NatUR-W: Nature-based Urban Regeneration through Water (Lorca - Spain)

• Barrios Altos has fallen into major disrepair. 60% of dwellings are reported to be in a dilapidated, bad or deficient state, with many households facing energy poverty. 50% of households say they are unable to keep their homes cool enough in summer.

• The local semiarid climate means summers are very hot. The region is seeing an increase in temperatures and the frequency of extreme heat waves.

• Rainfall in the area is usually torrential, falling mostly within a few days in spring or autumn, and water resources are limited. This makes it increasingly difficult to maintain healthy green spaces that can act as shelters.

The aim of NatUR-W is to address urban challenges brought about by energy poverty and climate change, in particular extreme heat events and water scarcity. Through this project, the city of Lorca in Murcia is developing and implementing ‘NatUR-W Plans’ to meet these challenges. The proposed solution respects the natural water cycle, using innovative, inclusive, sustainable and self-sufficient Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to improve the energy efficiency of social housing and public buildings, create more green space, and regenerate the historic city centre. 

NbS implementation focuses on two key aspects. First, several public buildings will be fitted with a green wall that uses a new insulation system based on recycled and sustainable materials. Second, a part of the surrounding area will be renatured and converted into a new public green space. These NbS will improve living conditions in and around local residential buildings and create green areas that can act as bioclimatic shelters and provide several Ecosystem Services (ES). 

Engagement, governance and replication processes will be achieved through specific training and tools, such as an NbS crowdfunding platform and stakeholders board.

Ultimately, this new urban regeneration system (NatURW Plans) will facilitate economic development, and enable replication of the solution in other areas.

Lorca City

SingularGreen

INDRESMAT

NBSCLIMATE

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (UNESCO Center on Integrated and Multidisciplinary Water Resources Management)