This article is a study on accessibility to urban parks in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, which aims to investigate how different social classes access these spaces. For this purpose, a methodology that considers travel times was used to determine the spatial accessibility of places/locations, considering the spatial distribution of nine urban parks and evaluating the performance of walking, cycling, and public transport. To calculate and determine accessibility considering the cost of travel in terms of time, the RStudio software was used through the {r5r} package. Spatial opportunity maps of socioeconomic groups were generated by crossing with the accessibility data previously calculated, with the income information per hexagon, the distribution of accessibility of the population of each income level was calculated, and the weighting of the accessibility level was made. The distribution of accessibility of people located in the origins of a certain income decile was obtained, generating graphs according to travel time (30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes). The analysis highlights significant inequality in access to urban parks in Porto Alegre. Accessibility on foot is the most restricted and unequal, benefiting mainly central areas and higher income classes. Although cycling increases the reach of parks compared to walking, it still faces significant inequalities. Public transportation emerges as the most equitable mode, offering the greatest coverage and potentially reducing disparities.
The decentralisation of health competences in Portugal was launched with the aim of bringing decision-making closer to local realities and strengthening municipalities' role in promoting population well-being. A regulatory framework introduced between 2018-2019 enabled the transfer of specific responsibilities from central government to local governments. However, by 2022, only around a quarter of eligible municipalities had accepted these competences, highlighting the existence of structural, political, and financial barriers to reform. While the effects of decentralisation on health system have been widely studied, there remains limited empirical evidence on the factors that influence local jurisdictions' willingness to assume new responsibilities. Addressing this gap, the present study analyses 201 eligible Portuguese mainland municipalities over the 2020-2022 period, modelling acceptance decisions based on demographic, political, financial, and health-related variables through binary logistic regression. Findings reveal that acceptance was more likely in municipalities politically aligned with the central government, with greater per capita financial resources, and with younger population profiles. In addition, regional dynamics emerged as an important contextual factor. These results highlight the need for decentralisation processes to account for territorial diversity, funding adequacy, and local capacity-building in order to ensure equitable and effective implementation.
In Small Island Developing States (SIDS), tourism is often presented as a driver of economic growth, but it may also reinforce structural vulnerabilities, such as external dependence and limited economic diversification. This article critically analyses the tourism development model in Sao Tome and Principe, an island country that exemplifies this paradox. Based on a qualitative and interpretative methodology, 22 semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted with institutional actors, private operators, non-governmental organisations, and international experts. The analysis reveals the coexistence of two contrasting models: on the island of S & atilde;o Tom & eacute;, a hybrid and fragmented system with several disconnected regional poles; and on the island of Pr & iacute;ncipe, an exogenous model focused on sustainability and luxury tourism. This duality results in an asymmetrical development pattern overall, aligns with models characterised by the absence of a coherent national strategy. As a response, the article proposes the Integrated and Sustainable Development Model for S & atilde;o Tom & eacute; and Pr & iacute;ncipe (MDIS-STP), grounded in strong governance and the articulation of four strategic pillars: tourism, agriculture, the blue economy, and regional logistics. This model aims to promote more balanced and resilient development and is potentially adaptable to other SIDS.
In light of the increasing demand for methodological frameworks that underpin the conservation of landscape diversity, particularly within physiographic contexts that have been historically undervalued, such as tropical drylands, the River Styles methodology emerges as a significant approach. This methodology aims to generate a comprehensive set of spatialized information that addresses the systemic interplay of regional and local controls in shaping processual and morphological responses across drainage systems. Furthermore, it facilitates a deeper understanding of the functionality, maintenance, preservation, and sustainable management of fluvial environments. This study applies the River Styles methodology to a semi-arid basin in Northeastern Brazil, where the relationships between channel patterns and the formation of aggradation landforms is still poorly explored by the geomorphological literature. Seven distinct fluvial typologies were identified, grounded in the predominant physiographical, environmental, and processual characteristics of the area. The river styles delineated herein can serve as a valuable reference for the assessment and classification of other basins within the Brazilian semi-arid domain, as well as for comparative analysis with other semi-arid tropical regions situated in similar passive continental margin contexts.
