Evolving Lower Guadiana_Lourdes Barrios by Amsterdam Academy of Architecture

Evolving Lower Guadiana “A river that unites us”

LOURDES BARRIOS AYALA

Esther Kiras Guadiana River. May 2016

Evolving Lower Guadiana

LBA

Evolving Lower Guadiana LOURDES BARRIOS AYALA

Problem Statement 05 Manifesto 07 Site Study Description 09 Motivations 12 Research Question 13 Lower Guadiana: Introduction to the site

Aspirations 65 Regional Strategy 75 - Landscape restoration - Sustainable production - Accessibility Zooming in - Gateway to the landscape - Ecological corridor reinforcement - A productive natural park

105 175 247

Conclusion 313 Interviews 315 Special thanks 317

Problem statement A relevant area with a global issue

The Lower Guadiana has the potential to be an international resource and a relevant link for natural core areas, but it is now in danger. It requires a development plan that integrates the values of the area while responding to needs and threats in a resilient way. The problem is categorized in three topics:

Ecology Production Accessibility

Manifesto

Alone we can do something, together we can do everything Keep it small, but be big in inspiring Nature heals people. Design heals landscape Ecological living is an increasing trend, as awareness is growing each generation Circularity: everything that goes comes back. Reuse Quality landscape attracts new residents and investment Comfort is important. Idealism vs. Practicality The power consists in combining local and foreign sustainable practices Magic: An authentic experience will mark the whole journey Landscape is nature and culture integrated in one Resiliency: regulate growth while actively protecting It is about how to move the water

Site Study Description Location

Site Study Description A valuable landscape that needs rescue

PARQUE NATURAL GUADIANA 3

Mertola

PORTUGAL

SPAIN 4

LOWER GUADIANA 70KM

Isla Cristina 1

Faro

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Border in between countries: complex and diverse

A Natura 2000 area: corridor for protected spaces/ species

Risks of macro-urbanization and landscape degradation

Site Study Description Relevance mainly soil stabilisation, and biodiversity preservation (i.e. the largest Portuguese population of Chamaelo chamaelon are found in the Monte Gordo nature reserve, closed to the western margin of the Guadiana mouth).

TITLE: Guadiana valley in Portugal LOCATION/Geography:

The Guadiana is a national park located in southern Portugal CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE The Guadiana basin and Southern Portugal, harbours extensive semi-natural sylvopastoral woodlands -known as “ montados” in Portugal and “Dehesas” in Spain-, which have historically represented very efficient and rational multipurpose management systems, adapted to adverse environmental conditions imposed by low quality soils and harsh climate. The Guadiana basin boasts more than 220 breeding vertebrates. The woodlands constitute important wintering enclaves for thousands of cranes (Grus grus), and breeding areas for hundreds of white storks (Ciconia ciconia) and the endangered black stork (Ciconia nigra). The south-western Iberian genuine sylvopastoral landscapes are also fundamental for the

preservation of some of the most endangered species in Europe, the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), the Imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), and the great bustard (Otis tarda). The coastal stone pine woodlands (Pinus pinea), associated to the sand dunes, are very valuable ecosystems from both socio-economic - the sustainable management of pine nut collection is an important income-generating activity for rural economies - and conservation point of view, SIM/FORESTS FOR LIFE/WWF INTERNATIONAL

- 1 -

PROBLEM/THREAT: Major land use change has shaped Mediterranean forest cover in the last 50 years. Large scale afforestation for timber and pulpwood have been responsible for transforming areas of natural and semi-natural woodlands. At the same time incentives put in place by the EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) to convert marginal agricultural lands into woodlands, have not actually encouraged appropriate forest restoration. While the EU has poured up to Euro 1.27 billion between 1993 and 1997 into afforestation, important natural habitats of forests, scrubs and grasslands are still being destroyed. The southern half of the Iberian Peninsula includes the most fragile areas classified as undergoing a desertification process, with high erosion risk, and a direct cost on the environment, which in Spain is estimated of about 280 million Euro per year. This is a typical example of an environmental degradation process leading to, or exasperating serious social problems, such as poverty and widespread emigration, affecting the livelihood of several million people in rural and urban areas of many Mediterranean countries. WWF's Action Based on an initial review of policies and actors related to restoration, WWF has identified the need to work at various levels in the Mediterranean basin. One set of interventions will focus on lobbying for a change in legislation at the EU level. This will target more specifically the afforestation measures promoted through the CAP. At the same time in both Morocco and Portugal, WWF will work with local communities to identify and value forest goods and services. Specific activities will include: 1. Identifying and preparing case studies on good restoration practices, showing their social, economic, and environmental benefits. 2. Supporting field restoration work in pilot sites within the Southern Portugal Green Belt, and develop and test the methodology 3. Preparing training tool kits on restoration and awareness material, and organise a training course for WWF Mediterranean NOs and selected partners 4. Supporting lobby actions to the EU and the Portuguese and Spanish national/regional governments to introduce adequate restoration guidelines.

