NatUR-W Project
Lorca, Murcia
Nature-Based Urban Regeneration Through Water
The objective of NatUR-W is to address the urban challenges caused by energy poverty and climate change, particularly extreme heat events and water scarcity. Through this project, the city of Lorca (Murcia) is developing and implementing the ‘NatUR-W Plans’ to tackle these challenges. The proposed solution respects the natural water cycle, utilizing innovative, inclusive, sustainable, and self-sufficient Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to improve the energy efficiency of social housing and public buildings, create more green spaces, and regenerate the city’s historic centre.
The implementation of NbS focuses on two key aspects. First, several public buildings will be equipped with a green wall that uses a new insulation system based on recycled and sustainable materials. Second, part of the surrounding area will be re-naturalized and transformed into a new public green space. These NbS will improve living conditions in local residential buildings and their surroundings, creating green areas that can act as bioclimatic shelters and provide various ecosystem services (ES).
Participation, governance, and replication processes will be achieved through specific training and tools, such as a NbS crowdfunding platform and a stakeholder council.
Ultimately, this new urban regeneration system (NatUR-W Plans) will facilitate economic development and enable the solution to be replicated in other areas.
Budget: €4,779,752.00
Duration: March 2024 – July 2027
Sligo County Council is actively participating in the NatUR-W project, an initiative aimed at tackling pressing environmental challenges such as flooding, heatwaves, and severe storms.
As part of this project, Sligo is engaging in knowledge exchange with Lorca. While our regions differ in geography and climate, there is much we can learn from one another in addressing the impacts of climate change and building resilience in our communities.
What Sligo can learn from Lorca?
- Water Management Techniques
- Flood Prevention and Infrastructure
- Public Awareness and Education
- Urban Greening and Cooling
Sligo County Council is already embracing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to support sustainable development and climate resilience. Initiatives such as community gardens, enhanced public transport, improved cycling infrastructure, and the promotion of renewable energy are already making a positive impact across the county.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to redevelop Sligo Gaol as part of a broader initiative to revitalise the town centre. This project not only aims to breathe new life into a historic site but also reflects a commitment to repurposing heritage buildings in ways that benefit the community and environment.
Sligo Gaol
European Urban Initiative
Programme/Initiative
The European Urban Initiative is an essential tool of the urban dimension of Cohesion Policy for the 2021-2027 programming period. The initiative established by the European Union supports cities of all sizes, to build their capacity and knowledge, to support innovation and develop transferable and scalable innovative solutions to urban challenges of EU relevance.
