What is the relationship between urban stream ecosystem health and human wellbeing? This question, which drove the European project OneAquaHealth, was a key catalyst for creating a theatre play that addresses the historical uses of these urban aquatic systems and their biodiversity, sustainability, and contemporary relevance.

The documentary accompanied the production and the performance of ‘Play for Rivers‘ and includes excerpts from interviews with Coimbra residents who regularly use or frequent streams in the city.

Historically, urban streams have supported several subsistence-economy activities, such as farming and fishing. They used the water to irrigate crops, power mills, water cattle and do the washing in the outskirts of cities. As urban construction expanded and land use changed, some of these areas became increasingly urbanised. Urban streams lost their previous relevance and were, in many cases, channelled with concrete margins, used as sewers, and even completely covered by urban construction.

In the past few decades, the importance of these natural corridors in cities has been gaining relevance for two main reasons: on the one hand, the benefits for human health and wellbeing through contact with these natural environments; on the other hand, an increasing ecological conscience that promotes the preservation of biodiversity and the sustainability of these ecosystems.

‘Water Veins | Rediscovering urban stream ecosystems’ guides us through the development of a theatre play and a series of testimonies from citizens of Coimbra that underline the past, present and future importance of urban stream ecosystems.