24/01/03

Motivations

Environmental degradation + social deterioration Due to abusive use of land and water sources next to droughts and climate change, which brings a regional urgent need of generating biodiversity, protect soil and improve quality and quantity of water. Due to aging of population, urban migration, which brings a need of alternative land uses and sustainable livelihoods that honour the past but embrace the future.

Challenging design opportunity A place that is full of contrasts: hilly-river-coast landscape, small scale traditional villages, adjacency to an international tourist coast with valuable natural areas, remaining historical cultural elements, a city (MĂŠrtola) that lays in the middle of a natural park, dramatic variations in water level, climate and users throughout the year, a river that belongs to two countries.

Fascination For remote undeveloped areas where nature and culture need to be enhanced and protected in one generation, where change is in the hands of the community, but also the reward (measured in education, quality of life and future opportunities)

Research question

Can I regenerate the Lower Guadiana River Valley,

- WATER - BIODIVERSITY - SOCIO-ECONOMY

Implementing sustainable design and ecotourism as development strategy?

Lower Guadiana Introduction to the site

Economy vs. Landscape Main threats and weaknesses (plus its causes and derived issues) Old /Not instructed local population Overcoming high profit agro-industrial activities

Main opportunities and strengths Super Low Density = Ultra Preserved Nature Rich heritage of different times and cultures along the river

Andalucia + Algarve + Alentejo = EuroAAA

Lower Guadiana Introduction to the site

MÃ&#x2030;RTOLA

80KM

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Guadiana estuary

Lower Guadiana Cross-border collaboration

Shared topics

Tourism

Guadiana River

Communication Network

Rural Development Collaboration

Shared Issues

Low quality soils

Low precipitations

Lower Guadiana Cross-border collaboration

Differences

Portugal

Spain

Dryland Farming. Cereals. Olives

Forest Areas. River valleys. Urban areas

Shared activities

Cattle activity in meadows and pastures

Lower Guadiana Landscape System

Existing Conditions Summer droughts and decreasing water table Increasing land infertility, loss of biomass and biodiversity

Causes Deforestation, overgrazing and mono-cultures have hardened the soil and interrupt water cycle Rainwater cannot infiltrate the soil anymore. It runs off, causing erosion, loss of topsoil, decreasing soil humidity.

Results Traditional agriculture becomes too risky, farmers give up their land No precondition for food security and biodiversity

Lower Guadiana Confluence of ecosystems: fluvial + marine + hinterland

Sea level rise soil salinazation

Waves

Moon or tides B

Salinization salty water comes in

causes waves

moon tide sealevel rise

Storm surge

Lower Guadiana Topographic valley

C) 200m wide

B) 400m wide

A) 800m wide

Lower Guadiana Landscape structure: collection of schemes

Esther Kiras Guadiana River. May 2016

Daily tide fluctuation

Evolving Lower Guadiana

1.5 2M

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Esther Kiras Pulo do Lobo, MĂŠrtola. May 2016

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Lower Guadiana Protected areas

Reserva Natural del Sapal de Castro e Vila Real de St. Antonio

Paraje Natural Marismas Isla Cristina â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Andalucia PORTUGAL

SPAIN 4

Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alentejo

2 3

Natura 2000 Network

The lower Guadiana connects Natura 2000 areas in both countries. Big biological productivity next to the coast in the Marismas, were thousands of aquatic birds live and visit every year connected by a buffer area next to the river that goes up to the Parque Natural do Vale do Guadiana, with great biodiversity habitats.