preservation of coastal zones in tourist regions is essential for maintaining sensitive ecosystems and ensuring socioeconomic sustainability. Internationally significant destinations along the northeastern Brazilian coast face increasing anthropogenic pressures and legislative gaps that threaten their ecological integrity. This article examines the legal evolution of Brazil's Forest Codes (Laws 4.771/1965, 7.511/1986, and 12.651/2012), focusing on coastal areas, and compares two municipalities with distinct coastal dynamics and types of Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs): Barreirinhas (Maranh & atilde;o) and Valenga (Bahia). The methodology included: (I) a theoretical review; (II) analysis of the legal framework; (III) PPAs mapping in accordance with legal criteria; and (IV) a comparative land-use analysis (1990-2023) using MapBiomas data. The results show divergent trends: in Barreirinhas, the PPAs reduced their area from 677.5km2 to 649.6km2 (-4%), while anthropogenic activities (agriculture, urbanization, and bare soil) increased from 27.7km2 to 30.3km2 (from 10% to 13.3%). In Valenga, the PPAs expanded their area from 161.1 km2 to 228.6km2 (42%); however, inadequate land uses within protected areas also increased, indicating weaknesses in conservation effectiveness. The study concludes that PPA delineation must integrate hydrological, ecological, and ecosystem-based criteria, including salt flats, saline areas, mobile dunes, and riparian zones at the national level. This approach, supported by global scientific evidence, is urgently needed to preserve critical coastal ecosystems, particularly in high-impact tourism regions.
article advances a forensic-geographic perspective on disaster mapping, emphasising the need to move beyond hazard-based representations toward uncovering the structural, spatial, and historical causes of disaster risk. Drawing on the principles of the Forensic Investigations of Disasters (FORIN) framework and critical geographic thought, it conceptualises mapping as an epistemological and political tool for diagnosing risk creation over time. Methodologically, the approach integrates multiscale spatial analysis, historical reconstruction, participatory methods, and diverse data sources-from institutional archives and satellite imagery to community testimonies and media discourses. Forensic-geographic mapping reveals latent vulnerabilities, governance failures, and interdependencies that conventional risk maps often obscure. It supports more reflexive, inclusive, and justice-oriented forms of disaster risk reduction by visualising causality and enabling grounded policy interventions. The paper discusses this approach's methodological challenges and transformative potential in advancing critical scholarship and systemic risk governance.
The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenIA) is gaining relevance in the teaching of Geography, transforming pedagogical practices through the simulation of spatial phenomena, the analysis of geographical data, and the personalization of learning. This article analyzes the impact of GenIA on the educational process, presenting concrete examples of its application in different contexts and discussing the implications for the teacher's role, which shifts from being a content transmitter to a facilitator of critical thinking. The importance of teacher training that promotes a conscious and integrated use of GenIA is emphasized. It is concluded that the future of Geography education could significantly benefit from GenIA, provided that its potential is balanced with pedagogical strategies that foster autonomous thinking and critical reflection.
the dynamics of coastal environments is challenging, as it requires reliable, high-frequency data that reflect environmental reality. In situ data collection demands high financial resources and specialized teams, while remote sensing may be limited by spatial and temporal resolution. Low-cost monitoring with citizen participation has therefore become essential for qualitative management strategies in coastal municipalities. This study provides an overview of the CoastSnap project worldwide, highlighting its implementation and dissemination in Brazil, and presenting two applications distinct from traditional shoreline analysis. The methodology employed images from the CoastSnap NE and RS networks to monitor cliff mass movements at Pacheco Beach and user density at Cal Beach. Cliff monitoring identified and mapped 91 mass movement events between April2021 and June 2024, mostly during the rainy season, emphasizing the hazards and geomorphological evolution of cliffs, and reinforcing the importance of continuous monitoring that integrates citizen participation. User density analysis showed an area of approximately 10.0 hectares, peak occupancy reached 77.9% and 40.9% at 12 a.m. and 3 p.m., while the lowest occurred at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with 4.3% and 31.7%. These case studies demonstrate CoastSnap's potential to support coastal management at low cost, effectively involving citizens in environmental monitoring.
