Towards a blue and green Eurocity: Circular economy, blue and environmental sustainability
The Pilot Project Blue Horizon is part of the Pilot Action dedicated to the Circular and Blue Economy, and Environmental Sustainability. The Eurocity of the Guadiana, as a border territory that combines a privileged Atlantic coastline and marshes of great environmental value, has in its nautical and natural resources a unique opportunity to reinforce its identity and project itself into the future.
The territorial analysis carried out has highlighted two key challenges. On the one hand, the need to strengthening recreational boating and port infrastructuresto respond to the growing demand for berths and to diversify the economy through nautical and sports tourism. On the other hand, the urgency of adapting urban spaces to the effects of climate changeThe project is based on renaturalisation strategies that increase the number of trees and generate shadows to mitigate the heat island effect, especially in Portuguese municipalities, where the availability of green spaces in urban areas is limited.
From this vision, two sub-projects are born, which structure Blue Horizon:
A01. Nautical infrastructures and port expansion
A02. Urban tree and shade plan for the Eurocity
A01. New blue infrastructure.
This project aims to expand and modernise the range of marinas and fishing ports in the Eurocity, consolidating recreational boating as an economic, social and cultural driving force. Currently, the territory has three marinas: the Ayamonte Marina, the Porto de Recreio do Guadiana in Vila Real de Santo António, and the Isla Canela Marina. However, all of them have limitations in terms of capacity and functionality in the face of the growing demand for moorings.
The strategy envisages three main interventions. Firstly, the extension of the marina of Vila Real de Santo António, with the aim of responding to the high pressure of recreational boats and reinforcing training in nautical sports. Secondly, the extension of the Punta del Moral fishing port and the Isla Canela Marina, which is necessary both to respond to the historical demands of the fishing sector and to increase the supply of moorings on the coast of Huelva.
Finally, it is proposed to develop the land occupied by the former fish farms located to the north-east of the International Bridge, in the vicinity of Costa Esuri. The proposal envisages its transformation into a large marina, with a surface area of about 70 hectares and capacity to more than 1,400 berths. This facility would be integrated with the natural environment of the Guadiana and would become the largest nautical facility on the Iberian South Atlantic coast, complementing the existing offer in the Algarve and in the province of Huelva.
Benefits for the Eurocity
- Promote the Blue Economy as a strategic development sector.
- Diversify the tourist offer beyond the sun and beach, creating a nautical destination of reference.
- Generate synergies between the fishing, nautical and tourism sectors.
- To increase the international projection of the EuroGuadiana destination in the Atlantic and Mediterranean context.
Objectives and Targets
- Increase the berthing capacity and port services of the Eurocity.
- Promote the practice of sports and nautical education among young people and residents.
- Position the Eurocity as a cross-border nautical node on the Atlantic coast.
The implementation of this project would enable the Eurocity to become a reference point for recreational and sporting nautical activities in the southwest of the peninsula, reinforcing the maritime identity of its territory and generating new economic opportunities linked to the Blue Economy.
Pilot Project A01:
Nautical infrastructures and port expansion
Promotes:
Eurociudad del Guadiana EGTC
Phase:
Proposal / Feasibility Study
Duration:
60 months
Location:
Ayamonte / VRSA
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A02. New green infrastructure
The second sub-project focuses on the fight against the climate change and the adaptation of the Eurocity's urban environments, through a comprehensive tree planting and shading plan. The need is particularly evident in Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, where the scarcity of green areas and urban trees increases the impact of the heat island effect.
The proposal envisages the development of a coordinated tree planting plan in streets, squares and public spaces, accompanied by the creation of urban green corridors and complementary artificial shading measures. The project will contribute to mitigate CO₂ emissions, improve climatic comfort in summer and align with the objectives of the EuroGuadiana Urban Agenda 2030which prioritises environmental sustainability and the improvement of public health.
Benefits for the Eurocity
- Mitigate the heat island effect and improve climate resilience.
- Increasing quality of life and urban health.
- Contribute to the reduction of emissions and the absorption of CO₂.
- Rebalance the deficit of urban green spaces in Portuguese municipalities.
Objectives and Targets
- Develop a joint tree plan for the three municipalities.
- Increase shaded areas in public space by at least 30% by 2030.
- Incorporate urban renaturation as a central strategy of the Eurocity.
This project turns climate adaptation into an opportunity to transform urban space into a healthier, more liveable and sustainable environment, at the service of citizens on both sides of the Guadiana.
Pilot Project A02:
Urban tree and shade plan for the Eurocity
Promotes:
Eurociudad del Guadiana EGTC
Phase:
Proposal / Feasibility Study
Duration:
12 months
Location:
Ayamonte / VRSA /Castro Marim
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