Lower Guadiana Protected areas VALE DO GUADIANA

ANDEVALO

MARISMAS CASTRO MARIM

MARISMAS ISLA CRISTINA

Lower Guadiana Protected areas

Iberian Lynx

Imperial eagle

Wild rabbit

Marismas Castro Marim

Parque Natural Vale do Guadiana

Lower Guadiana Extreme climate conditions

High and very high vulnerability to desertification Portugal susceptibility map

Climate change predictable impacts Drought - reduction of 20% in precipitation Water scarcity - reduction of 40% of main the main tree (Cork Oak) Increased temperatures and heat waves - 4 to 8 degrees in the max. Temperatures / summer

Lower Guadiana Extreme climate conditions

Deadly Forest fires Vs. High financial profitability

Risks of high water consumption Soil erosion Bet on a monoculture forest with little biodiversity potential (disappearance of fauna) Fires more difficult to control (â&#x20AC;&#x153;gasoline treeâ&#x20AC;?) - burns fast, resistant to fire Vs. Remaining Cork Oak forests: richest in Portugal, providing habitats for the endangered Iberian lynx, Bonelli eagle, as well as many endemic plant species

Lower Guadiana Water system in conflict

Macrourbanization projects: housing, hotels, golf courts

Agriculture - urbanization pollution PORTUGAL

SPAIN

Mining pollution

Industrial pollution

Existing threats The Lower Guadiana River valley is now in danger because of increasing urbanization and planning that runs against preservation of heritage and habitats. Pollution coming from different sources also affects the quality of the water. Climate change, water shortage and increasing droughts are affecting the biodiversity of the area.

Lower Guadiana Water system in conflict

Underground water system

LESS RAIN

less less rain rain

OVEREXPLOITED AQUIFER 23

less less volume volume

less less aquifer aquifer level level

Dams and reservoirs

LESS RAIN = LESS FREQUENT DISCHARGES DECREASING WATER LEVEL

POOR QUALITY DOWNSTREAM

Lower Guadiana Current land-uses: water-demanding

eucalyptus

agriculture

golfcourse golfcourse

Lower Guadiana Current land-uses: water-demanding

STRAWBERRY - RED GOLD

GOLF TOURISM

DAMS

222HM3 Increasing water demand. 200HM3 evaporated in a year (3million people year supply)

Lower Guadiana Current land-uses: water-polluting

Classified by source of non-treated discharge Urban wastewater and solid waste - no treatment plants Industries - production of olive oil, food processing plants, tanneries, wood and cork oak, Agriculture and Cattle - high nitrate pollution risk Mining operations - chromium, iron, pesticides. Moderate and high ecological risk areas

Classified by flow Loads arrive continuously, uniform flow, independent of run-off - Urban wastewater Seasonal loads, independent of run-off - Industries (olive oil refineries) Run-off loads - Diffuse pollution

Lower Guadiana Current land-uses: water-polluting

Evolving Lower Guadiana

Historical importance as communication axis

LBA

Lower Guadiana The Coast: Economy and Accessibility

Severe visual impact on natural environment

Increased vehicular traffic along the coastal region, with detrimental effect

Coastal infrastructure The International Bridge makes the only connection in between the two countries

Lower Guadiana The Coast: Economy and Accessibility

SERVICES

AGRICULTURE

INDUSTRY

50%

32%

18%

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Foz de Odeleite, Portugal. Sept 2017

Evolving Lower Guadiana

LBA

Lower Guadiana Hinterland: Economy and Accessibility

Mixed urban structure Coast

Hinterland

Urban

Rural

+ Population

- Population

+ Opportunities

+ Challenges

Growth in â&#x20AC;&#x153;jumpsâ&#x20AC;?

Disconnection with bigger areas

Castro Marim, Portugal

Foz de Odeleite, Portugal

Lower Guadiana Economy and Accessibility

Land-use: past to present

Traditionally

1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - Crisis

Latest

Traditional fishing

Macro-urbanizations

New Technologies

Shell-fishing

Golf Courts

Modern Agriculture

Aquaculture

Coastline

Citruses / Strawberries

Salt mining

New Mining

Lower Guadiana Economy and Accessibility

Aquaculture

Fishing in the Guadiana has always been an activity exclusively for the subsistence of the riverine populations of the Guadiana basin. The origin of this activity, the knowledge of which is transmitted from parents to children,go back to the Paleolithic.

