In Parque Oriental there are two ponds, accessible via the park entrance on Rua do Lagarteiro.
As part of the restoration work carried out in 2023, various native aquatic species (both emergent and submerged) were planted in these bodies of water, such as curly pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), aquatic rush (Juncus heterophyllus), common rush (Juncus effusus), marsh purslane (Ludwigia palustris) and water forget-me-not (Myosotis secunda). In addition to the fauna, amphibians such as the orange-bellied newt (Lissotriton boscai) were also introduced, and tadpoles of the midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans) were observed.
These ponds have important environmental functions, such as water purification, flood mitigation, support for pollination and temperature regulation. These functions are in line with the ecosystem services provided by the Parque Oriental itself.
The rehabilitation of the pond was carried out as part of the MoRe Porto project, now known as Água com Vida Porto. The main objectives of this collaboration are to increase knowledge of the city’s wetlands, mapping, biological inventory and characterisation, with a view to adopting conservation and restoration measures and creating new water bodies.
