Before the redevelopment, the Tâmega's riverbanks were prone to recurrent flooding that damaged infrastructure and put residents at risk, while degraded, fragmented ecosystems left much of the river corridor's tourism potential untapped. The Municipality of Amarante addressed both problems through a nature-based approach: revegetating riverbanks with native species, creating water retention areas to reduce flood impact, and building three accessible trails, the Azenhas, Castanheiros and Nossa Senhora do Vau trails, complete with educational signage on the area's ecology and history.

The municipality reports the project has reduced flood vulnerability, improved water quality and restored biodiversity, while the new trails have drawn increased visitor numbers and demand for local goods and services, strengthening residents' sense of connection to a riverfront the city had long turned its back on.

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