Experts and investigators from various organisations linked to the European initiative Natalie have examined the expenses and advantages associated with the revitalisation of the urban wetland of La Laguna. The mayor, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, stated that this effort “will significantly aid in diminishing the likelihood of flooding in the city centre.”
The gathering occurred this Monday at the historic Convent of Santo Domingo to review the ecosystem services along with the costs and benefits tied to the restoration of a portion of the lagoon that once characterised the city’s landscape. The project is rapidly advancing in the Tenerife municipality, aiming to implement innovative and transformative solutions derived from nature to enhance resilience against climate change.
The mayor emphasises that “we are witnessing increasingly frequent incidents with dire outcomes in various regions of the country, and the Canary Islands, given their geographical position, are also at risk of experiencing these issues at some point.”
Meanwhile, the Works Councillor, Ángel Chinea, remarks that “once this project is operational, it will not only mitigate the risk of flooding by managing the small streams in this area to control their levels across the rest of the city, but it will also help reduce expenses if such floods occur, necessitating fewer resources for the restoration or rehabilitation of the affected areas.”
Among the key conclusions and analyses presented during the meeting is the observation that the construction costs for this infrastructure will be minimal when considering the social, cultural, ecosystemic, and educational benefits, alongside the risk reduction for present and future generations. This construction could serve as a reference and research hub, transferable and applicable as a model for other cities and urban locales. Moreover, La Laguna benefits from the fact that this wetland already existed, making its recovery a significant element in terms of historical and cultural value for the municipality.
This construction may establish a model and research centre that can be replicated in other urban settings. Additionally, the council points out that La Laguna’s historical wetland offers considerable advantages, reinforcing its significance for the municipality’s heritage.
Beyond creating a space for public enjoyment, it will assist in decreasing water accumulation in high-risk areas of the city, as concluded by the City Council.
