The municipality of Miranda do Douro saw a 1.4 million euro application approved for the International Douro, under the Portugal 2030 Program. The mayor, Helena Barril, revealed that the project includes seven actions aimed at recovering natural habitats, improving trails and viewpoints, creating new environmental education spaces and strengthening biodiversity protection. The objective, according to Helena Barril, is to leave a territory more resilient to climate change, more prepared for the future and more attractive for those who live, work and visit Miranda do Douro and the International Douro Natural Park in the municipality area.
Among the planned interventions, the protection of São João das Arribas stands out through the recovery of paths, traditional walls and native vegetation, with the creation of a fire protection strip. In the city of Miranda do Douro, a Knowledge Center for Nature Restoration will be created in the building of the former bus station, which will allow the dissemination of the park's natural wealth through multimedia exhibitions and educational activities.
The project also includes the recovery of the pedestrian route between the city and the Douro river, the recovery of access to the viewpoint on the cliffs of Freixiosa, and the creation of an interpretive trail in Picote, in the area of Barrocal and Fraga do Puio. The renaturalization of approximately ten hectares is also planned, where monocultures of cypresses and pine trees will be replaced by native species such as cork oaks and oak trees. In Sendim, the route connecting the town to the Douro river quay will be recovered.
The final project action focuses on people, with environmental education activities, citizen science programs, multimedia content, events, training and awareness actions. Helena Barril highlighted that these initiatives aim to promote knowledge and appreciation of the region's natural and geological heritage among the population and visitors.
