1. General information Location and description of the intervention City or FUA Lisboa (FUA) Region Europe Native title of the NBS intervention Plano de Gestão Florestal do Parque Florestal de Monsanto Short description of the intervention The Monsanto Forest Park Management Plan focuses on enhancing the Monsanto Forest Park as an urban ecosystem, thereby improving ecological health and biodiversity while promoting sustainable resource use and integration with urban areas. Key interventions include managing invasive species, preventing forest fires, and supporting native habitats. The plan also aims to improve recreational and educational facilities, reduce automobile traffic, and enhance public accessibility. It aims to cover conservation efforts, recreational use and urban integration as well as promoting the park as a model for sustainable urban forestry. The implementation is overseen by the Lisbon City Council. (Ref 1,4). In 2021, this historic urban forest received the Forest Management Recertification under the Forest Stewardship Council®, "the most important global certification in terms of environmental compliance of forestry operations (Ref. 6). Website of the intervention https://informacoeseservicos.lisboa.pt/contactos/diretorio-da-cidade/parque-flo… Principal problems Climate-Related Hazards Heat stress & Extreme temperatures Forest fires and wildfires Environmental Degradation Biodiversity loss Invasive alien species Health, Well-being and Social cohesion Physical health harm (from pollution, wildfire, extreme temperature) Implementation area characterization Climate Temperate ( Humid subtropical, Hot-summer Mediterranean, Warm-summer Mediterranean, Warm-temperate with dry winter) Ecosystem Mediterranean forests Address Cruz Oliveiras 1500-564 Lisbon Portugal Location The NBS is situated in an area, with clear delineation of boundaries and a specific shape (polygon). The NBS project can also have more than one area location (more than one polygon, situated close by). Area boundary (map-based) NBS area image Total area 10453000.00m² Area description Urban (main city) Type of area before implementation of the NBS Public Greenspace Area Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) 2020 Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2020 End date of the intervention 2028 Present stage of the intervention Ongoing 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention - Improve the environmental sustainability of the Monsanto forest and enhance it's biodiversity conservation (Ref. 1). - Represent a linking element to the Municipal Plan of Forest Defence against forest fires in Lisbon (Ref. 7). - Address the pressures placed by urban expansion in the forest (Ref. 8). - Reconnect the park and the city and foster closer relationship between the park and the urban environment; - Research and address environmental challenges and understand the dynamics of the park and people; - Promote environmental awareness and environmental public education about urban forestry; - Implement management strategies for the multipurpose of the park balancing recreational, ecological, and aesthetic values; - Continue and complete the expropriation process and remove incompatible private property; - Strengthen park identity, information distribution and infrastructure (Ref 1) Key Priorities Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration) Social Justice and community Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Green space creation and/or management Habitat and biodiversity restoration Habitat and biodiversity conservation Regeneration, land-use and urban development Regulation of built environment Promote natural styles of landscape design for urban development Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Species-focused Ecosystem-focused Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Protect and enhance urban habitats Preserve and strengthen existing habitats and ecosystems Reduce negative impacts and avoid the alteration/damage of ecosystem Protect species Undertake specific measures to protect species Undertake specific measures to protect native species Control and clean invasive alien species Means for conservation governance Manage biological resources for conservation and sustainable use Raise public awareness What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Species-focused Ecosystem-focused What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets? Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified) Restore native species Clear and control invasive alien species Public engagement Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities 1. Biodiversity Management Programs - Monitor biodiversity and ecological health. - Restore habitats and control invasive species. - Reforest areas with native species. 2. Sustainable Forest Management - Conduct tree thinning and pruning. - Establish firebreaks and implement fire monitoring. 3. Infrastructure Development - Maintain trails and recreational facilities. - Create educational centers and signage. 4. Public Engagement and Education - Launch biodiversity awareness campaigns. - Engage communities in planning processes. 5. Legal and Administrative Actions - Complete land expropriation for public ownership. - Acquire additional state lands. 6. Urban Integration - Enhance access points and reduce park traffic. 7. Capacity Building and Training - Train park staff in sustainable practices. - Partner with academic institutions. 8. Protecting Traditional Knowledge - Integrate traditional practices into management. 