In the Júcar River Basin, local authorities are building resilient landscapes through local collaborations and climate action by promoting of Nature-based Solutions.
We spoke to Emilio Real, focal point of the Júcar River Basin Authority, to find out why the team joined SpongeWorks and what they expect to achieve.
What sparked Júcar River Basin’s Authority interest in Nature-based Solutions?
The growing impacts of intensive land use are becoming increasingly evident across the region, contributing to soil erosion, increased runoff, and sediment build-up in water bodies. This cycle threatens both environmental health and water infrastructure.
Meanwhile, farmers are grappling with seasonal water scarcity and a decline in soil water retention capacity, which together are reducing the resilience of cultivated land to extreme weather events like droughts and floods.
These challenges were brought into sharp focus by the devastating disasters of October 2024, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable land and water management practices.
Efforts are now underway to prevent similar catastrophes in the future, through a combination of nature-based solutions, improved land use practices, and community-based disaster risk reduction strategies. By addressing the root causes of degradation and water stress, these initiatives aim to build long-term resilience for both people and ecosystems.
Why did you want to join SpongeWorks?
A: The Júcar River Basin aspires to step into a leadership role in the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Spain, setting a powerful example for sustainable water and land management in the country and beyond.
Our work showcases effective, scalable solutions that boost soil and water retention, improve ecosystem resilience, and mitigate the impacts of climate change, especially against extreme flood events. A dedicated monitoring system allows us to track progress, adapt strategies, and ensure measurable outcomes over time.
Through detailed documentation of best practices, stakeholder engagement methods, and results, we are laying the groundwork to enhance replicability and inspire action in other vulnerable areas.
Soil erosion, increased runoff, sediment built-up in water bodies, seasonal water scarcity and a decline in soil water retention capacity are some of the challenges faced by the region.
What is your experience with sponge measures so far?
We have been working with Nature-based Solutions (NbS) but want to go further. By generating effective sediment buffers and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, we protect water systems while supporting productive. In previous years, we have successfully implemented Nature-based Solutions (NbS) focused on riparian vegetation restoration within the Hydraulic Public Domain — helping restore river ecosystems and reduce flood risks.
With this new project, we’re taking the next step: bringing NbS to agricultural areas. By integrating natural processes into farming landscapes, we aim to enhance water retention, soil health, and climate resilience, creating benefits for both people and nature.
We aim to develop effective, but also scalable and replicable solutions—offering real impact for water basins across Europe. We spotlight flood risks and champion NbSs as a smart, sustainable response—empowering communities and stakeholders to take informed action.
Through inclusive partnerships, we build bridges across sectors and regions to co-create solutions that work on the ground. We aim to integrate these nature-based approaches into regional policies and water management strategies—ensuring long-term adoption and impact.
Who is behind the project?
The Júcar River Basin, a central government entity, will lead the team having a wide experience in managing water related projects that involve diverse stakeholders.
On one hand, the subcontracted private company AgriSat will provide solid expertise and innovative solutions in agricultural engineering, as well as, monitoring and analyzing data through their agricultural software and soil moisture sensors. We believe their assessment will be of great value during the whole process.
On the other hand, MENBO, a non-profit organization whose members are Mediterranean Basin Organizations, will provide technical assistance in both, organizational and administrative tasks.
Through SpongeWorks, the team aims to integrate nature-based approaches into regional policies and water management strategies—ensuring long-term adoption and impact.
Why is this project important beyond the Júcar River Basin?
A: At the Júcar River Basin Authority (JRBA), we are committed to becoming a front-runner in the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS)—not only for our region but as a model for others to follow.
By leading with innovation and practice, our goal is to set a new paradigm for the eastern regions of Spain, where water scarcity, land degradation, and climate risks are intensifying. Through our efforts, we aim to demonstrate how nature-based strategies can deliver measurable environmental, economic, and social benefits.
But our ambition goes further.
We strive to be recognized as a trusted, forward-thinking partner across Spain and Europe—contributing knowledge, tools, and successful models that others can adopt. Whether it’s through collaboration, policy influence, or shared learning, JRBA seeks to shape the future of sustainable water and land management at both national and international levels.
By turning challenges into opportunities, we are not just managing resources—we are reshaping the way they are valued, protected, and restored.