Transforming Public Space with Nature-Based Solutions: Lessons from Participatory Regeneration in Lorca, Spain

Dionysis Latinopoulos (), Sara Pelaez-Sanchez, Patricia Briega Martos, Enrique Berruezo and Pablo Outón
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Dionysis Latinopoulos: School of Spatial Planning and Development, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Sara Pelaez-Sanchez: Department of Nature-Based Solution, Ecosystem Restoration and Biodiversity NBSCLIMATE, Bajada al Molino 15, Bajo 2, 09400 Aranda de Duero, Spain
Patricia Briega Martos: Department of Architecture and Engineering, SingularGreen, Francisco Carratalá Cernuda. 34, 03010 Alicante, Spain
Enrique Berruezo: Department of Urban-Planning, Mobility and Accessibility of Lorca, 30800 Lorca City Council, Spain
Pablo Outón: INDRESMAT, Ctra. del Mig, 75, 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 10, 1-20

Abstract: Mediterranean cities are increasingly exposed to climate hazards, water scarcity, and social vulnerabilities, demanding integrative approaches for sustainable regeneration. This study examines how participatory governance and co-design processes can shape nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate resilience in Barrios Altos, a socially and environmentally fragile district of Lorca, Spain. Within the framework of the NATUR-W project, the interventions reimagine a degraded hillside and adjacent public spaces into a multifunctional urban forest, complemented by green retrofits of social housing and the adaptive reuse of a historic prison. Methods combined baseline community assessments, stakeholder mapping, co-design workshops, and the establishment of a multi-stakeholder governance board, ensuring inclusive participation from residents, civil society, and municipal authorities. Results demonstrate that the co-created design addressed key community priorities—such as shade provision, safe accessibility, cultural venues, and child-friendly spaces—while integrating sustainable water management systems for irrigation and stormwater control. The participatory process enhanced local ownership, balanced technical feasibility with community aspirations, and fostered governance structures that increase transparency and accountability. Overall, the study illustrates how NbS, when embedded in collaborative governance frameworks, can deliver climate, social, and cultural co-benefits while advancing resilient, inclusive, and human-scale urban environments.

Keywords: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS); participatory governance; co-design processes; urban regeneration; mediterranean cities; inclusive public spaces (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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