PROMORIVER
Site description
The Ribeira da Granja is a permanent stream situated in an urban area within the city of Porto. The channel restored in phase 1 measured 339 m and before restoration was classed as “Bad” on an ecological scale. The surrounding population is of low socio-economic status, with many people cultivating their own fruit and vegetables, using the local river water for irrigation.
Existing problems
Chemical analysis of the water showed presence of faecal bacteria due to waste from residential and industrial sources entering the river. Vegetation along the river margin was not connected and erosion was occurring. Introduced species were threatening native flora and fauna, as well as high levels of rubbish and waste entering the water. This, coupled with a lack of accessibility to the river, caused the local population to abandon the river area and forget of its existence.
Objectives
The main goal of the project was to restore and manage riparian vegetation in a critical state. Other objectives were:
- to promote water resources in an urban environment
- to maximise urban vegetation and increase biological diversity
- to improve the visual aspect of the site
- to promote human interaction with the watercourse and the green spaces surrounding it
- to teach local populations on the incorrect uses of irrigation from rainwater networks
Rehabilitation of Ribeira da Granja, Portugal
Case study description
The project was the rehabilitation of the riverbanks and hydrological and ecological processes of the rivers Granja and Asprela in Porto, Portugal with involvement from the public as well as local authorities, using methodology developed in the Projeto Rios project.
Project statistics
Start date: 2008
End date: 2009
Nº of people involved: 5 from multidisciplinary backgrounds
Partners: Águas do Porto E.M.; ARH do Norte; Município do Porto (Porto local authority)
Budget: €250000 (Phase 1)
Location: Porto, Portugal
Implementation
The project started with ecological and chemical analysis of the river to determine its ecological status. In conjunction with the local authorities, the terrain surrounding the river was landscaped, and the riverbanks were stabilised using natural methods. A footbridge was restored to use, and a footpath was created along the river. Benches were placed in the area and several trees were planted to improve margin vegetation. Several of these activities involved public participation. The primary school 23 of Viso has adopted the river and regularly monitors the river using methodology developed by the Projeto Rios. Whilst the work was being carried out, over 400 pupils from local schools were involved in activities explaining the benefits of the work undertaken.
Outcomes and success
The clean-up of the river and the surrounding areas has improved conditions in the river, notably the smell and colour of the water. The creation of footpaths has led to successful use of the area by the local population as a safe and fast way of accessing neighbouring areas. Previously, a long walk around several neighbourhoods was required. However, not all outcomes were successful as trees are being uprooted by local inhabitants, reducing vegetation connectivity.
Future actions
Continued monitoring of the river is needed, with continued support for the school who adopted the river. Monthly chemical readings are currently performed. Further sections upstream will also be restored in phases 2 and 3 of the project, with continued monitoring of all intervention measures performed.
Lessons learnt
Involvement of the local population has helped to keep the river in a better condition than it was previously. Pride in the local area has meant that local inhabitants are more careful when using river water for irrigation of their crops. Much of the work could not have been performed without the involvement of people from a variety of areas, each contributing significant knowledge to the project.