Lower Guadiana Heritage and Tourism

Natural

Historical

Intangible Unique traditions of this region that have been preserved by the local or native inhabitants

Lower Guadiana Heritage and Tourism

Landscape Values

Diversity

Symbolic strength

Well preserved river valley

Identity value

Lower Guadiana Heritage and Tourism

Artisan Production

Iberian Ham

Wine

Oil

Cheese

Honey

Quality Meat

Lower Guadiana Heritage and Tourism

Identity and Traditions

Meadow activities

Salt Activities

Mills

Mining

Crafts

Crops/Gastronomy

Esther Kiras Guerreiros do Rio, Portugal. May 2016

Evolving Lower Guadiana

LBA

Lower Guadiana Heritage and Tourism

Linking traditional and modern practices through ecotourism

Forest Management and Exploitation Agro-livestock Farms Traditional Farming

Biomass, cellulose, food

Aquaculture Operations Rural

Artisan Fishing and Fresh Market Mining

Extractive / Reuse

Renewable Energies Renewable cycles Water Collection and Treatment Environmental Services

Maintenance of resources

Industries Urban

Real State and Construction Tourist Services

48.3% Employment

Lower Guadiana Heritage and Tourism

Tourism complementary activities Coast

Hinterland

Adding: Sustainable

Tourism + Retail

Small Initiatives

Foreign investment

Sun

Recreation

Cultural exchange

Beach

Landscape Interest Routes

Global trend -awareness

Golf

Nature / History / Culture

Active role of tourist

Lower Guadiana Heritage and Tourism

Why ecotourism? Current practices of tourism put natural habitats in danger too often. Degradation of habitats and landscapes, impoverishment of natural processes and increasing generation of waste and pollution are only some examples of the consequences of inappropriate mass tourism. Ecotourism comes as a way to â&#x20AC;&#x153;rethink culture, education and tourismâ&#x20AC;? (Hetzer, 1965). Looking at how the ecotourism concept has evolved and how it is currently practiced, we realize that the principles that guide it, must be supported by a sustainable approach and design that makes the project successful in every way: social, cultural, ecological, economical. These principles are later translated into profits and employment benefits, stabilizing and increasing the economy of an undeveloped area while protecting it. Landscape architecture and architecture as design professional fields are able to address the principles of ecotourism and materialize them in a sustainable project. Sustainable from all perspectives. Landscape architects deal with economic activities, cultural precedents, social and quality of life, next to ecological and climate issues. If it is possible to create a sustainable model to solve the existing conflict in between landscape architecture and ecotourism; the result would be a real alternative for a healthy living for host communities, but also a better and unique experience for visitors. The main goal is that society integration goes in hand with the nature preservation. The main challenge is that buildings are efficient enough to mitigate their impact on the environment, and attentive in their use of materials, energy and result in a comfortable, efficient space. My interest is to prove ecotourism as an strategy to bring back the balance to the area, where river, biodiversity and socioeconomic growth go in hand. Looking for design opportunities and measures of different scales, that result in an integrated rehabilitation of the river valley.

Lower Guadiana Heritage and Tourism

Relevant Ecotourism Precedents: VIDA PURA, Odeceixe, Portugal

5 elements approach Elements of self sustainability

Water

Energy

Sort, distribution, domestic, collection, storage, biodiversity

Sun, wind, micro hydro-generator, co2 emissions neutral

Food production

Waste treatment and links to local community

Protein (animals), vitamins (garden trees)

Shelter Private, business, animals. Local materials

Biological treatment of water and waste, recycling, compost Interacting and trading with local community

Lower Guadiana Heritage and Tourism

Relevant Ecotourism Precedents: TAMERA, Colos, Portugal

2007

2011

The project was founded in Germany in 1978. In 1995 it moved to Portugal. Today 170 people live and work on a property of 330 acres. The first founding thought was to develop a non-violent life model for human being, animal and nature.

The ecological and technological research issues of Tamera includes the implementation of a retention landscape for the healing of water and nature, as well as a model for regional self-sufficiency in energy and food. Regenerative basis for autonomous water supply, for the production of healthy food, the regeneration of topsoil, pasture and forest, and greater diversity of species. The new cultural impulse which is starting to emerge could enable many people to return to the countryside or to create urban ecosystems in the cities. ACTIONS  4 larger Retention spaces >0.5 ha  19 smaller retention spaces <0.5ha  4 irrigation ponds  1.5 ha terraces with irrigation  >2000 fruit trees & bushes planted  40 ha afforestation

 Vegetable seed autonomy  20 ha managed grazing  3 ha cereals  3 ha olive and fruit orchards  2 ha eucalyptus forest in transition  30 ha older cork oak forest in restoration to natural forest ecosystem

On the terraces around the lakes we harvest: 3 kg / m2 of fruits and vegetables per year.

