Segovia has joined the trend of cities that want to be greener, healthier and prepared for the futureThe “Spaces of Opportunity: Biodiversity Aqueducts” project is the municipality's commitment to renaturalizing streets, squares, and degraded areas, connecting small green spaces to form a genuine urban ecological network. It's not just about planting trees; it's about integrating biodiversity into the daily life of the city, improving climate comfort and the quality of life for those who live and walk through its neighborhoods.
In this context, The initiative is part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan (PRTR) It is funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU through the Biodiversity Foundation. Thanks to these funds, Segovia is promoting an urban model that is more resilient to climate change, more people-friendly, and more respectful of its historical and natural heritage. This is achieved through a combination of specific technical actions across the territory and a strong commitment to citizen participation, environmental education, and shared governance.
What are “spaces of opportunity” and “biodiversity aqueducts”?
The concept of “spaces of opportunity” originates from the technical work of the Parks and Gardens area. From the Segovia City Council. It refers to those corners, paved plazas, unused plots of land, rows of trees, roadside verges, or underutilized spaces that, with good planning, can be transformed into new natural enclaves integrated into the urban fabric. These are places that until now have gone unnoticed, but which have enormous potential to add greenery to the city.
The idea of “Biodiversity Aqueducts” functions as both a metaphor and an urban strategyJust as the historic aqueduct of Segovia brought water to the city, these new aqueducts connect green spaces, parks, renaturalized plazas, and peri-urban areas, creating a continuous network of habitats for flora and fauna. The goal is for these structures not to function as isolated "green islands," but as ecological corridors that allow the movement of species, improve climate comfort, and offer spaces for rest and gathering for the public.
One of the key aspects of the project is the restoration of degraded areas and the recovery of linear routes.such as valleys, road verges, or road axes with environmental potential. By renaturalizing them and making them more permeable, water infiltration is promoted, the urban heat island effect is reduced, and it contributes to reducing episodes of pollution in riversand a coherent green structure is created that runs through different neighborhoods, especially Nueva Segovia and La Albuera.
This network of “biodiversity aqueducts” It pursues not only environmental benefits, but also cultural, social, and health benefits.Shaded areas with native vegetation, soft soil, and wildlife refuges create more pleasant places to stroll, chat, or simply pause. At the same time, they enhance the landscape and reinforce the city's identity, which increasingly blends historical heritage and nature.
The project also incorporates a long-term vision for the cityThe spaces being transformed today are conceived as pieces of a larger puzzle, within a comprehensive urban biodiversity strategy. Thus, specific interventions gradually accumulate to create a more sustainable urban model, aligned with national and international sustainable development agendas.
A project integrated into the Recovery Plan and the European strategy
“Spaces of Opportunity: Biodiversity Aqueducts” is part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience PlanThe Biodiversity Foundation is the major state instrument linked to the European NextGenerationEU funds. Through the Biodiversity Foundation, the European Union promotes projects that renaturalize cities, improve their resilience to climate change, and foster nature-based solutions.
Within this call for proposals, The Segovia project has been proposed as a beneficiary of aid of 3.800.000 eurosThis grant covers approximately 95% of the total cost excluding VAT, enabling a comprehensive package of actions across the territory and several cross-cutting initiatives. The total budget amounts to €4.000.000 (€4.733.472,42 including VAT), which gives an idea of the plan's scale.
The initiative It is fully aligned with the protection of biodiversity, one of the major objectives set by the European Union.It contributes directly to climate change mitigation and adaptation, the expansion of green infrastructure, and the improvement of citizen well-being. Furthermore, it aligns with the Spanish Urban Agenda, the 2030 Agenda, and various international frameworks that promote more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient cities.
From a technical and administrative point of view, The project is being processed as a service contractThe associated CPV codes include technical planning (71356400), architectural, engineering, and planning services (71240000), project development, design, and budgeting (71242000), environmental engineering consultancy (71313000), and health and safety services (71317200). This reflects the interdisciplinary complexity of an initiative that combines urban planning, ecology, engineering, landscape, health, and community engagement.
The bidding process has been conducted through a open procedure and ordinary processingThe project, to be carried out in Segovia, Spain, falls under the specific contracting system listed as "not applicable," as it is part of the grants managed by the Biodiversity Foundation. At the time the administrative data was described, the file status was already marked as "closed," indicating that the selection phase for the winning company or team had been completed.