9. Enhancing Park Identity - Improve signage and visitor infrastructure. The management plan addresses critical issues by controlling invasive species, restoring habitats, implementing sustainable forestry, and enhancing public engagement, ensuring biodiversity conservation, forest health, community involvement, and urban integration. (Ref 1, 4) Type of NBS project Maintenance and management of urban nature Urban reforestation, restoration of street trees Protection of natural ecosystems Habitat restoration Habitat conservation Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity Species-specific monitoring and conservation programs 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Parks and urban forests Large urban parks or forests Amenities offered by the NBS Benches and drinking water stations Playgrounds Sports areas and equipment Educational or biodiversity trails Cultural (museum, concert areas) Educational and research amenities (nature protection centre, monitoring stations) Complementing infrastructure (bathrooms, café) Viewing and outlook points Design elements for well-being Visual elements (e.g., expansive views, scenic views, natural light, diverse vegetation) Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Cultural services Tourism Aesthetic appreciation Recreation Mental and physical health and wellbeing Scale Spatial scale Micro-scale: District/neighbourhood level Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area Unknown Socio-economic profile of the area Unknown Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts Unknown Primary Beneficiaries Local government/Municipality Citizens or community groups Specify primary beneficiaries The park is used to promote Lisbon as a city and its governance as it is supposed to serve as a model for urban forestry. Furthermore, the park should enhance life and recreation for Lisbon citizens. (Ref 1, 4, 5) Marginalized groups Unknown Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Native plant vegetation Endangered species (flora and fauna) 4. Governance and financing Governance Governance arrangements Government-led Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative The Parque Florestal de Monsanto is managed by the Municipality of Lisbon, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the management plan in larger cooperation with the national government of Portugal in line with forest management law. Furthermore, research institutions are included as some research is being done in the forest in addition to the involvement of public sector institutions and private owners as facilities are managed (or expropriated) by (or from) them (Ref 1). Key actors - initiating organization Local government/municipality Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) National government Local government/municipality Public sector institution Researchers/university Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Consultation (e.g. workshop, surveys, community meetings, town halls) Land owners Private sector or company Public space owned by the city Policy drivers NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy No NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the national regulations/strategy/plan - Lei de Bases da Política Florestal, National Forest policy, policies on the prevention of forest fires (Ref. 1) If there is a relevant strategy or plan, please specify the theme/type of the plan Other Please specify other national policy instrument - adherence to national forest management law (Ref. 1) NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Yes Please specify the "local regulation/strategy/plan" - Plano Regional de Ordenamento Florestal (Ref. 1) Relevant strategy or plan City specific green space strategy or plan Mandatory or voluntary intervention Mandatory (based on policy) Intervention is mandatory Environmental regulation Other Please specify other type of mandatory intervention - Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) Standards Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers Governance innovations (such as public private partnerships) Please provide details (e.g, name of the plan or strategy) for the selected policies or initiatives. - the project is part of the Model Forest Network (Ref. 1) Governace and decison-making instruments Legislative and regulatory instruments (e.g. laws, strategies, regulations or restrictions) Strategic instruments (e.g. GI strategies, green space strategy or plans) Standards, certifications or guidelines (e.g. standards for accessible green space; biodiversity standards) Educational and knowledge sharing instruments (e.g. science/ living labs, awareness raising campaigns, specific educational programs, green hubs) Arrangements for governance cooperation Information-sharing platforms or networks (e.g. websites for sharing best practices, data or resources pertinent to the project) Barriers - Limited funding affected the scope and maintenance of interventions. - Delays in land expropriation and multiple legal restrictions complicated planning and execution. - There are land use conflicts and disputes over state-owned lands - There has been community and stakeholder resistance (Ref. 1) Financing Total cost Unknown Please specify total cost (EUR) Unknown What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? Unknown Source(s) of funding Public local authority budget Public regional budget EU funds Type of fund(s) used Earmarked public budget Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities) Non-financial contribution Yes Who provided the non-financial contribution? Citizens (e.g. volunteering) Type of non-financial contribution Provision of labour Provision of expertise Co-finance for NBS Yes Co-governance arrangement A fund / grant Entrepreneurship opportunities Unknown Business models