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Foz de Odeleite, Portugal. Sept 2017

Ecotourism: joining local and foreign forces in search for a better quality

Evolving Lower Guadiana

of life

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Aspirations

1 Rehabilitate / Preserve this cultural and natural landscape

2 Boost the economy using available cultural, natural and social capital

3 Improve the experience and reconnect people - landscape

Lower Guadiana Aspirations

1 Border

Clear International Protected Natural Entity

River as centre of relations

River as Longitudinal

Land development shared by Connection for economical, the two countries mixed and zone areas

Lower Guadiana Aspirations

2 River: landscape and biodiversity

Reconnect water life cycle For effects of climate change, desertification mitigation, biodiversity enhancement

Reintroduction of native species (fire-fighting trees)

Enhance of ecosystem balance

Cork Oak, Olive

Human, fauna, flora, landscape Waste

Lower Guadiana Aspirations

3 Architecture and Heritage

Reuse and restoration of vacant structures

Preserve rural identity of the area

Introduction of sustainable construction local materials

Preservation of unique identity

Regulate growth

Clay, Hemp, Straw

Lower Guadiana Aspirations

4 Economy and Tourism

Ecotourism zone

Public accessibility

Branding the landscape

Bring to inland the tourism of the coast but in a sustainable way

Enhancement of green and River as main leisure and public transport connectivity adventure resource. Experinetworks ence 1to1 with the river

Lower Guadiana Aspirations

5 People

Self sustainable Region

Integrated Social Capital

5 elements of sustainability: water, food, shelter, energy, waste

Combination of Foreign investment Local practices Tourism

Development from the Landscape Creation of jobs that create awareness, heal the landscape and are profitable at the same time

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Foz de Odeleite, Portugal. Sept, 2016

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look deep into nature, and then bett

Albert Einstein

n you will understand everything ter.â&#x20AC;?

Esther Kiras Pulo do Lobo, MĂŠrtola. May 2016

Evolving Lower Guadiana

_Environmental _Social _Economical

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Regional Strategy: Layered Approach

01 REGENERATE LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY

Natural balance: Restoring original habitats while creating a healthy and supportive landscape 02 PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION

Financial balance: Funds to protect nature, keep people in the landscape 03 PROVIDE ACCESSIBILITY

Human-landscape relation balance: Making new and old resources accessible

It is not enough to be sustainable, regeneration is needed to restore this balance of the landscape!

Evolving Lower Guadiana An overview of the strategy Existing

Proposal

Future

Regenerating landscape ecology

Promoting sustainable production

Providing green accessibility

Evolving Lower Guadiana Existing Conditions: Ecology

Climate conditions

Desertification risk

Fire risk

Occupation

Irrigation agriculture

GOlf tourism

Natural structure

Soil Salinisation

Natura 2000 Cork oak network Forest

Pine forest

Iberian Lynx habitat

Available space

WATER SYSTEM

Pollution sources

agrosylvopas- Improductive toral system land

Trasformable area

Evolving Lower Guadiana Proposal: Regenerating Landscape Ecology

The landscape restoration is achieved combining blue and green measures. In matters of water system: diversification of water sources, next to efficient management, treatment and reuse. For enhancement of the green structure: Restoration of original habitats, reforestation and reinforcement of ecological connections for endangered species extending the Natura 2000 area.

A healthy and protected landscape

Evolving Lower Guadiana Proposal: Regenerating Landscape Ecology

Restoring Water System

Diversifying/naturalizing water sources

Reinforcing Ecological Structure

Reforestation

Wastewater treatment

Sustainable human occupation

Reinforcement ecological corridors

Extension of Natura 2000 area

Evolving Lower Guadiana Existing Conditions: Land-use Landscape conditions

Soil

Topography

Occupation

Irrigation agriculture

Orange Fields

Flood

Wind Speed

Future dams

Available space

Traditional salt mines

Small scale agriculture

agrosylvopastoral system

Unproductive land

Transformable area

Evolving Lower Guadiana Proposal: Sustainable Production

The proposal for land-use and production re-activates/enhances traditional activities like salt extraction and agro-sylvo-pastoral systems, in combination with new layers like a sustainable horticulture area along the coast and an extension of the renewable energy landscape towards Portugal which is already happening at the moment.

