This document outlines the Strategic Environmental Assessment of the National Railway Plan (PFN), focusing on integrating environmental considerations into railway infrastructure development. It discusses the assessment process, including public and institutional consultations, and the approval of the final PFN version. Emphasis is placed on aligning the PFN with international and national strategic frameworks, addressing significant environmental effects, and proposing measures for environmental control.
The report discusses the importance of considering cultural heritage in the context of the National Railway Plan (PFN). It highlights the need to adapt impact assessments to the scale of heritage properties, such as the Alto Douro Vinhateiro and the cultural landscape of Sintra. Recommendations include aligning assessments with international guidelines and implementing measures to safeguard heritage sites.
The report emphasises the significance of evaluating impacts on tangible and intangible cultural assets, following the methodology outlined in the “Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessments for Cultural World Heritage Properties” and the Sintra Declaration. It also stresses the role of cultural heritage in promoting territorial cohesion, mobility, and accessibility, particularly in metropolitan areas. The assessment anticipates positive outcomes for heritage, tourism, and railway culture, while addressing potential conflicts related to noise, water resources, biodiversity, and nature conservation.
Collaboration between the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering (LNEC) and the Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning (IGOT) was crucial for the environmental assessment process. The report underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and mitigation strategies to address environmental impacts effectively.
