In this first phase of implementation of the EcoBalance, protocols were established with five local authorities: one urban, inserted in the second largest urban agglomeration in the country (Vila Nova de Gaia); a largely rural municipality, but very close to a large urban area (Baião); two municipalities, which are part of the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela, with a Natura 2000 network area and a shared Biosphere heritage area (Guarda and Seia); and Arcos de Valdevez, which has a substantial part of its territory in the National Park of Peneda-Gerês.
