Uploaded on 2015-12-14 by JoanaPol
Local ecosystems services are of the utmost importance when it comes to supplying food, water and commodities. For instance, Porto Metropolitan Area’s water supplying system is assured by the Crestuma dam, in Lever, located in the left margin of the Douro River. ![Crestuma dam][1] Source: http://dourovalley.eu/Multimedia/21/70/Crestuma_1024x768.jpg **b. Regulating services** Cities experience increasing signs of environmental stress, notably in the form of poor air quality, excessive noise and traffic congestion. The enhancement of green areas has the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization in a sustainable way. Also, the increase of green areas within the cities is an efficient strategy to buffer environmental temperatures as they can help soothe the UHI intensity. Furthermore, not only do they impact positively on microclimate, air quality and noise propagation, they also reduce stress levels, promote social well-being and overall happiness. ![Jardim das Virtudes][2] Source: Jardim das Virtudes (public garden) http://amen15.no.sapo.pt/Album-Jardim%20Parque%20das%20Virtudes/slides/2005-Miragaia-Jardim%20das%20Virtudes%20(7).jpg **c. Habitat or Supporting services** A network of parks and open spaces that include protected natural lands, ecological reserves, and other green areas is critical to providing healthy habitats for humans, wildlife and plants in these densely built places. There are three protected areas that occupy a total of 1,500 hectares: Natural Local Reservoir (located in Douro estuary), Regional Protected Landscape (Coast of Vila do Conde and Ornithological Reserve of Mindelo) and Protected Landscape of Santa Justa e Pias (Valongo). ![Douro Estuary][3] Source: Douro Estuary http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bI8lLgJh6U/TGCQPG_Zx_I/AAAAAAAACO8/coOztuSIUfc/s1600/image001.png **d. Cultural services** The route of Douro River joins monuments from different periods and architectural styles, which overlap on the terraces of the vineyards. These buildings, mostly classified as national monuments or of public interest, have spiritual dimension, popular tradition and cultural value. Added to this, Porto has a lively and charming atmosphere and the intricate dynamic of both new and old parts of the city contributes to its extensively rich artistic, cultural and historical heritage. What’s more, Porto has a very appealing architecture route (with monuments ranging from Roman remains to modern architecture buildings) and is able to offer a wide range of activities/leisure options that are inclusive and socially-oriented on a daily basis and in a safe atmosphere. Thanks to its compact size, its structure, services and attractions are plentiful and also easily accessible. ![Douro River][4] Source: Douro River's cultural route http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r5uppLAYv64/UafYajQ0XoI/AAAAAAAA5RE/pxG61NBs8fQ/s1000/Douro+Superior+130525+6244+0155.jpg ![Casa da Música][5] Source: Symphony Orchestra performing at Casa da Música http://tinocoluis.com/wp-content/uploads/OrqSinfPortoCdM.jpg ![Sao Joao - local festivities][6] Source: Local Festivities http://recursos.visitporto.travel/oportunidades/73_1.jpg [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501337263493831.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501340476061563.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501343584463059.jpg [4]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501353462942635.jpg [5]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1450134582940319.jpg [6]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14501347029974311.jpg