The municipality of Mirandela will create refuges from extreme heat, featuring vegetation, drinking fountains, seating areas and air conditioning, after becoming the first municipality to join the Climate Refuge Network in the Terras de Trás-os-Montes, announced today by the local council.
In response to the high temperatures felt in the Mirandela municipality during the summer, which can often approach 50°C, the municipality intends to transform the Arts Station, Mirandela Ecoteca, Ribeira de Carvalhais Park, Empire Park, and the pine grove next to Luciano Cordeiro Secondary School into climate refuges.
“Increasing shade, vegetation, native species, and species better adapted to our climate, along with the installation of drinking fountains and resting areas, is strengthening the network we already have,” explained the mayor, Vítor Correia, in statements to Lusa.
The project arises after the municipality joined the Climate Refuge Network—Stay Cool, by Turismo de Portugal, which issued a call for the creation of these spaces under the Grow with Tourism Program.
According to the mayor, the application is underway and will reach the maximum value, €75,000, with 80% reimbursable.
The municipal council expects that by next summer the five refuges will already be ready.
“By becoming the first council in the Terras de Trás-os-Montes to join the network, Mirandela reinforces its stance as a territory attentive to climate challenges and committed to implementing solutions that promote safety, comfort and quality of life,” the municipality said.
Spaces such as the Arts Station and Mirandela Ecoteca will also be equipped with climate control to welcome people in winter, when temperatures can drop below zero in this municipality in the Bragança district.
“Considering the thermal amplitude of our municipality, which can reach 50 degrees, with summer temperatures easily above 40 degrees, and in winter less than −5 degrees … it seems to us that this program will provide the climatic comfort we want for both visitors and residents,” said Vítor Correia.
