Ebro Resilience Strategy Tender

Start Date 01092021End Date 31082027Total Budget 13310350 EU Contribution 7318564 PROJECT DESCRIPTIONBACKGROUNDRiver floods are among the most damaging extreme climate events in Europe and very severe flood events are increasing in frequency in the EU. In this context the Mediterranean region is one of the most affected areas in Spain. A relevant role is played by the river Ebro specifically the middle course with frequent episodes of flooding causing damage to agriculture and livestock infrastructure as well as to the 62 towns in the surrounding area.OBJECTIVESThe main objective of the LIFE EBRO RESILIENCE P1 project is to modify the middle course of the Ebro River in Spain to make it more resilient to floods. The project team will do this through the implementation of two interventions demonstration and pilot-scale.The project will contribute to the implementation of EU policy related to climate change adaptation particularly the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change COM202182 final and water management including the EU Floods Directive 200760EC. By protecting riparian habitats and their associated species it also contributes to the objectives of the EU Habitats Directive.RESULTSExpected results Improvement to the middle course of the Ebro River with reduced risk of flooding and other effects of climate change A 40 improvement in economic benefit in relation to flood risk mitigation estimated Improvements in 60 of the territory 800 ha affected by floods for a return period of 10 years with an estimated reduction in costs of 50 derived from these events and Optimisation of riverbank protection 23 removing 1 800 m of levees dykes and setting back 4 000 m levees. Improvements of the ecological status of the river Ebro Increase in riparian habitats by 15 especially those favourable for the 3 protected species of the territory. For this 60 ha of recovered river land space will be incorporated 20 ha of river forests and 2 ha of alien species will be eliminated Reconnection of 2 meanders and creation of 2 high-water channels and Reclamation of 1 km of a branch of the river Ebro and its reconnection with the active channel.