This study, which follows a quasi-experimental design, analyzes the impact of a didactic intervention on the capacity of correct geographic location (place location knowledge) among students in the third year of compulsory secondary education. Eight schools in the Balearic Islands participated, with pre-and posttests administered through a digital tool that assessed both the traditional correct/incorrect system and the distance in kilometers between the selected and actual locations. Data from 223 students who completed both tests were analyzed. The intervention, implemented in the pilot schools, was based on activities using interrelated maps. Statistical analysis included mixed ANOVAs and Spearman correlations to evaluate error patterns. Results indicate that spatial accuracy depends on geographic factors (latitude, border effect) and cognitive factors (Eurocentric bias, media presence). Moreover, measuring error distance reveals improvements not captured by the dichotomous approach. The intervention increased absolute accuracy but did not significantly reduce relative error among those who failed both tests, suggesting that map-comparison tasks foster nominal recognition and memorization rather than deep spatial skills. The study concludes that combining absolute and relative metrics enriches interpretation and informs the design of more effective teaching strategies.
study investigates the evolution of snow cover in Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain in mainland Portugal, by integrating observational data from the Penhas Douradas meteorological station, remote sensing imagery, and climate model outputs. Results reveal a marked decline in the number of snow cover days at Penhas Douradas, dropping from an average of 53 days in the 1950s to 28 days in the 2010s, corresponding to an overall decrease of 5.4 days per decade. The rate of decline has slowed since the 1980s, as the station's elevation still allows for snow during cold events but not for its sustained presence. To address the lack of observational data from higher elevations, we integrated multiple data sources-including low-elevation records, satellite imagery, and climate model projections - to reconstruct snow cover dynamics on the Torre Plateau since the late 19th century. Our reconstruction indicates a decrease from approximately 170 to 120 snow cover days in recent decades. Future projections under different climate scenarios suggest a continued and substantial reduction in snow cover, potentially reaching zero days by the end of the century under high-emission scenarios. Under the most extreme scenario, the Torre Plateau could experience snow conditions similar to those currently observed at 900 metres of elevation.
study explores the perceptions of university students-both Portuguese residents and international students living in Lisbon-regarding the main attractions of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Portugal. While currently residing in Lisbon, these students are also potential future tourists. By understanding their views on Lisbon's attractions, this study aims to provide insights that may inform destination strategies in other regions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates the specific features that attract students to Lisbon, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Data were collected from students at two higher education institutions through interactive questionnaires incorporating multimedia content about the area. The study highlights that cultural and historical landmarks, favourable climate conditions, and a commitment to ecological sustainability are key elements contributing to Lisbon's appeal. The findings show how these characteristics not only attract potential future tourists but also enable destinations to leverage their unique attributes to boost attractiveness and address sustainability challenges. This analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of tourist perceptions and destination qualities, offering valuable input for destination management and marketing strategies focused on sustainable tourism.