A landscape that is financially balanced

Evolving Lower Guadiana Proposal: Sustainable Production

Reactivating Traditional Systems

Active traditional salt mining

Expanding Sustainable Practices

New Horticulture strip

Agro-sylvo-pastoral system

Active cereal steppes

Sustainable energy

Water retention farms

Evolving Lower Guadiana Existing Conditions: Accessibility

Connections

bridges

Services

Mobility

Harbors

Occupation

Natural Parks

Hiking routes

Visual basin

Values

Heritage

Accommodation

Evolving Lower Guadiana Proposal: Green Accessibility and Ecotourism

The accessibility layer brings back the Guadiana River as main communication axis from coast to hinterland, and introduces a series of slow traffic structures that connect existing and new values. But also stimulates the proper infrastructure in between, next to accommodation, transport and other services. Each route needs a different level of intervention but also connects or allows access to different layer of the landscape, In the case of the coastal route, the improvement if the public spaces in matters of accessibility includes the redistribution of the space, eliminating car parking and introducing continuous biking lane that goes along the coast and then goes up to the countryside. Alternative routes are proposed, _Through existing, traditional dry-land agriculture with olive trees, _But also through proposed land-uses like the agriculture next to the coast, _The creation of an official bike route from Portugal to Spain would also explore remaining mining heritage, _Small scale infrastructure along the river and private collaboration is also encouraged in small river-countryside routes Using and connecting private and public existing roads, next to proper signalization and new official routes it is possible to make this landscape structure connected again: coast, hinterland and river valley.

An Accessible Landscape

Evolving Lower Guadiana Proposal: Green Accessibility and Ecotourism

New official routes that connect private and public roads to make every corner of the landscape accessible in slow traffic transport

Guadiana Coast

Different levels of intervention are needed from coast to countryside.

Biking international

Found in the countryside

Horticulture journey

River to landscape

Ecotourism services

Esther Kiras Pulo do Lobo, MĂŠrtola. May 2016

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Proposal: Green Accessibility and Ecotourism

DIC NOV

JAN

OCT

FEB

SEPT

MAR

AUG APR

JUL JUN MAY

Easy and complete accessibility to its enriching natural and cultural experiences during the whole year

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Foz de Odeleite, Portugal. Sept, 2017

Branding the landscape Reinforcing relation quality landscape/product/people

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Regional Scale Strategy

Using existing resources and the force of nature to make a resilient landscape

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. Feb 2018

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape

A GATEWAY TO THE LANDSCAPE Green infrastructure, connection and activation of existing values _Wetland Park

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions ECOLOGY

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Existing Conditions

The current situation shows an unbalance in the hydrological cycle, which affects availability of rain hinterland. - There is a sequence of protected spaces: salty marshlands, but the river valley is not completely protected, - Waterways have been channelled, the underground water table is continuously decreasing and wastewater is not properly treated before discharge in the larger river system. - Sea level rise and insufficient drainage is provoking salinisation of the soil - Native forest has almost disappeared; only some fragments remain,

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Existing Conditions

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Marismas Castro Marim, Portugal. Feb 2018

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions PRODUCTION

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Existing Conditions

- The original natural features of this valley have been surrounded and substituted by unsustainable land uses like irrigation agriculture, macro-urbanizations and golf tourism. - At the same time, traditional salt mining is almost inactive, which puts a fragile ecosystem that depends on it, in danger.

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Existing Conditions

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Marismas Isla Cristina, Spain. Feb 2018

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions ACCESSIBILITY

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Existing Conditions

- The infrastructure is mainly vehicular, public transport services and slow traffic routes are mostly inadequate/discontinuous. - There is one train line that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cross the border but goes next to the Algarve coast. - Existing routes and heritage are mostly isolated in the landscape, river infrastructure is incomplete and undeveloped

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Existing Conditions

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. Feb 2018

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Middle Scale Proposal

Proposal ECOLOGY

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Middle Scale Proposal

A restoration of the hydrological cycle along the coast: - Improvement of coastal drainage through naturalization of waterways and proper water treatment. - The restoration of the forest cord, with appropriate species that will improve soil infiltration especially in high areas of the topography. - Urban environment and existing tourism sum up to the initiative with retrofit sustainable architecture and landscape management measures. - An extension of the Natura 2000 area: this will also protect the river valley from being occupied by unsuitable land uses plus

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Middle Scale Proposal

3 - 25

grass

shrubs

25 - 100

100 - 200

pine

200 +

pine + young oak

oak

improvement soil infiltration

deeprooted vegetation

Infiltration improvement in higher areas

improve coastal drainage

river

wetland

spring

Naturalization waterways 2

wastewater treatment

influent

effluent main bed

Efficient management of existing uses

Esther Kiras Ayamonte, Spain. May 2016

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Middle Scale Proposal

Proposal PRODUCTION

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Middle Scale Proposal

- The abundance of vegetation plus the reactivation of traditional salt mining will reinforce the region as a natural core area. - The agricultural productivity will also be enhanced with an efficient water management and climate adaptive crops.