Business models Green densification model Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model? Public actor (e.g. municipality) 5. Evaluation and learning Impacts, benefits Environmental impacts Climate change Lowered local temperature Expected lowered local temperature Enhanced carbon sequestration Expected enhanced carbon sequestration Environmental quality Improved air quality Expected improved air quality Description of environmental benefits Lowered temperatures, enhanced carbon sequestration and improved air quality: "Agriculture allotments and green areas, integrated into the municipal ecological structure, provide better ecological flows and landscape functions. In this way they provide key ecosystem services such as CO2 and NO2 sequestration, reduction of the ‘urban heat island’ effect, air and water pollution control and soil desertification prevention. They also help regenerate abandoned areas in the city and can reinforce biodiversity policy, as well as being important NbS areas for flood control. They offer recreational opportunities, contributing to healthy lifestyles by serving as a basis for a bicycle and pedestrian network." (Ref. 3) Environmental impact indicators Green space area created (in ha) 1045.3 Total area of protected or secured natural areas (in ha) 544.7 Economic impacts Unknown Description of economic benefits Unknown Social and cultural impacts Health and wellbeing Gain in activities for recreation and exercise Expected gain in activities for recreation and exercise Education Increased support for education and scientific research Expected increased support for education and scientific research Increased knowledge of locals about local nature Expected increased knowledge of locals about local nature Social and cultural impact indicators Surface area of accessible green spaces (in ha) 890 Description of social and cultural benefits The management plan for Monsanto Park integrates social benefits through educational and community engagement programs while enhancing recreational opportunities by improving accessibility and creating infrastructure that supports various outdoor activities. These efforts aim to foster a deeper connection between the community and nature, promoting both social well-being and environmental education. (Ref 1) Evidence for use of assessment Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process No Presence of indicators used in reporting No Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports No Availability of a web-based monitoring tool No Use of GIS in mapping impacts No evidence in public records Cost-benefit analysis Unknown Transparency Meetings with stakeholders’ representatives Other Please specify other means of ensuring transparency Public consultation of the forest management plan (Ref. 9) Justice Community satisfaction Unknown Trade-offs & Negative impacts Lack of social acceptance Other Please specify Trade-offs & Negative impacts Selected - There are land use conflicts and disputes over state-owned lands (Ref 1) Emphasis of existing social inequalities or injustices No information reported related to negative social justice-related impacts of the NBS project Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement Unknown High-quality & Transformative NBS Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community) No Goal setting and impacts delivery No, project goals were not set, and benefits were not delivered in all 3 key areas. Long-term perspective Unknown: No information about the project's long-term sustainability. Cost-effective solutions Unknown Equitable impacts C. Unknown Transformative capacity Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution) Magnitude of change Unknown Application of lessons learned Unknown Perception of Environmental Change Unknown 6. Sources References 1. Lisbon Municipality (2020). Plano De Gestao Florestral Do Parque Florestral De Monsanto. Lisbon: Lisboa Gov, Accessed on August 1, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 2. Lisbon Municipality (2020). FGC and MPGC networks in the Monsanto Forest Park. Accessed on August 1, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 3. Oppla (n.d.). Lisbon: Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Enhancing Resilience through Urban Regeneration. Accessed on August 2, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 4. Portuguese Association of Historic Gardens (n.d.). Monsanto Forest Park. Accessed on August 1, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 5. Grilo, T. (2014). Monsanto Forest Park. Historical evolution and contribution to its management. Lisbon: Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Accessed on August 2, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 6. Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (n.d.). Parque Florestal de Monsanto. [Source link] [Archive]; 7. Comissão Municipal de Defesa da Floresta (2019). PLANO MUNICIPAL DE DEFESA DA FLORESTA CONTRA INCÊNDIOS DE LISBOA. Lisboa: p. 1-150 Accessed on August 7, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 8. Redacção (2023). Parque Florestal de Monsanto: urbanismo continua a pressionar pulmão da cidade. Accessed on August 7, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; 9. Camara Municipal de Lisboa (n.d.). Public consultation of the forest management plan. Lisboa: Accessed on August 7, 2024, [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Public Images Image Parque Florestal de Monsanto https://informacoeseservicos.lisboa.pt/contactos/diretorio-da-cidade/parque-florestal-de-monsanto
Image Parque Florestal de Monsanto https://informacoeseservicos.lisboa.pt/contactos/diretorio-da-cidade/parque-florestal-de-monsanto
