Pombal team from the network COPE (Coherent Place-based Climate Action) implemented a small-scale action during the European Mobility Week, aiming to unlock the green potential of the historical city centre through active citizen and local action group engagement. The initiative culminated in a visit by the entire COPE team to Pombal in October 2024, marking a significant milestone in the city's journey towards sustainability.
Engaging Citizens towards the Local Action Group
The COPE network has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment where citizens are at the forefront of the green transition. By organizing ULG meetings, and hands-on activities, COPE has empowered residents, shop owners and users to take ownership of their city's environmental future and decide, together, what to do. This grassroots approach ensures that the initiatives are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the local community, thereby enhancing their effectiveness and sustainability.
Challenges and Solutions
Transforming Pombal's historical centre into a more sustainable community has not been without its challenges. One major hurdle has been the mobility of people and cars inside the area. Although the area is small, shop owners contest that their clients only come if they are able to stop their cars in front of the shop. However, the major problem is from those who park illegally all day. The second major problem is the need to improve the public space towards more urban furniture on gathering spaces and illegal parking spots. Finally, the need to improve the buildings efficiency towards the need to adapt to climate change.
Small-Scale Action and their Outcome
One small-scale action has been tested in Pombal during the celebration of the European Mobility Week, as part of the COPE initiative. This include the presence of outdoors at the entrances of the historical centre raising awareness that the street could be pedestrian because there are many parking lots nearby and that street is first from the pedestrian and after from the car. It also included the installation of flowers, tables, trees, painting on the pavement and benches on places where usually there is illegal parking or where there could be creating a gathering space for the community. Finally, there were posters throughout the space asking for the opinion of those walking nearby on what they would like to have on the public space. A QR code system available on the poster was used for that.
The outcomes of these actions have been promising: during the week there were less illegal parking and lots of people started to use the tables and benches to rest and chat with the neighbourhoods. Also, the participation on the surveys was significant.
Long-Term Goals and Broader Impact
The long-term goals for the COPE initiative in Pombal include achieving carbon neutrality, enhancing biodiversity, and creating a resilient urban environment that can adapt to climate change. The success of these efforts in Pombal is envisioned to serve as a model for other historical rehabilitation areas within the municipality. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of sustainable practices, COPE hopes to inspire other cities to embark on similar journeys towards a greener future.
The peers opinion
In October 2024 the CNM#4 occurred in Pombal, allowing to make progress on each IAP but also to provide feedback on the small action towards the SMART approach. The visit by the COPE team was a testament to the progress made and a celebration of the community's efforts. It also provided an opportunity for the team to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that the initiative continues to evolve and meet the needs of Pombal's residents.
