AN INNOVATIVE PROJECT
LIFE IP-RBMP DUERO
This project will allow water resources of the Duero river basin to be managed by means of innovative, sustainable, participatory and exportables solutions to the rest of hydrographic basins. This integrated LIFE project begins in 2018 and is scheduled to last until 2027.
A SUITABLE, PRODUCTIVE AND RESILIENT DEVELOPMENT MODEL IN A CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
The evolution of the water resources in the center of the Duero basin has long been a concern to the Duero Hydrographic Confederation. The level drop of the underground water masses in the center of the basin, together with loss of the water quality, has led the basin organism to study in detail solutions to deal with this problem
Life IP-RBMP DUERO is an acronym for “Implementation of the river basin Management Plan in the central-south part of the river Duero basin”
PARTICIPATORY, EXPORTABLE AND WITH AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH
In order to face up to existing problems, and to do it in an integrated way the LIFE IP-DUERO project is a pilot experience that will allow the implementation of innovative, sustainable, participatory and transferable solutions to the rest of the hydrographic basins as advocated by the European Union
RECHARGE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
The charge for the sustainability is one of the fundamental working lines of this project. There is not point in providing water to the aquifer if we do not make a more rational and efficient use of this precious resource. It is about improving the current status of the aquifer to guarantee future water availability
Waster can and must flow along the Zapardiel, Arevalillo and Trabancos rivers beyond exceptional floods. The connection of these rivers with their underground waters is obvious (vertical connection) and this relationship needs to be improved to maintain the rivers and the wetlands alive.
It is also essential to return the river connections with their surroundings, their riverside forests, their forests and meadows and wetlands to recover and increase the important ecological function that the rivers play.
If we conserve our rivers and we understand the role the natural ecosystems and processes play , we will see , how in turn the natural ecosystems themselves will protect us and improve our life quality
THE KEY IS TO CONNECT
RECOVER THE COMMON HERITAGE
Some of the historical water uses have generated a cultural heritage worth mentioning. They are part of our history and culture and they deserve to be recovered to put them at the service of the population. As well as the grassland, river basins and lavajos that once were refuge for the wildlife and traditional places of recreation.
None of the proposed actions make sense if approached unilaterally by the competent administrations. Sharing decisions will improve the implementation of proposals for actions that must be undertaken.It is a challenge and a shared responsibility in which the project makes a remarkable effort programming actions for different recipients
SHARE AND COMMUNICATE
A GREAT SCALE PROJECT
THE AREA OF ACTION SELECTED IN THE PROJECT HAS AN EXTENSION OF ALMOST 5,000 KM2, REPRESENTING 6% OF THE SURFACE OF THE DUERO RIVER BASIN
WHAT IS THE LIFE PROGRAM
The LIFE program is an instrument of the European Union to finance environmental conservation and improvement projects in its regions.The environment protection and conservation, much more than ensuring flora, fauna and landscapes, is to achieve a relationship with the environment that allows us to improve our quality of life, now and in the future. Therefore, the LIFE program is an instrument at the service of its citizens.
Since 2014, the INTEGRATED PROJECTS with a more globalizing nature are included in this financing line to attend the development and implementation of plans, strategies and programs. These projects are intended to combine efforts between different administrations and entities with different competencies to jointly address environmental problems and challenges.
GOALS
Contribute as a demonstration project to the development of the Hydrological Plan throughout the basin
Create synergies with other sector policies and integrate climate and environmental objectives in the implementation of the Hydrological Plan of Cuenca.
Desarrollar acciones efectivas que permitan alcanzar los objetivos ambientales desde una perspectiva innovadora.
Promote synergies among other plans and programs.
Promote the mobilization of different European funds.
Generate knowledge and capacity for the development of this type of projects and programs.
Promote the commitment of the public and private sector in the achievement of environmental objectives
Ensure the long-term sustainability of the development of the Hydrological Plan of Cuenca.
