Guadalhorce

Spain

Transferring circular and nature-based practices to combat drought, soil degradation and water stress in a semi-arid Mediterranean rural corridor in Málaga.

About Guadalhorce

RN2 is a Mediterranean rural area located in the region of Málaga, with a population of around 25,920 and low density. It faces high temperatures, drought, degradation of soils and water stress, making climate adaptation a priority for the Guadalhorce green corridor.

Climate Context

Key Challenges

High Temperatures

Extreme heat events are intensifying, threatening agriculture, local ecosystems and community wellbeing.

Drought

Prolonged dry periods reduce water availability and significantly affect agricultural productivity in the region.

Soil Degradation

Erosion and desertification are undermining the productive capacity of agricultural and natural land.

Water Stress

Scarce water resources are under growing pressure from climate variability, demand and land use changes.

REAPPLICATION FOCUS

Circular & Nature-Based Practices

RN2 will explore how to transfer nature-based and circular practices from RH2 and RH4, such as soil regeneration techniques, water management approaches and community engagement processes aligned with the Resilience Assessment Framework.

Soil regeneration: Applying composting and regenerative land use techniques from RH2 to combat desertification and restore soil health.
Water management: Transferring water conservation and retention NbS from Hub experience to the semi-arid Mediterranean context.
Community engagement: Adapting co-design and participatory processes developed at RH2 and RH4 to local governance structures.
RAF alignment: Structuring resilience planning in line with the NURISH Resilience Assessment Framework for coherent outcomes.