NOVA Information Management School (NOVA IMS) is leading “NOVA Bela Flor”, a project selected for the BIP/ZIP Lisbon 2025 program of the Lisbon City Council. The initiative aims to strengthen ties with the Bela Flor neighborhood in Campolide by promoting sustainability, education, and social cohesion.

Developed in partnership with NOVA Medical School, Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome, Upfarming, and the Bela Flor Residents’ Association, the project brings together universities and local organizations to combine sustainable practices, digital and food literacy, and active community participation.

Key actions include setting up a vertical hydroponic garden on the NOVA IMS campus, jointly managed by students, faculty, and neighborhood residents, as a space for learning and experimenting with urban agriculture. In Bela Flor itself, the project will revitalize the agroforestry area and community composting station, engaging children, young people, and families in improving public spaces and encouraging sustainable habits.

The “Academia de Bairro” (Neighborhood Academy) will also play a central role, offering workshops on digital skills, data science, and food literacy to equip residents with practical tools for social inclusion and personal growth.

Running for one year and co-financed by the Lisbon City Council, the initiative reflects NOVA IMS’s mission to apply scientific knowledge in real-world contexts and reinforce the link between academia and the city.