MAIN GOALS
- OVER-EXPLOITATION AND POLLUTION OF THE MEDINA DEL CAMPO AQUIFER. Underground water contamination by nitrates from diffuse sources (agriculture and agricultural practices). Underground water contamination by arsenic, affecting the supply of drinking water. Conservation of protected wetlands and associated ecosystems under Nature 2000.
- COMPLIANCE WITH THE DIRECTORATE OF URBAN WASTEWATER. There are 109 urban discharge points without proper treatment of their wastewater. The construction of artificial wetlands is planned as an efficient, low-cost and sustainable technology that provides ecosystem services
- COMPLIANCE WITH THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE. There are 11 bodies of surface water and 1 body of underground water, and no one achieves good condition.
- WATER GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. The project aims to promote public participation and new water governance instruments to involve all concerned parties in the basin management process.
- NEW APPROACH TO ADVERSE EVENTS. “Nature-based solutions” and “Green infrastructure” The project aims to highlight the important role of natural processes and ecosystems in preventing adverse events.
- MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE. This project must act as an important instrument to move towards a new economic model based on a green circular economy with a low carbon trace and to contribute to climate change adaptation.
ACTIONS
Like all LIFE projects, this project is structured in 38 actions. Here you will find a brief description, you can find all the information in the OPERATIONALS AREAS section.
ACTION A.1
Preparatory activities to improve the ecological status of surface water masses.
ACTION A.2
Assessment of the status of underground water mass and hydrogeological studies of the aquifer.
ACTION A.3
Evaluation of concessions, demands and volumes of underground water used.
ACTION A.4
Assessment of the conservation status of wetlands and other aquatic ecosystems and evaluation of threatened and invasive species related to these ecosystems.
ACTION A.5
Evaluation of the reference conditions of the project.
ACTION A.6
Defining and establishing benchmarks for monitoring the project.
ACTION A.7
Installation of a nursery in situ for river restoration work.
ACTION A.8
Purchase of land for environmental purposes.
ACTION A.9
Environmental impact assessments.
ACTION C.1
Compliance with the Water Framework Directive by achieving the good condition of surface water masses.
ACTION C.2
Conservation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands that depend directly on the aquatic ecosystem of the Natura 2000 Network.
ACTION C.3
Natural solutions to mitigate the effects of floods.
ACTION C.4
Recreational uses.
ACTION C.5
Hydraulic heritage.
ACTION C.6
Efficient use of water resources.
ACTION C.7
Mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
ACTION C.8
Compensation for environmental services and for adaptation and mitigation of climate change.
ACTION C.9
Artificial recharge of the Medina del Campo underground water mass.
ACTION D.1
Monitoring of compliance actions with the Water Framework Directive. Beneficiary.
ACTION D.2
Monitoring of recovery actions for the overexploitation of the Medina del Campo underground water mass.
ACTION D.3
Monitoring of the actions to recover pollution of the Medina del Campo underground water mass.
ACTION D.4
Monitoring of conservation actions of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands.
ACTION D.5
Monitoring of mitigation actions and adaptation to climate change.
ACTION D.6
Monitoring of public participation actions.
ACTION D.7
Monitoring of compensation for environmental services and climate change.
ACTION D.8
Follow-up of project objectives based on benchmarks.
ACTION D.9
Monitoring of the socio-economic impact of the project.
ACTION E.1
Definition of the corporate image of the project and the website.
ACTION E.2
Internal and external communication plan.
ACTION E.3
Public participation and awareness.
ACTION E.4
Social agents and custody of the territory.
ACTION E.5
Coordination with other European projects and international collaboration.
ACTION E.6
Communication materials, audiovisual material and merchandising.
ACTION E.7
Organization of events, congresses, seminars and reporting.
ACTION F.1
Project management.
ACTION F.2
Internal and external monitoring of project work procedures.
ACTION F.3
Financial audit.
ACTION F.4
Long-term evaluation of project results.
