The two interpretative descents organized by the LIFE Ebro Resilience P1 Project in April, in the Osera de Ebro-Fuentes de Ebro (Zaragoza) and Sotos de Alfaro (La Rioja) sections, have concluded with a total participation of 80 people, filling all the available places and consolidating as one of the most valued activities by the riverside population.
The conference offered participants a direct and safe experience to get to know the Ebro from the inside, understand its river dynamics and reflect on the phenomenon of flooding and adaptation actions that are developed in these sections of the river. The atmosphere was one of learning, enjoyment and discovery, accompanied by optimal conditions and high quality photographic material.
Diversity of audiences
One of the keys to these descents is their diverse nature. Unlike other activities of the project, these proposals to all citizens bring together very different audiences: families, local people, technical profiles, young people, seniors and visitors who are approaching the Ebro for the first time.
This mix of ages, interests and experiences generates complementary views and shared learning that enriches the activity. Each person brings their relationship with the river, their memory, their doubts and their way of understanding the territory, making the descent a plural and very participatory space.
Beyond the tour, the boat becomes an authentic space for dialogue. A place where acquaintances and strangers share conversation, questions and reflections while moving through a beautiful natural environment and with a perspective of the river that can only be obtained from the water.
This relaxed and close atmosphere is a plus:
- the exchange of experiences,
- collective understanding of fluvial processes,
- and the construction of shared knowledge on the Ebro and floods.
Evaluation
As in every activity of the project, an ex-post evaluation was carried out showing:
- An improvement in the perception of the natural environment of the Ebro in almost 100% of the participants.
- Widespread learning about the causes of flooding and possible strategies to reduce flood risk.
- A high degree of satisfaction with the activity.
These data confirm the value of the descents as a tool for social capacity building, one of the axes of the LIFE Ebro Resilience P1 project.
An activity that adds up to
Together with these popular descents with all kinds of public, since 2023 other sectorial descents have been held, bringing together hundreds of people -technical groups, educators and secondary and high school students- who approach the Ebro in a direct, experiential and educational way.
These activities contribute to:
- Increase knowledge about flooding.
- Encourage participation in adaptation processes.
- Strengthen local action and self-protection networks.
A project to better coexist with the river
The LIFE Ebro Resilience P1 Project (LIFE20 ENV/ES/00327), 55% co-financed by the European Union through its LIFE Program, works in La Rioja, Navarra and Aragón to promote actions for adaptation, recovery of river space and improvement of resilience to floods.