Murcia showcases its river restoration model to Europe with a visit from representatives of the GREENME 5 project to the Vivillo Meander
Murcia showcases its river restoration model to Europe with a visit from representatives of the GREENME 5 project to the Vivillo Meander
European technicians have had the opportunity to see firsthand the works of the ‘River Restoration of the Vivillo Meander,’ within the framework of the Murcia Río II strategy. This project covers 22,050 square meters and represents an investment of over €1.1 million.
During the visit, the technicians from the GREENME 5 project learned about the solutions implemented in Murcia for the restoration of river ecosystems, the elimination of invasive species, and the creation of new natural spaces, as well as their impact on improving environmental indicators such as water, biodiversity, and air quality.
“This visit by representatives of the Greenme5 project is an opportunity to show Europe how Murcia is leading the way in a more sustainable city model, recovering its green and riverine spaces as a cornerstone of territorial cohesion, environmental quality, and well-being for the people of Murcia,” stated Mercedes Bernabé, Councilor for Open Government, Economic Development, and Employment.
A group of technicians from the European GREENME 5 project were able to see the works firsthand. Works on the ‘River Restoration of the Vivillo Meander’ are underway, a strategic project within the second phase of the Murcia Río II project. This intervention aims to renaturalize the Segura River as it flows through the municipality, restoring its natural course, improving its performance during flood events, and promoting biodiversity through the recovery of native flora and fauna.
The event is part of the Greenme5 project's exchange visits, where consortium cities share best practices in the five pillars of the Green City Accord: water, noise, waste management, biodiversity, and air. The meeting included the participation of technicians and representatives from the cities of Vilnius (Lithuania), Helsingborg (Sweden), Arezzo (Italy), and Cieza, accompanied by the Federation of Municipalities of the Region of Murcia, all of whom are part of this European project.
During the visit, technicians from the GREENME 5 project were able to learn about the solutions implemented in Murcia for the restoration of river ecosystems, the elimination of invasive species, and the creation of new natural spaces, as well as their impact on improving environmental indicators such as water, biodiversity, and air quality.
"This visit by representatives of the Greenme5 project is an opportunity to showcase to Europe how Murcia is leading the way in a more sustainable city model, recovering its green and riverine spaces as a cornerstone of territorial cohesion, environmental quality, and well-being for the people of Murcia," stated Mercedes Bernabé, Councilor for Open Government, Economic Development, and Employment.
The restoration of the Vivillo Meander, which covers more than 22,050 m2 and represents an investment of over €1.1 million, is one of the most significant projects within the city's renaturalization strategy. Furthermore, it is worth noting that this project will improve the river's hydraulic functionality and create an accessible natural environment for the public, integrating the river as a key element in the municipality's urban and territorial development.
The project was developed by technicians from the Murcia City Council in collaboration with the University of Murcia, the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, and the Segura River Basin Authority. It is funded by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) using European NextGenerationEU funds.
The visit is part of an exchange of experiences among European cities to improve public policies related to sustainability and adaptation to climate change, such as the Greenme5 project, consolidating Murcia as an example of best practices in the recovery of riverine spaces and the integration of green infrastructure into the urban environment.
The Greenme5 project, which began in 2023, is scheduled to be completed in 2027 and has a budget of 1,986,343.72 euros, of which 349,644.97 euros are allocated to the municipality of Murcia.