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H2020 PONDERFUL: The deurbanization of La Pletera

Area characterisation: 

A Mediterranean coastal salt marsh ecosystem with the presence of endemic species, such as the Iberian toothcarp (Aphanius iberus).  Located in a zone with a strong tourist pressure.

Extension, 60 ha 

Objective: 

A de-construction project where a failed attempt of urbanization was substituted by a fully functional salt marsh ecosystem. La Pletera is a coastal salt marsh located in a very touristic zone and was affected by building works for a residential estate in the late 80s, and then discontinued in the 90s. After that, the area was protected and an ecological restoration project was developed, aimed to satisfy a long-held local aspiration: the restoration of the ecologically highly valuable saltmarsh that was partially destroyed by a construction project at the end of the 1980s.

Actions: 

The removal of the breakwater and the paved streets built for the urbanization.

The recovery of the ecological functioning of the coastal ecosystem.

The improvement of the existing population of Iberian toothcarp and the improvement of the salt marsh vegetation

Potential impacts/benefits: 

1. Biodiversity conservation

2. Human health and well-being

3. Water management

4. Climate change adaptation

NbS benefits 
  • Developing climate change adaptation; improving risk management and resilience
  • Better protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems
  • Reduce flood risk
  • Carbon sequestration and storage
  • Restoring ecosystems and their functions
  • Increase Biodiversity
  • Changing image of the urban environment
  • Sustainable development of coastal regions
Protection status Removal of unfinished building works Pond creation and restoration Recovery of a coastal habitat parallel to the seashore, formed by lagoons surrounded by salt marsh vegetation Restoration to a fully functional dune system No human intervention in water and nutrient dynamics Recovery of salt marsh capacity to prevent flooding during sea storms Prevention of beach erosion Adaptation of the coast line to climate change
Transferability of the result: 

1. Habitat conservation and maintenance for the conservation of biodiversity

2. Adaptation to climate change: regulation of sea water floodings: the restored saltmarsh has been built maintaining the characteristic hydrology and nutrient dynamics of
these habitats, thus guaranteeing the conservation of the typical community structure of Mediterranean coastal ponds. The newly created habitat responds effectively to the predicted effects of climate change, that include higher sea levels and more frequent severe sea storms.
 

Lessons learned: 

This recovery strategy is easily applicable to other degraded coastal areas.

Coexistence of natural habitats and tourism: The conservation of biodiversity is compatible with a
high frequentation and the enjoyment of nature by people if they respect the limits of the protected areas. 

Further information