The LIFE Ebro Resilience P1 Project has started a crucial phase in its intervention in the Osera de Ebro – Fuentes de Ebro (Zaragoza) section with the adaptation of the irrigation network in the farms destined to become the future Lateral Flow Buffer Zones (LFZ). This intervention, which seeks to reduce the effects of flooding in an intensive farming area, was selected by the European Union’s LIFE Program as a pilot proposal to serve as a reference for other Spanish and European basins with similar problems due to its innovative nature.
The works for the implementation of the Zones will be carried out by the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation (CHE) and in these first steps consist of the adaptation of the secondary irrigation network in the farms that will be transformed into ZAFL.
The Lateral Flow Buffer Zones (LFZ) are a succession of temporary flooding areas. During the Ebro River floods, the areas are pre-flooded in a controlled manner and create “water mattresses”. There, water passes over water and, as it does not impact on rigid elements and surfaces, damage and erosion are reduced.
How do you prevent damage to these flooded areas? When the river has a lot of water and needs more space, the AFZs allow the water to occupy lateral lands in an organized manner. The innovative idea is that these zones are prepared so that the overflowing water passes continuously over the pre-flooded areas, flowing parallel to the river and helping drainage after episodes.
- They allow a faster recovery after a flood.
- Lower costs by reducing damage to land and infrastructure during major flood events.
- Helps flood water drain away faster
In the Osera de Ebro – Fuentes de Ebro section, 350 hectares of land will be adapted to create 14 flood zones.
This intervention is the result of an intense process of social participation with the stakeholders of the section. Since 2021, several deliberative actions have been carried out, including the creation of co-creation with technicians and stakeholders, as well as field visits and information sessions. The consensus with the Town Councils of Fuentes de Ebro and Osera de Ebro and with the Irrigation Community has been crucial for the definition and implementation of this action.
But in this section, the LIFE Ebro Resilience P1 project includes other important works in which the CHE and the Government of Aragon are working. Coordination between administrations and public participation are essential for this project.
In addition to the EPZs, other actions are being carried out in this section:
- Space is recovered for the river by eliminating and moving defenses away from the riverbed in the mejana del Conde and the meander of Aguilar. Dikes are removed (1,020 and 2,035 meters) and others are built further away (998 and 1,598 meters), gaining 20 hectares for the river where environmental restoration and recovery of riparian forest will be carried out.
- The irrigation system of the Comunidad de Regantes de la Huerta del Ebro is adapted.
