The effects of climate change are increasing, particularly in the Mediterranean region, with challenges such as water scarcity, soil erosion and low fertility, biodiversity loss and extreme temperatures becoming more frequent. New holistic proposals such as nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a transformative approach to building resilience and sustainability in Mediterranean cities. The CARDIMED project integrates NbS into water, soil and agriculture management practices to address environmental, social, and economic challenges.
CARDIMED takes on this transformative approach through the implementation of 33 NbS across 9 demonstration sites (DEMOs) to increase the resilience of Mediterranean communities. Examples of NbS implemented within the project are constructed wetlands and bioswales -that is to say, landscape features that collect polluted stormwater runoff, soak it into the ground and filter out pollution-. These NbS enhance freshwater and groundwater supply and quality, supporting as well biodiversity and acting as buffers against extreme climate events. Additionally, NbS such as sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) in Sicily (Italy) and the stone dams in Sifnos (Greece) are also implemented in the project and tackle the vulnerability of existing infrastructure and population to climate-induced risks such as flooding. These solutions reduce flood risks, improve groundwater recharge, and create multifunctional landscapes that offer social, economic and environmental benefits.
Cetaqua, as a project partner, is responsible for establishing the main benefits and climate resilience challenges that each DEMO and its associated NbS can address. Cetaqua is also contributing to developing a detailed plan that outlines the specific activities, goals and timelines for implementing NbS at each DEMO. Those plans, named Delivery Action Plans (DAPs), will serve as a roadmap for monitoring and achieving the intended outcomes of each DEMO, ensuring that the NbS are effectively integrated and provide valuable insights for scaling up across the Mediterranean region to promote resilience, sustainability and innovation.
Cetaqua will also be in charge of developing a digital tool to identify the most efficient NbS that can tackle the challenges that each region faces and also the most optimal location to do so at European level. EMUASA, Aguas de Murcia, and Murcia’s City Hall are also partners of the project and within CARDIMEDs framework will study the feasibility of building an floodable park and SUDS within the Zaraische gardens of the city.
CARDIMED’s approach represents a paradigm shift in water, soil and agriculture management practices, moving away from adopting 100% gray infrastructure towards more adaptive, resilient and hybrid systems. The project not only demonstrates the effectiveness and multiple purposes of NbS in addressing immediate climate challenges, but also highlights their potential to contribute to long-term sustainability plans and goals.
The solutions adopted in CARDIMED are not only technically viable, but also socially inclusive and economically sustainable thanks to the collaboration and participation of local communities, public actors and the private sector in the planning, implementation and monitoring phases, ensuring a holistic approach. Cetaqua, by integrating open science, citizen science and innovation strategies, will further strengthen community resilience and foster broader acceptance through the NbS DEMOs.
As the Mediterranean regions continue to struggle with the effects of climate change, the CARDIMED project is in the spotlight of innovative sustainable management. By emulating nature, the project shows how through NbS resilient and sustainable communities can be built. Lessons learnt from this project will be of great value for replicating and upscaling these solutions across the Mediterranean and beyond.
