addition, the park serves as a habitat for various species, including some protected ones such as the Iberian Spadefoot (Pelobates cultripes), and promotes ecological connectivity within the city.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the park has an important social and educational function. It includes spaces for observing nature, trails and programmes such as ‘Observa!’ that encourage community involvement and environmental education. It provides places for leisure, sport and contact with nature, thus contributing to the physical and mental well-being of the population and visitors. Therefore, the Parque da Cidade is a clear example of how nature-based solutions can integrate environmental conservation, climate adaptation and improving the quality of urban life.
