Management of the Rio Ceira river basin adapted to a changing climate
Pre-defined Project 3 aims to improve resilience and responsiveness to climate change in selected areas through concrete climate change adaptation measures at the local level
The project is based on an innovative environmental approach that aims to raise awareness among local populations for the mitigation and adaptation of their activities to climate change in their territory, considering the territorial unit of the Rio Ceira river basin.
PDP-3 aims to improve resilience and the capacity to respond to climate changes in selected areas, through concrete adaptation measures, at local level. The Project has three main components, hydrological, ecosystem and cultural:
- The hydrological component aims to characterize the basin's behavior, including flow assessment and the implementation of a monitoring system, in order to minimize the effects of extreme events (floods and droughts). For this purpose, it is proposed to create a flow monitoring program;
- The component dedicated to ecosystems reinforces the role of green infrastructure in climate change adaptation. The project aims to rehabilitate ecosystems and their services, increasing their resilience to climate change. The rehabilitation and protection of the hydrographic basin is essential regarding adaptation;
- The socio-cultural component is a key factor population awareness to climate change. The involvement of the local population will be based on the preservation of some historical elements. The focus on restoring traditional good practices, with emphasis on the potential of River Watchers (a former practice now abandoned), is a visible aspect of a new governance model based on proximity.
The Project Promoter is the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), through ARH Centro, the partners are the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, the Municipality of Arganil, Municipality of Góis, Municipality of Lousã, Municipality of Pampilhosa da Serra and the Norwegian Civil Protection Directorate (DSB).
The duration of the project will be of 42 months and will have an available budget of € 2 600 000.
PDP-3 will contribute to the general objectives of the EEA Grants in reducing economic and social disparities in Europe and strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with donor countries..