Community intervention is a fundamental pillar of the social integration of vulnerable populations, enabling capacity-building and empowerment by providing tools to promote an improved quality of life. In this regard, the literature highlights that the highest levels of social integration are observed among individuals who participate in neighbourhood dynamics. The article presented, using a mixed-methods approach, analyses data from 90 questionnaire surveys and eight interviews with both participants and non-participants in socio-occupational activities in social housing neighbourhoods in Guimar & atilde;es and Fafe. These data allow for an understanding of residents' perceptions regarding socio-occupational intervention, the influence of the neighbourhood space, and social interactions in contributing to the success of such interventions. The objectives of this article are: to understand and assess residents' perceptions of the neighbourhood space, including its social and cultural identity; to explore the influence of the integration process and the level of participation in neighbourhood dynamics; and to identify the advantages, impact, benefits, and barriers of a socio-occupational community intervention in fostering the social cohesion of the neighbourhood itself. The aim is to gain insights and contribute to the improvement of socio-occupational community intervention. Practicing community participation activities and creating meaningful relationships with neighbors are effective strategies to combat isolation, while strategic partnerships between governments, non-governmental organizations and the private sector provide the necessary resources (51.2% of participants in socio-occupational activities report that the knowledge acquired in the context of the activities is important for their daily lives and for their training).
This article analyses the aspirations of young people of Chinese descent regarding future geographic mobility or immobility. It examines how these aspirations may anticipate return migration, onward migration, or the intention to remain in Portugal. The theoretical framework focuses on the concept of aspirations, understood as a future project of (im)mobility, which forms part of these individuals' mental maps. The methodology is based on the analysis of 26 semi-structured interviews with young people of Chinese origin, aged between 16 and 35, residing in Portugal. The findings reveal a diversity of future mobility aspirations, including projects of immobility (remaining in Portugal), return to their parents' country of origin (China), or remigration to another country (usually within the European Union). The final section discusses the importance of considering the interplay between instrumental and intrinsic aspirations in both migration and immobility projects in the life trajectories of young people of immigrant origin.
Transnational urban housing models, as knowledge-practice devices, facilitate the learning, mediation and translation of policy agendas, ideas and practices. Through their circulation, they frame seemingly replicable ideas as well as imaginaries about ideal uses of residential space, which often overlook the conflicts inherent in the production of space. The mobilisation of these imaginaries is mediated and facilitated through a variety of informational infrastructures, both in person and, increasingly, virtually through digital platforms. Building upon recent debates that call for attention to policy mobilities produced through digital means, this paper examines how a set of compact, shareable and comprehensible digital materials, interventions and performances produce and reproduce the learning, mediation and circulation of specific policy models. In particular, through semi-structured interviews and critical discourse analysis of secondary materials, this paper uses the case of four incremental housing prototypes developed by ELEMENTAL - an international architecture firm based in Santiago, Chile, whose director was awarded the 2016 Pritzker Architecture Prize - to demonstrate how expressions such as "open source", "free to download" and "download here" constitute affective, symbolic and performative practices and resources shaping the learning, mediation and circulation of incremental housing public policies.
Walking is an essential practice in people's daily lives, given its simplicity and accessibility. As a widely available mode of transport, it is crucial to invest in infrastructure that is both pleasant and comfortable. The publication of the National Strategy for Active Pedestrian Mobility 2030, in July 2023, reinforced the importance of promoting more sustainable mobility and of integrating active mobility into urban planning policies. This study aimed to explore the contributions of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to the spatial analysis of walkability in the city of Guimar & atilde;es. Traditionally, walkability studies are based on the creation of a structured index that uses the road axis in GIS modelling. To obtain more realistic results, this study proposes an innovative methodology centred on the use of the pedestrian network. The analysis was complemented by data collected through Smart Survey s, which allow for optimised geographic data collection and the definition of average walking speeds by major age groups. The findings suggest that modelling based on pavements and pedestrian crossings produces more effective results. It is also essential to consider the diversity of users and urban services when addressing walkability issues.
study investigates the development of multi-hazard research in urban areas, examining its historical trajectory, links with international agendas, and the increasing recognition of the need for integrated risk assessment. Through a bibliometric analysis of publications from 1997 to 2025 using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, we identify key trends in the field. The results show a marked rise in multi-hazard studies after 2020, alongside limited collaboration among authors from different institutions and countries. The analysis highlights vulnerability and resilience in urban environments as predominant research themes, with floods, landslides, and earthquakes emerging as the most extensively studied hazards. Our findings point to a wide range of methodological approaches to multi-risk integration, particularly stressing context-specific equations adapted to different hazard types and local conditions. These results emphasise the urgent need to develop more adaptable and standardised methodologies in multi-hazard research.
