Knowledge from ecological sciences is an important reference for landscape design as Urban Green Spaces (UGS) play a critical role in the ecological protection of cities. There is an ongoing debate among ecologists on the value of exotic vegetation to ecosystem resilience and integrity, with authors arguing that in order for ecosystems to survive in future climates, exotic species with similar conditions in their current range must be considered. Others deem biodiversity vital for ecosystem functions and services, stating that most biodiversity losses are man-induced and should be addressed through the enhancement of native communities. Through a literature review, we confronted the arguments used in this debate, with the aim of conducting a comprehensive analysis of the potential of exotic and native vegetation in different aspects of the vegetation’s performance. The outcomes are important for the assessment of vegetation assemblages within UGS projects. Despite the strong arguments regarding their performative and adaptive capacity, we conclude that exotics pose significant ecological risks and have multiple negative impacts on ecosystem processes. Natives not only present high adaptive capacity, but also provide additional benefits for biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, and for people. In a broader framework, the literature demonstrates a preference for the use of native species in most situations.

This article examines hiking tourism’s contribution to rural development, as perceived by both visitors and local stakeholders / residents, with reference to the Mondego Walkways in central Portugal. The study is based on data collected through quantitative and qualitative methods, namely a survey carried out in situwith walkways’ visitors (n = 299) and a set of 16 semi‐structured interviews conducted with local stakeholders / residents in 2023. First, the results show that most of our interlocutors believed that the Mondego Walkways are already having a positive impact on local development through increased tourism and related economic activities. Second, they considered that the increase in the flow of visitors is also causing some adverse impacts. Third, visitors stated that the walkways may counteract rural depopulation, whereas local stakeholders / residents expressed a contrary opinion.

Considering the concept of landscape as a vital experience, this paper seeks to ethically and aesthetically address walkways and their role in the landscape of inland Portugal. As such, the Amieira do Tejo walkway shall be employed as a case study, exploring the appropriation of these walkway by communities and tourists as well as the benefits they provide. The methodology used was based on bibliographic research and on the results of surveys and interviews carried out about the walkways. The data was quantitatively analysed in order to understand: the user’s perception of the quality of the landscape, the user’s perception of the impact of walkway on the landscape, and the benefits of the walkway to people’s quality of life. The results confirm the importance of the walkway to the landscape thanks to the extent to which they improve the quality of life of local inhabitants.