2025/06/24 by Esteban, Ruben Mora, Arrabal, Francisco Conejo, Martínez, José María Romero +1
#Biodiversity #Green-Blue Infrastructure #Urban river Restoration
paper · doi:10.6093/1970-9870/11115
Urban rivers in good hydrological and ecological condition are essential for the ecological connectivity of the territory, connecting fragmented habitats. Additionally, they provide benefits such as flood mitigation, CO2 storage, microclimate regulation, and air quality improvement. They act as natural filters and offer recreational and educational spaces. However, urban development has negatively affected rivers, disrupting their natural dynamics and ecological connectivity due to intense urbanization and infrastructure. The restoration of rivers using ecosystem-based strategies and nature-based solutions is proposed as one solution to address the challenges of climate change. After a literature review and analysis of Mediterranean urban river restoration projects, problems and strategies for their restoration are identified and systematized. The restoration proposal for the Guadalmedina River in Malaga, Spain, is analyzed as a case study. This proposal is relevant for its ecocentric, systemic, and integrated approach from the basin to the urban section, promoting its functionality as an ecological corridor that integrates into the city's green and blue infrastructure and involves the public in the design, execution, and management process of the restoration.