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The pioneering park in Spain that shows how to avoid flooding during torrential rains
A natural sponge and public space, Alicante’s Marjal wetland is transforming the city’s flood prevention and green spaces
Alicante’s Marjal wetland has become a pioneering example of flood prevention, combining environmental sustainability with urban development. The ambitious project to reconstruct the wetland aims not only to combat flooding but also to create a public recreational area, providing a space for both residents and wildlife.This park is the first of its kind in Spain, designed to store up to 45,000 cubic metres of rainwater – equivalent to 18 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Acting as a natural buffer, it effectively reduces flooding risks in areas such as Hoyo 1 and the surrounding Playa de San Juan. The park collects excess water during heavy rainfall, preventing damage to nearby homes and infrastructure. Its effectiveness was clearly demonstrated during the rainstorms of 2017 and 2019, where, despite rainfall of up to 130 litres per square metre in just 24 hours, the park only reached half of its storage capacity.
Beyond its flood prevention capabilities, the park is also fostering biodiversity. Its ponds and green areas have become a sanctuary for flora and fauna, particularly birds, turning the space into a vibrant ecosystem. This transformation has helped create a green lung for the city, offering a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike.
The Marjal flood park was inaugurated in March 2015, as a collaboration between the Alicante City Council and Aguas de Alicante. Since then, it has successfully served dual purposes, preventing floods and providing a public space for leisure. Mayor Luis Barcala congratulated the municipal technicians and Aguas de Alicante for their excellent work in executing and maintaining the park. He described it as a model of public-private collaboration, adding that “La Marjal is an example of the success of public-private collaboration and how we want to continue transforming the city.”
In addition to its flood prevention and environmental benefits, the park also supports sustainable water management. New collectors and intakes, with diameters of up to two metres, ensure that when intense rainfall overwhelms the drainage system, the park acts as a retention tank, avoiding flooding. This excess water is then pumped to the treatment plant and reused for irrigation purposes, making the park an integral part of the city’s green infrastructure.
Alicante’s Marjal is not only a prime example of how nature can address urban challenges but also a key step toward creating a more resilient and sustainable city. The park continues to provide solutions for the growing problem of extreme rainfall while benefiting both the environment and the local community.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante
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