ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the Monsanto Urban Forest (Monsanto-UF) Landscape plan as a strategic framework to enhance ecological integrity, cultural legibility, and connectivity within Lisbon’s evolving green infrastructure (GI). Moving beyond isolated interventions, the landscape plan integrates ecological restoration strategies with culturally oriented actions that improve navigation, accessibility, and community engagement. The findings emphasise the importance of progressive, context-sensitive management approaches. By replacing exotic species with native vegetation and strengthening riparian corridors, the plan restores biodiversity, reduces fire risk, and enhances resilience. Simultaneously, interventions in cultural features improve accessibility and spatial identity.
The chapter also addresses multi-scalar challenges, examining how this integrative method simultaneously enhances local biodiversity, cultural legibility, and metropolitan GI connectivity. Ultimately, by positioning nature-based solutions and adaptive management at the core of urban forest planning, the Monsanto-UF Landscape plan demonstrates how urban forests can function as multifunctional assets, fostering connections between nature, people, and place.
