CS#4 - Alternative water management solutions in Spanish Archipelagos
This case study consists of a Demonstrator Site and a Follower Site.
DS#4 - "Canary Islands " (Spain)
The case study in 5 minutes
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Location
The demonstration site in the Canary Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura. The island is in the biogeographical region Macaronesia. The activities are located in three separate sites and at each site different NBS will be implemented. The sites have the following characteristics:
• Tenerife (DS#4TEN): urban
• Gran Canaria (DS#4GC): urban and natural reserve
• Fuerteventura (DS#4FUE): rural
Description of the area
The Canary Islands are an outermost European region located in the Atlantic Ocean, 1400 km from the European mainland, with a Subtropical climate.
The Canary Islands, a highly touristic territory with a population of 2 million people spread across its 8 islands, face unique challenges when it comes to resources management. These volcanic islands heavily rely on their aquifers and desalination of seawater to meet their freshwater needs due to their limited natural water sources. With such high demand, the availability of land for infrastructure development is a constant challenge. As a result, the growing necessity for green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning is becoming increasingly evident in this region.
Climatic Challenges
Planned activities
Implementing NBS successfully to achieve the following improvements on each island:
1- Tenerife (DS#4TEN): Enhance the city's response to runoff and reducing flood risk. Enhancing the biodiversity potential amenity of the location through the creation of the Floodable Park of La Vega.
2- Gran Canaria (DS#4GC): Improve the water quality of surface runoff and potential Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) from sewer network reaching the Maspalomas Pond through SUDS implementation.
3- Fuerteventura (DS#4FUE): Improve water quality using regenerated water for aquifer recharge through the implementation of natural treatment systems.
Progress
In the Canary Islands, nature-based solutions (NBS) are being used to address the risks and challenges of each study area, as they are territories with different climatic, topographical and socio-economic characteristics. One of the first steps of the project has focused on the progressive updating of a Data Inventory, collecting historical data for all the case studies.
DS#4FUE
In the case of Fuerteventura, fieldwork is progressing with the design of comprehensive sampling campaigns aimed at analysing local water quality in detail. These studies will focus on the detection and quantification of emerging pollutants, microplastics and other critical physico-chemical and biological parameters. The data collected will be used to establish a robust baseline that will provide a reference point for future assessments of water quality improvements resulting from the implementation of nature-based solutions. This baseline will be essential for understanding the current state of the aquatic environment and evaluating the long-term effectiveness of sustainable water management strategies.
DS#4TEN
In Tenerife, a joint action is being developed with Public Authorities to create an urban wetland in the La Laguna area. The restoration of the wetland has important environmental and sustainable water management values, as the natural drainage systems will reduce the impact of possible future flooding in the area. In addition, this action has important heritage and identity contributions by recovering the wetland that gave its name to the city “The Lagoon” where it is located. Currently, progress is being made in the development of hydrological and hydrodynamic models with application of the NBS for current scenarios and for climate change scenarios.
- Pilot site identification: Potential locations suitable for implementation of constructed wetlands to treat wastewater from small settlements and livestock facilities were identified and shortlisted.
- Site visits and stakeholder engagement: During these visits, water samples were collected, and preliminary meetings were held with local stakeholders to introduce the project, gather initial information, and assess baseline environmental and technical conditions.
DS#4GC
Progress is also being made on hydrological and hydrodynamic models in Gran Canaria. Actions on this island are focused on the southern area, specifically in the Maspalomas Pond, a coastal wetland located in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana. This pond has water quality problems, due to, among many factors, polluting discharges. Currently, sensors have now been installed to help calibrate models and monitor the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) to be implemented. Additionally, two Transformation Labs have been set up in the Maspalomas area, involving a wide range of stakeholdes. The objective of these spaces is to co-create concrete actions to protect the pond and to spread the word about NBS in the area.
Ambition
Ambition during the project
Tenerife (DS#4TEN): Implement a novel approach to flood management in endorreic areas using flooding parks as an effective measure, addressing both surface water flooding and groundwater inundation.
Gran Canaria
(DS#4GC): Improve the quality of Maspalomas pond, increase the permeability and the biodiversity of Maspalomas basin through Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS).
Fuerteventura
(DS#4FUE): Be the first aquifer recharge pilot in the Canary Islands through Natural Wetland Treatment.
Ambition after the project
Tenerife (DS#4TEN): The Floodable Park will remain operational for La Laguna municipality. Elaboration of Best Practices guidelines and organisation of a wide dissemination to achieve replicability within the island.
Gran Canaria
(DS#4GC): The SUDS implemented will remain operational, and more SUDS proposals defined within the project could be implemented by the municipality. Establish a long term NBS strategy approach with the local communities. Elaboration of Best Practices guidelines and organisation of a wide dissemination to achieve replicability within the island.
Fuerteventura
(DS#4FUE): Elaboration and dissemination of best practice guidelines to achieve the applicability in other rural areas.
Questions
Ever wondered how nature can help us tackle climate change? NBS are “Solutions inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience.” European Commission, 2015.
Regarding biodiversity, few ponds (dams) are shallow and allowing vegetation to develop, but most of them are too deep to welcome a rich biodiversity, making them less interesting than very small ponds disconnected from watercourses.
Constructed wetlands treat wastewater using natural processes, offering both treatment efficiency and resilience to hydrological hazard.
They involve complex interaction between water, soil, plants, micro-organisms and the atmosphere. With proper design and management, they offer simple operation tasks, making them cost-effective for small municipalities.
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