Case study

BioValue: Municipal Spatial Planning in Mafra Municipality, Portugal

A path in autumn with red fallen leaves and trees at the sides of the path.

Area characterisation:

Portugal

Objective:

Mafra Municipality has seen more demand in tourism and has been called on to safeguard natural values and biodiversity as factors of differentiation and competitiveness for Lisbon Metropolitan Area’s identity. This case explores how instrumental perspectives can sustain the promotion of biodiversity in actions. It investigates how dialogical regimes among multiple stakeholders can enhance transformative capacity to promote biodiversity.

Start/end date:
-

Context:

The Horizon Europe project has officially concluded (July 2022 – September 2025) exploring research, policy and practice to make biodiversity a driving value in spatial planning. BioValue has leveraged transformative change in spatial policymaking, planning practices and infrastructures development, to upscale opportunities for valuing biodiversity in support of EU strategic actions.

Financing:

BioValue was a Horizon Europe project funded by the European Union 

Potential impacts/benefits:

  • Advancing renewable energy adoption.
  • Designing urban spaces with green roofs, kitchen gardens, and low-density housing.
  • Preserving coastal and natural areas while fostering responsible tourism.
  • Modernizing agriculture while protecting its traditional identity.
  • Enhancing environmental education and certification efforts.

Actions:

The spatial planning process is still ongoing as it needs to be aligned with the current legislation and with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).

Contacts:

Mafra Municipality has seen more demand in tourism and has been called on to safeguard natural values and biodiversity as factors of differentiation and competitiveness for Lisbon Metropolitan Area’s identity. This case explores how instrumental perspectives can sustain the promotion of biodiversity in actions. It investigates how dialogical regimes among multiple stakeholders can enhance transformative capacity to promote biodiversity.

Publications and reports: