Water body of Campanhã Intermodal Terminal

Tipology

Aquatic plants
Ponds

Address

Campanhã

Location

Campanhã

Promoter

Municipality of Porto

Presentation

The retention basin at the Terminal Intermodal de Campanhã (TIC) is part of a green infrastructure that combines urban functionality and environmental sustainability. This structure collects and filters rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and promoting aquifer recharge. On the other hand, they act as natural filters of pollutants and contribute to improving water and air quality, which becomes an essential role for the area where it is located, with a dense urban network and heavy traffic. It is also a space of ecological value, which supports urban biodiversity by providing various habitats, particularly for amphibians, where several species have been introduced to the site (e.g. Triturus marmoratus and Lissotriton boscai). Also noteworthy is the presence of aquatic plants such as Myosotis debilis and Juncus heterophyllus.
In addition to its environmental purposes, it also has social functions, with pleasant leisure areas for visitors and a functional children’s playground that blends in with the natural landscape in an integrated way.

The TIC has already been recognised with architectural and sustainability awards as it represents an example of how urban infrastructure can regenerate degraded areas and benefit both the environment and the community.

The maintenance of the retention basin was carried out as part of the MoRe project. The main objectives of this project 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

Ecological functions

Improvement of water quality; Improvement of quality of life; Promotion of biodiversity; Reduction of extreme climatic events; Regulation of air quality; Regulation of temperature; Regulation of floods; Carbon sequestration

Sustainable Development Goals

3 - Good Health and Well-Being; 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities; 13 - Climate Action; 15 - Life on Land

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

A pond, once used for traditional purposes, was renaturalized by removing invasive plants and installing ramps for amphibians. Today it is a vital refuge for aquatic biodiversity, with several native species, promoting coexistence between nature and local agriculture.
A park with a crucial role to play both in enhancing public space and in the city's renaturation strategy. The retention basin and pond increase local biodiversity and phytodepuration. The aquatic plants introduced help filter pollutants, fix sediments and improve the natural purification of the water.
A pond that was built as part of the redevelopment of a school, which is right next door and which, in addition to its teaching function, also serves as a water retention basin for water from the school's roofs, an infiltration point for surplus water in the aquifers and a promoter of biodiversity.