Azores Lighthouse Pilot: Janela do Inferno as a nature-based solution Environmental Health on Islands

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The TRANS-Lighthouses project develops nature-based solutions (NBS) across diverse European regions to address ecological, social, and economic challenges. In the Azores, the pilot focuses on the “Janela do Inferno” trail, a site rich in natural and cultural heritage. The initiative aims to transform this trail into a more inclusive and therapeutic experience, integrating accessibility and well-being dimensions into its design. It also involves measuring the carrying capacity of the trail to balance conservation with sustainable use, ensuring that ecological limits are respected while enhancing visitors’ experiences. A key feature of the pilot is co-governance: local authorities, researchers, schools, associations, and community members collaborate to shape strategies, share knowledge, and co-create sustainable futures for the site. By combining environmental protection, social inclusion, and participatory governance, the Azores pilot illustrates how NBS can generate transformative impacts in island contexts.