The Orihuela City Council has launched an online public consultation asking residents how they feel about the Segura River and the risk of flooding. The initiative forms part of “My River Flows Back”, a €3.6-million project aimed at restoring the natural environment along the river as it passes through the municipality.
The survey seeks to understand how Orihuela’s citizens relate to the river, their perception of flood risk, and their awareness of the ongoing renaturalisation efforts. Divided into three sections, it explores residents’ habits near the river, perceived problems, and emotional responses to past floods, while also gauging knowledge of the environmental project.
Participants are asked about their neighbourhood, age, and length of residence in Orihuela to help build a comprehensive social picture.
Councillor for the Environment Noelia Grao explained that the consultation is part of a wider public engagement plan that also includes workshops, interviews, and coordination meetings between municipal departments. “We all need to understand the importance of our river as a source of biodiversity and environmental wealth,” she said. “Citizens must value it — and to do that, we first need to understand what makes it so important and how to protect it.”
To boost participation, the City Council has created dedicated social media channels on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, where residents can find information about the Segura River’s history, ecology, flood risks, and tips for its preservation.
Restoring the Segura River
“My River Flows Back” focuses on rehabilitating several stretches of the Segura River, eliminating invasive species such as the common reed (Arundo donax), and replanting native vegetation. Work will take place in areas including Las Norias, Molino de la Ciudad, La Campaneta, and Molins, with the goal of restoring the river’s landscape and creating improved recreational spaces.
The project was awarded in July to a joint venture between Natura Constructiva and José Savall Ronda. Funded 95% by Spain’s Biodiversity Foundation through EU NextGeneration funds, it is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan under the Ministry for Ecological Transition (MITECO).
This survey is now available on the municipal website www.orihuela.es or at www.orihuelarefluyemirio.es
