Alzira, a River for the Future: A strategic urban planning process
About this good practice
Problem Addressed: In Europe, climate change is worsening floods, biodiversity loss, and environmental decline, especially in riverine cities. Alzira, historically prone to flooding, faces urban-river disconnection, worsened by urban pressure and lack of green infrastructure Alzira, a River for the Future: A strategic urban plan provides a tool for strategic development of regional policy instruments by combining environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and urban regeneration, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and national guidelines.
Implementation: The Urban Agenda Alzira established a strategic plan funded by the Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda of Spain, addressing:
• River restoration
• Green corridors
• Sustainable mobility
• Citizen participation
• Environmental monitoring
Stakeholders Involved:
• Alzira City Council: Project coordination and integration into the Spanish Urban Agenda.
• Neighborhood associations and sustainability experts: Participation in decision-making and awareness-raising.
Beneficiaries:
• Local authorities: Improved capacities in urban planning and climate risk management.
• Decision-makers: A replicable governance and adaptation model.
• Population: Enhanced quality of life and reduced environmental risks
Resources needed
• Total Budget: €150,000 funded by the Government of Spain - Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda.
• Human Resources: Urban planners. Environmental and civil engineers. Ecological restoration specialists. Facilitators for participatory activities. Citizens.
Evidence of success
Despite the need for additional funding, significant progress has been made in creating a clear roadmap for Alzira's sustainable transformation. Achievements include:
• Development of a strategic plan with 2,500+ citizens' input.
• Prioritization of key projects to enhance climate resilience.
• Raised awareness on climate adaptation and sustainability.
Potential for learning or transfer
The good practice provides a transferable strategic planning model for cities facing climate risks, riverfront revitalization, and sustainability challenges. Success factors include:
• Participatory governance: Engaging citizens to align the plan with local needs.
• Scalable financing: Initial funding has set a foundation for attracting further resources.
• Adaptability: The framework suits different city sizes and resource levels.
• Nature-based solutions: Promoting ecological restoration and green infrastructure.
• Monitoring technologies: Enabling data-driven urban management and adaptation.
This model offers guidance for European cities aiming to integrate sustainability and climate adaptation into their policies, leveraging institutional support and citizen involvement for long-term success.
