Febrero 2026. Flood Proof

Image Febrero 2026. Flood Proof
In February we chose the Flood Proof project from the LIFE program, which is the European Union's financial instrument dedicated exclusively to environmental protection, nature conservation and climate action.

LIFE FloodProof: multi-actor cooperation and knowledge-based decision-making to reduce flood risk in urban areas of the Segura River Basin

Acronym: LIFE FloodProof

The European Commission has approved the LIFE FloodProof project, a strategic initiative aimed at improving flood risk management in urban areas of the Segura River Basin, one of the most vulnerable regions in Europe to torrential rainfall events and extreme weather phenomena linked to climate change.

The project is based on an innovative, participatory and knowledge-driven approach, strengthening cooperation between public administrations, the scientific community, the private sector and citizens, in order to enhance urban resilience and reduce the social, economic and environmental impacts of flooding.

Background and rationale

Flooding is one of the most serious natural hazards in Europe, causing significant human and economic losses every year. In the Spanish Mediterranean region and, in particular, in the Segura River Basin, the increased frequency and intensity of torrential rainfall in recent decades have considerably raised the exposure of urban areas to flood risk.

Factors such as soil sealing, rapid urban growth and the occupation of flood-prone areas further exacerbate this situation. Despite the efforts made by the Segura River Basin Authority and local administrations, challenges remain, including the limited implementation of governance measures, insufficient definition of actions at the local level, lack of detailed flood risk maps in urban environments, and slow activation of emergency response protocols.

In this context, LIFE FloodProof was conceived to strengthen the implementation of the Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) through more accurate tools, early warning systems and nature-based solutions adapted to Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Project objectives

The overall objective of LIFE FloodProof is to mitigate flood risk in urban environments through knowledge-based planning and decision-making, supported by a governance system that enhances inter-administrative coordination and collaboration with civil society.

More specifically, the project aims to:

  • Improve knowledge on flood risk characterisation and local-level mitigation options.

  • Adapt urban planning and design prevention and protection measures aligned with flood hazard and risk maps.

  • Test solutions to increase urban permeability and drainage capacity, promoting the acceptance of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) and other Nature-Based Solutions (NbS).

  • Strengthen protection strategies and early warning and real-time alert systems.

  • Raise awareness and build capacity among citizens and social stakeholders regarding flood risk.

  • Contribute to the update and implementation of the Floods Directive in the Segura River Basin and facilitate the transfer of results to other European regions.

Expected results

LIFE FloodProof will generate tangible impacts in four municipalities in the Region of Murcia, improving urban resilience to climate change and serving as a replicable model for other European river basins.

Key expected results include:

  • 10,740 m² of urban surface adapted to improve water infiltration through NbS and SUDS.

  • 39 km² of urban areas with reduced vulnerability to flood risk.

  • Implementation of 4 real-time early warning systems, one in each municipality.

  • Installation of 25 hydrological sensors to enhance flood prediction and monitoring.

  • Development of 4 updated flood hazard and risk maps, incorporating climate change scenarios.

  • Implementation of 4 pilot actions in critical areas using nature-based solutions.

  • Training of more than 2,600 citizens in flood prevention and self-protection.

  • Participation of 120 people in citizen science initiatives.

  • Signing of 8 public-private cooperation agreements to ensure the long-term sustainability of the measures.

  • Development of 4 local flood risk action plans through participatory processes.

  • Publication of technical guides and scientific documents to support project replication.

  • Integration of project results into the next Segura River Basin Flood Risk Management Plan (2028–2033).

Administrative data

  • Programme: LIFE – Environmental Governance and Information

  • Duration: 01/10/2025 – 31/01/2029

  • Total budget: €2,086,868

  • EU contribution: €1,252,121

Coordinating entity and partnership

The project is coordinated by the Municipality of Ceutí, with the participation of a broad consortium including local authorities, river basin organisations, universities and specialised entities:

  • Municipality of Ceutí (Coordinator)

  • Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia

  • Segura River Basin Authority

  • Technical University of Cartagena

  • Municipalities of Alguazas, Lorquí and Las Torres de Cotillas

  • Land Lab Laboratorio de Paisajes SLP

  • Eurovértice Consultores SL