Collaborative action plans for sustainable urban mobility in the algarve region: a new tool for low carbon and social integration?

Abstract

This paper is built on an innovative experience of the Intermunicipal Community of the Algarve Region (Regional Transport Authority), scientifically supported by the LNEC in Portugal, that comprised the development of the designated "Action Plans for Sustainable Mobility" (PAMUS) for the region, a network of sixteen cities. Following the Regional Operation Program, these plans were "to support the transition for a low carbon economy in all sectors" and, also, the investment priority "Promotion of low carbon in all the territory, namely urban areas, including the promotion of sustainable and multimodal urban mobility, adaptation and mitigation measures" (of energy consumption and CO2 emissions). The development of the PAMUS in the Algarve region comprised several interconnected components: an integrated approach for the development of plans that included a collaborative platform of stakeholders, a communication strategy to the public and a technological component to be used by the people (app VAMUS) and the acquiistion of cycling data for the region (STRAVA interface). In July 2016, the sixteen Mayors of the region signed a letter of commitment and agreed to work together towards sustainable mobility goals. This collective action represented a disruptive governance step aiming to trigger a positive behaviour change towards low carbon transport where cycling and walking have a role. The novel features of the successful experience of the PAMUS developed in the Algarve region will be presented and discussed considering other international planning experiences in Europe (e.g. France) and beyond Europe (e.g. Brazil).