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Middle Scale Proposal

Activate salines

permaculture principles terraces

potato / raddish / carrot

river bed

hugeculture

productiv

stons store heat - microclimate

Reincorporate traditional production practices mulch

crop rotation

biodiveri

B F

Crop rotation

permaculture principles

Terraces

L1 - vegetables R - root vegetables L2 - leaf vegetables F - fruit

tourism

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. Feb 2018

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Middle Scale Proposal

Proposal ACCESSIBILITY

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Middle Scale Proposal

- The car stops at the coast where several points of services and public transport/slow traffic allow you to connect to river and landscape - The villages are again strongly related to the river through a renovated border, where public transport, slow traffic routes and water infrastructure converge to open a gate to the landscape.

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Middle Scale Proposal

Re-established river border relationship

The car stops at the coast

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. Feb 2018

Evolving Lower Guadiana

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Castro Marim

Ayamonte

Castro Marim Castro Marim 100 Castro Marim

Ayamonte Ayamonte 100 Ayamonte

100 Castro 0

Marim

100

100 0

800 mtr

0 100 0 100 0

0 100 0

800 mtr

100 0

dam

irrigation agriculture

village runoff

golf course

dam

village runoff

Guadiana river

golf course

dam

village runoff

Guadiana river

golf course

dam

irrigation agriculture irrigation agriculture irrigation agriculture

Guadiana river

village runoff

Guadiana river

irrigation agriculture

village runoff

sustainable management sustainable management sustainable management

sustainable agriculture sustainable agriculture sustainable agriculture

green blue village green blue village green blue village

sustainable management

sustainable agriculture

green blue village

inactive saltmines

vacant land

ecotourism education permacultureal ground

active ecosystem

reinforced forest

ecotourism education permacultureal ground ecotourism education permacultureal groundecotourism education permacultureal ground

active ecosystem active ecosystem active ecosystem

reinforced forest reinforced forest reinforced forest

ecotourism education permacultureal ground

active ecosystem

reinforced forest

sea level rise sea level rise

Guadiana river

sea level rise

100 0

100

0 100

green blue village

vacant land

100

vacant land

100 0

Guadiana river 0

vacant land

100 0

sustainable agriculture

inactive saltmines inactive saltmines inactive saltmines inactive saltmines

800 mtr

100

sustainable management

sea level rise

800 mtr

dam

100

800 mtr

golf course

Ayamonte

water treatment Guadiana river Guadiana river water treatment Guadiana river water treatment water treatment Guadiana river

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal.

The proposal consists in a vibrant river border with three components that work together and combine the three layers of the regional strategy. An overall accessibility improvement connects the lighthouse, school, sports area and center to this new hub that serves as a transition in the way to the beach and plugs in forest and river border to the public space.

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal

1.1 Purifying water

1.2 economic development connected to water accessibility

1.3 Public accessibility of water shores

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal

Public space optimization: redistribution of car parking and provision of bike lanes

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. Feb 2018

Evolving Lower Guadiana

LBA

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal. Wetland Park

Currently, the relation of the village with the river is not coherently developed: - Wastewater is discharged in the Guadiana river without proper treatment; the river border is mostly incomplete hard-scape and lacking infrastructure services, the accessibility is compromised by private activities/uses; - Landmarks and heritage are disconnected and are not evident for the visitor: the salt marshlands, the pine forest, the lighthouse are disconnected from the centre of the village, in matters of transport, signalization and design of the public space. - Biodiversity areas and valuable ecological areas are present. Wetlands of Castro Marim and Isla Cristina have national and international relevance as core nature areas. Places of reproduction, food supply and habitat of several species of birds. This also means that they have a high tourist and educational value. - It is also not very clear how to experience or learn about traditional activities like fishing or horticulture.