Mountain ecosystems such as Serra da Estrela, in the southwest of the Central Iberian Massif, are characterised by high ecological diversity shaped by climatic, geological, and anthropogenic factors. The vegetation of this region has been classified into distinct altitudinal belts, with the upper plateau (above 1600 m) hosting unique high-altitude scrubland and meadow communities of significant scientific interest. This study aimed to map and analyse the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of vegetation in the upper valleys and plateaus of Serra da Estrela. Highresolution WorldView-2 satellite imagery from 2020 was used to produce a detailed classification of current vegetation, identifying eleven distinct classes. To assess vegetation changes over time, a comparative analysis was performed using a 1995 orthophotomap. The results reveal strong altitudinal zoning and spatial clustering of vegetation classes, with shrublands representing the dominant vegetation type (32.6%). Comparison with the 1995 data highlights an expansion of vegetated areas, particularly shrublands encroaching into former grassland zones. These findings demonstrate the value of high-resolution remote sensing for monitoring ecological changes in sensitive mountain environments and provide a crucial baseline for conservation and land management strategies in protected areas under pressure from land use shifts.
Population ageing is one of the main demographic issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This country has been facing significant ageing, with spatial differences in the pace and level of ageing. To determine spatial disparities in population ageing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, data on ageing coefficient, ageing index, dependency ratio, old-age dependency ratio, and the average age in the period from 2013 to 2023 were used. Cluster analysis is applied to determine groups of municipalities with similar levels of ageing. To group municipalities into clusters, a nonhierarchical clustering method, k-means clustering, is used. Analysis was performed by experimenting with various clustering alternatives between 2 and 5 clusters, while the Elbow method, Calinski-Harabasz pseudo F-statistic, and Tukey`s Honestly Significant Difference test were used to validate the appropriate number of clusters. Results confirmed clusters with different levels of population ageing in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The most adverse trends in population ageing are confirmed in the rural municipalities of Western Herzegovina and Eastern Bosnia. The results of this study can serve as a basis for further research on the population ageing process and the planning of future demographic development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The COVID-19 pandemic generated challenging social, economic and health conditions, prompting governments and institutions to confront numerous obstacles. These organisations had to reorganise internally, reassess their missions, and innovate strategies. Evaluating their institutional responses during a crisis provides insights into the types and levels of impacts experienced and the organisations' resilience. This paper aims to examine the effects of the pandemic on local public and private welfare providers to assess their response and adaptive capacities. A survey was conducted targeting public and associative institutions in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, using frequency analysis and ordinal regression to interpret responses provided to structured questions. A qualitative assessment was applied to open-ended answers. Findings indicate that institutions significantly impacted their internal functioning and the target group and territories of influence central to each organisation's missions. However, the questionnaire results reveal a strong capacity for response and adaptation among these institutions and an optimistic outlook for the future.
Public space is frequently regarded as playing a key role in promoting socio-spatial integration. This study reflects on the contributions of public space to socio-spatial integration, with reference to public space enhancement interventions implemented between 1998 and 2023 in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Following a conceptual grounding and presentation of the central theoretical concepts, the research is conducted in two analytical stages: (1) based on documentary analysis, the presence of socio-spatial integration dimensions in the strategies for promoting and financing public space interventions is examined; (2) through spatial analyses, the geographical overlap between public space enhancement interventions and the most vulnerable territories in the metropolitan area is explored, using two criteria: a specific vulnerability index and the spatial distribution of social housing neighbourhoods. While the study does not seek to measure levels of socio-spatial integration, thus avoiding direct comparisons between territories with different needs, the results indicate that socio-spatial integration principles are upheld in urban policy programmes, and that public space enhancement interventions significantly cover the most vulnerable areas.
