Lisbon Master Plans and Nature-Based Solutions

Abstract

Sustainable drainage approaches differ from traditional design approaches to manage flooding risks, where runoff is regarded as a nuisance, instead of considering surface water as a valuable resource that should be managed for maximum benefits. Nature-based solutions (NBS) may deliver numerous services including supporting biodiversity, climate regulation, flood control, and water purification and supply. Nowadays, Lisbon city, in Portugal, has a strong commitment to sustainable land use, with particular focus on establishing green infrastructure networks, to counteract the effects of climate change, such as drought, extreme heat, and storm flooding. In this chapter, the Lisbon Drainage Master Plan (PGDL 2016–2030) and the Lisbon Strategic Plan for Water Reuse (LiSWaR) are presented, with an emphasis on green solutions, complementing the structural gray interventions that were included in PGDL 2016–2030 and are presently being implemented. Lisbon is proof that sustainability, rather than representing an extra cost, can deliver long-term savings and economic growth, while fostering social inclusion, with multiple benefits to its residents.