Greenways – an alternative mobility structure and an urban development strategy

Abstract

Greenways are fundamental in establishing a continuous landscape structure. This landscape structure involves natural and cultural factors that determine flows and processes both at the ecological level, both social and aesthetic. Within the extensive range of functions that green corridors play, one should highlight the implementation of an alternative mobility structure enhancer of natural and artificial flows in the landscape. We intend to establish a strategic plan implemented through a sustainable structure, enabling to effect the flows and processes referred to in a context of natural and cultural continuity, enhancing the landscape values which is going through, giving a balanced soil occupancy considering the potential of each area faced with fast current urban growth. Our main objective is then the application of the concept of "greenway" in the municipal ecological structure, by proposing a network of corridors and the subsequent definition of different types and proposals, according to their respective potential. This aims to protect the values and natural resources, as well as forestry, agricultural and cultural areas as well as the respective integration of key systems for environmental protection and the enhancement of rural and urban areas. It is intended that they act as continuous landscape structures ensuring the multifunctionality of ecosystems and of landscape. The case study presented is the municipality of Oeiras, District of Lisbon. Portugal.