Leiria is a very industrial district but at the same time it wants to promote quality of life and sustainability. The Lis river is an essential part of this connection but is often polluted. How can we integrate the river, city life and the industrial activities among others?

Background

Pollution in the river basin of the River Lis has been going on for more than two decades, with the contribution of illegal pig farming discharges (about 17.5% of national production is located here) but the construction of the pig effluent treatment plant has been delayed over the years. At the same time several other industries coexist near the Lis river and many other problems contribute to low water quality (untreated waters, excess plastics, old infrastructure). In recent years the city council has made an effort to integrate the river into everyday life (new parks and bridges), and several tourism companies try to focus on the river. Nevertheless, much is yet to do and the there is a need to more focused approach to sustainability that promotes efficient use of resources, treatment and reuse of waste and a greater link to nature.

Challenge

How can we improve quality of life in the city, integrating the river? How to solve the several pollution problems and promote a sound water usage?
In a future of GreenDeals and sustainability, what are the strategies to integrate the different stakeholders (industrial company owners, Ngos, Municipalities, inhabitants, Tourism com) and assure a clean environment? How to further develop and integrate Lis river as a competitiveness factor?