In this context, the main adaptation measures will focus on the targeted green areas, aiming at increase soil cover with shrubs and trees (in areas that are currently lawns), improve stability of Turgela´s stream margins, as well as support surface water retention.
The proposed demonstrative solutions will deal with approaches that have been already promoted elsewhere but still need to be assessed for a wider use under the project’s geographic context. These solutions are expected to promote a wider resilience to extreme weather events and better microclimatic conditions (e.g. through additional shading) on the urban environment.
The increase in shading of green areas (amounting around 10.100 m2) will contribute to minimize effects of heat waves, improving micro-climatic conditions of green areas and adjacent residential neighborhoods. As trees grow this will increase and deliver a reduction of and more suitable living conditions.
The increase on soil coverage, around 9.000 m2 of the existing lawns, will allow to improve water retention and absorption during short periods high intensity rain, reducing erosion on stream margins and probability of floods. These effects will particularly be expected on the green infrastructure along the Turgela’s stream, that deals with a total area of 187.517 m2 and a stream stretch of 1,8 km, both of which relevant for the scale of interventions.