Guimarães, in northern Portugal, has been named European Green Capital for 2026, a recognition that could transform its city center into a model of urban sustainability. This award, granted by the European Commission, aims to encourage cities to adopt eco-friendly practices while improving citizens’ quality of life.
A Historic City Center at the Heart of the Challenge
Guimarães, often called the “cradle of Portugal” due to its role in the country’s foundation, boasts a city center designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This distinction requires a heightened commitment to balancing heritage preservation with ecological transition.
The municipality’s “One Planet City” project, praised by the award jury, is based on a collaborative approach involving citizens, academia, and local businesses. It focuses on urban biodiversity initiatives, noise reduction, air quality improvement, and sustainable waste management.
What Impact on Commerce and Urban Vitality?
The title of European Green Capital comes with a €600,000 grant, which can be invested in urban renewal projects and sustainable mobility. The experience of other awarded cities, such as Tallinn in 2023, demonstrates that this type of recognition can revitalize city centers through innovative initiatives.
Among the proposed measures:
- Greener public spaces and sustainable mobility: expansion of pedestrian areas, reduction of car traffic, and creation of green corridors.
- Sustainable renovation of heritage buildings: implementation of eco-friendly standards for restoring historic buildings and improving their energy efficiency.
- Revitalization of city-center commerce: support for local markets, eco-responsible labels for businesses, and circular economy initiatives for waste management.
A Showcase for Europe
Tallinn’s example has shown that the European Green Capital title can accelerate the implementation of ambitious environmental policies and sustainably transform a city center’s urbanism. Guimarães could thus become a benchmark for other European cities looking to balance attractiveness, economic vitality, and environmental respect.
With this commitment, Guimarães’ city center is not just preserving its historical heritage—it is positioning itself as a green urban innovation hub for a more sustainable future.
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