The city of Guarda has gained three new environmental valorization thematic spaces with the implementation of the “Jardins de Rocha” project. This initiative, developed between the Municipality of Guarda and the Estrela Geopark, marked the International Day of Geodiversity, celebrated on October 6th, as part of the 2026 Geopark and Geodiversity Week.
Along the Ecovia da Guarda, three thematic gardens were created, transforming this green corridor into a space for scientific dissemination, environmental awareness, and natural heritage valorization. According to the councilor for the Environment, Rui Melo, the project simulates the three altitude zones of the Serra da Estrela along the ecovia's route, from the lower part of the city to the hospital area, so that users can better understand the mountain range.
Each garden represents one of the three bioclimatic zones of the Serra da Estrela: Basal, Intermediate, and Upper. These spaces integrate characteristic rocks of the territory and native species adapted to each context, recreating the natural conditions associated with each zone.
The executive coordinator of the Estrela Geopark, Magda Fernandes, highlighted the particular significance of these gardens, which represent the biodiversity of each zone of the Serra da Estrela. She added that the initiative reinforces environmental awareness and the need to preserve the region's natural heritage.
The use of native species aims to create more sustainable and resilient gardens, with lower maintenance and water consumption needs, simultaneously contributing to biodiversity conservation and better adaptation to climate change.
Promoted to value and preserve the geological, geomorphological, natural, and cultural heritage of the Estrela Geopark, the project also strengthens the connection between Guarda and the Serra da Estrela. The gardens were installed on Avenida António de Almeida Santos, Avenida Rainha D. Amélia, and Rua das Flores, creating three new environmental interpretation spaces accessible within the urban environment.