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal. Wetland Park Existing Conditions

VRS Antonio Train station

Guadiana harbour

Camping Area

Old train tracks

Abandoned structures

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal. Wetland Park Valuable Species

REPRODUCTION

Blacked gull

Flamingo

Western Jackdaw

Sternidae

Audouinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gull

European Herring Gull

FOOD SUPPLY

HABITAT

Eurasian Magpie

Kentish Plover

Ardeidae

Eurasian Spoonbill

Little Tern

Common Starling

Esther Kiras Guerreiros do Rio, Portugal. May 2016

Evolving Lower Guadiana

LBA

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal. Wetland Park

The design proposes a new public space that accommodates constructed wetlands and green areas that provide wastewater management and enhancement of biodiversity. The park combines a land drainage strategy with the natural inter-tidal system. Constructed wetlands collect rainwater and clean it before it overflows to the Guadiana River. A public space that decrease in heights into the water, plays with the tide and makes evident its fluctuation during the day. The tree lines coming from the city are completed and densified into a forest area along the park that continues towards the train station. Native species are planted and helophyte plants are used in the park for the treatment of the water Different habitats are created as transition and complement of dunes and marshlands. Evoking the natural state of the river border, and as a stepping stone for birds who live and travel around the area. The wetlands are also habitat for insects and invertebrates

Water Treatment System

A public space that cleans the water and reinforces the ecological value of the area

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal. Wetland Park Chamaeleonidae Pino piĂąonero

Retama monosperma

Alfarrobeira

Charadrius alexandrinus

Platalea leucorodia Amendoeira

Spartina alterniflora

Sterna albifrons Cistus ladanifer

Biodiversity Enhancement Continuation of Existing River Boulevard

Bike Rental and Parking Services

Village Accessibility Improvement

A forest that is also a camping area Safe Slow Traffic Connection

Safe Connection to Guadiana Harbour Ecotourism Center: Services and Education Camping Services Tidal Public Space

Accessibility Improvement

Slow Traffic Infrastructure towards the landscape Remainin Train Tracks as Pathways

A Park that cleans the water

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal. Wetland Park

Safe slow traffic Connection to train station

Renovated Camping Area + water access

Constructed wetlands

Use of existing structures

Harbour improvement

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal. Wetland Park

New forest

Waste water treatment

Connection to trai

in station

Use of existing structures

Water access

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 1: A Gateway to the Landscape. Design Proposal. Wetland Park Details

This park uses remaining train trails to connect the harbour to the train station, it provides a private and shaded camping area, and it reuses existing buildings for necessary program and services (education, accommodation) , adapted for climate comfort and water/energy efficiency In matters of details and materials the pavement continues the traditional Portuguese walkway that exists along the boulevard and introduces details in wood in decks and railing as a reference to the coastal pine forest and other ecotourism references of the area. All in combination with iron elements of the train system 85 It also provides a space to enjoy the water. Vegetation provides shade and climate comfort, it is possible to observe biodiversity but also traditional activities like fishing. There is a straight visual connection with the Spanish side of the Guadiana.

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Guadiana River. Sept 2017

Evolving Lower Guadiana

LBA

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species

A REINFORCED ECOLOGICAL CORRIDOR Reinforcement of original habitats and preservation of intangible heritage

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species. Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions ECOLOGY

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species. Existing Conditions

- A modified water system that supports agriculture located in the coast. Native forest has disappeared and most of the land is vacant and abandoned - The condition of the water is decreasing because of the presence of exotic species of flora and fauna that affect negatively original habitats

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species. Existing Conditions

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Odeleite Corridor, Portugal. Feb, 2018

Evolving Lower Guadiana

LBA

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species. Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions PRODUCTION

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species. Existing Conditions

- Some strips of traditional agriculture and native forest spots remain as proof of the past of this landscape. - There is an extensive area of Montado systems in the Spanish side, in some areas combined with wind or solar energy. This traditional agro-sylvo-pastoral system produces not only cork but also honey, mushrooms and herbs. It is also coherent with rural development and flora/ fauna protection.

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species. Existing Conditions

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Foz de Odeleite, Portugal. Sept 2017

Evolving Lower Guadiana

LBA

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species. Existing Conditions

Existing Conditions ACCESSIBILITY

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species. Existing Conditions

- The Guadiana is mostly inaccessible and its affluents, unexplored. - River infrastructure and accessibility are limited, so villages and landscape are not properly connected for daily living or tourism purposes. - Heritage and routes isolated and only accessible by car. Beautiful and isolated defensive ruins along the river are not in use

Evolving Lower Guadiana Site 2: A Reinforced Corridor for All Species. Existing Conditions

Lourdes Barrios Ayala Odeleite Corridor, Portugal. Feb 2018

Evolving Lower Guadiana

LBA