United Nations Public Service Award Winners


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initiative: See H2O 

 

Institution: Loures Municipality

 

Overview: The SEE H2O initiative introduces a transformative vision for urban water management in Loures, a town near Lisbon, Portugal. This municipal strategy aims to optimize the value of water throughout its entire urban cycle by enhancing circularity, establishing active monitoring systems, and fostering knowledge sharing among citizens and stakeholders. By addressing water from social, environmental, and economic perspectives, the initiative promotes systemic change through five key pillars:


Restore and Preserve – An in-depth study of Loures’ hydrographic network was conducted to identify areas in need of intervention, ensuring effective restoration and preservation of water resources.

 

Monitor – Water streams across strategic locations are continuously monitored, with real-time sensors providing crucial data on Loures’ primary water source, the Trancão River. This includes comprehensive chemical and bacteriological analysis to ensure water quality.

 

Educate – The project features environmental education initiatives, including an augmented reality exhibition focused on three themes: "S for Sensibilização" (Awareness), "E for Eficiência" (Efficiency), and "E for Economia Circular" (Circular Economy). Additionally, the “Rivers with Life Too” activity highlights the historical and future significance of water, showcasing river regeneration through active community involvement.

 

Enhance the territory – Loures is working actively to improve water quality, giving the water lines back to the population.

 

Engagement - This is reflected in the Water Sustainability Plan, which involves stakeholders with responsibilities through the whole water cycle.

 

Through these integrated efforts, the SEE H2O initiative aims to create a sustainable and resilient water management system for Loures.

 

Impact: Major impacts include the following:

  • - 100% of the drinking water is safe and reliable;
  • - There is greater efficiency in water usage by inhabitants and the industry;
  • - The area is more resilient and prepared to face climate change impacts;
  • - There has been promotion of the circular economy;
  • - There has been an increase in good governance and mult-stakeholder participation.


Performance indicators are to measure results. Some figures in this regard include:

 

  • - Investment: 11 million euros has been allocated for re-naturalization projects, including flood prevention structures and the planting of over 3,000 trees.
  • - Biodiversity Monitoring: Species inventories have been conducted, with a sensor system providing real-time data every 15 minutes.
  • - Educational Outreach and Community Engagement: Riparian landowners are actively involved in the projects, while 4,600 children have participated in environmental education on biodiversity and local appreciation.
  • - Biodiversity and Enjoyment: Increased biodiversity and greater public enjoyment of green spaces has been reported since the project’s inception.
  • - Public Reporting: Enhanced community engagement led to more reports of anomalies, such as water residues and odors.
  • - Habitat Maintenance: The "Guarda Rios" brigade handles maintenance of riverine habitats.
  • - Flood Risk Management: SEE H2O project actions improved flood risk perception, strategies, and reduced flood vulnerability.
  • - Drought Resilience: The promotion of a circular economy is enhancing the region's ability to respond to drought conditions.

 

Website: https://cm-loures.pt/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special Category:

Tackling Climate Change

 

Related SDGs: 

SDG4 SDG13 SDG15

 

UNPSA Year:

2024

 

Country:

Portugal

 

Region:

Europe

 

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