Every March 14, people observe the International Day of Action for Rivers. This year’s theme, “Protect rivers, protect people,” highlights the importance of healthy rivers. These waterways supply fresh water, support diverse wildlife, and help regulate our climate. They also play a crucial role in the hydrological cycle, which is essential for preventing droughts and floods.
However, many river ecosystems are facing serious challenges. Issues like pollution and climate change threaten their health and, by extension, our future. Access to clean water is a basic human right that impacts everyone.
According to the latest report from the European Environment Agency, “State of Water in Europe,” around 30% of the population experiences water stress each year. Alarmingly, only 37% of surface water is in good ecological condition. Pollution and climate change remain the biggest threats. To combat this, experts suggest we need to cut down on water consumption and use Nature-based Solutions to build resilience.
Efforts are underway to restore rivers in urban areas, seen as vital for green infrastructure. Spain’s Biodiversity Foundation is leading initiatives to enhance river ecosystems. The foundation has allocated funds to restore rivers and reduce flooding risks, totaling nearly 74 million euros through the European Union’s Recovery Plan.
Several projects are already making a difference:
- RestaurAlcúdia: This project focuses on restoring wetlands in the Bay of Alcúdia. With a budget of over 3 million euros, it aims to enhance local water bodies and promote tourism.
- Río-Rúa: In Medina de Rioseco, around 1.5 million euros have been invested to restore the Sequillo River, improving urban resilience and reducing flood risks.
- Custodia los ríos de Granada: This initiative, backed by more than half a million euros, helps small towns in Granada restore their urban rivers.
These efforts are part of Spain’s commitment to re-naturalizing rivers in urban spaces. They align with the National Strategy for Green Infrastructure, which promotes sustainable territorial planning while conserving biodiversity. Another critical part of this commitment is the National River Restoration Strategy, aimed at restoring ecological balance and preventing flood risks.