Objectives: urban biodiversity, climate and quality of life
The core of the project is to improve biodiversity and green spaces in SegoviaUnderstanding nature not as mere decoration, but as essential infrastructure for addressing climate change and protecting human health. This involves restoring permeable soils, introducing vegetation adapted to the local climate, supporting native fauna, and creating cooler, more pleasant microclimates.
One of the biggest challenges is transforming hard squares, heavily paved streets, or rigid spaces into more vibrant and resilient placesTo achieve this, solutions are combined such as the planting of shade trees, the creation of flowerbeds and garden areas, the introduction of permeable paving and the installation of furniture elements that invite people to stay: benches, seating areas, play areas integrated into the greenery, etc.
The project also focuses on the so-called Climate shelters, small urban oases that stay cooler in summerThese are spaces with natural shade, vegetation, water features or fountains, and materials that absorb less heat than asphalt. In a context of increasingly frequent heat waves, these shelters become essential to reduce heat stress and especially protect the elderly, children, and vulnerable groups.
Along with the environmental and comfort benefits, The interventions aim to strengthen community life and the emotional connection with the environmentWhen a plaza ceases to be a hard, unfinished space and is transformed into an urban garden, the perception of safety improves, social use increases, and community life is fostered. Furthermore, the presence of nature nearby is linked to better mental health, less stress, and greater satisfaction with the neighborhood.
Finally, the project integrates a A very clear heritage vision: any action must respect the historical and cultural value of SegoviaThe renaturalization is designed taking into account the presence of elements such as the aqueduct, the wall or the old town, avoiding negative impacts and, on the contrary, enhancing the joint reading of cultural and natural heritage.
Scope of action: neighborhoods, squares and peri-urban spaces
The project is not limited to the historic center, but extends through various neighborhoods and peri-urban areas.Most of the actions on the territory are concentrated in Nueva Segovia, La Albuera, the Tejadilla valley and several strategic urban corridors such as the Vicente Aleixandre and Gerardo Diego avenues.
In Intensive action will be taken in four squares in Nueva Segovia.Bécquer, Tirso de Molina, Fernando de Rojas, and Calderón de la Barca. These are typically hard spaces, with a lot of paving and little shade, which will be transformed into renaturalized plazas with more vegetation, permeable surfaces, and comfortable seating areas. More than half of the project's overall budget, some €2.200.000, is allocated to this renaturalization.
En In Albuera, the focus is on improving tree pits and micro green spacesThis involves working in small areas of soil around trees, medians, flowerbeds, and other elements that, when well-designed, can function as mini-gardens of biodiversity. This includes soil improvement, the selection of appropriate species, and the creation of small refuges for urban wildlife, among other aspects.
Beyond the consolidated urban center, The project looks towards key peri-urban spaces, such as the headwaters of the Tejadilla valley or the areas located between the cemetery and the Camino de la Presa. In these places, ecological restoration, the creation of biodiversity zones, and improvements to public use are combined, always with a focus on habitat conservation and ecological connectivity.
This entire set of territorial interventions is complemented by three major cross-cutting actions: governance, communication and monitoringThe idea is for citizens to become familiar with the project, participate in the most relevant decisions, and for a continuous evaluation system to be created to verify whether the objectives of biodiversity, climate comfort, and urban quality are being achieved.
The 9 main actions on the territory
The project design is based on nine major lines of physical intervention in the cityEach with its own objectives and characteristics, but all fitting within the overall strategy of “biodiversity aqueducts”. These actions are as follows:
1. Renaturalization of four squares in Nueva SegoviaThe squares of Bécquer, Tirso de Molina, Fernando de Rojas, and Calderón de la Barca will be transformed through increased vegetation, permeable paving, shaded areas, and seating spaces. The aim is to transform them from excessively hard, sun-exposed surfaces into genuine climate-resilient havens for the neighborhood.
2. Improvement of tree pits and micro green spaces in La AlbueraIn this neighborhood, the intervention will be more "surgical" but very effective: expansion and naturalization of tree pits, introduction of plant species that promote biodiversity, improvement of soils and design of small green patches connected to each other, which add up as part of the urban ecological network.
3. Natural recovery of the headwaters of the Tejadilla valleyThis project focuses on restoring degraded areas, reforesting areas with native vegetation, and improving the overall ecological condition of the valley. It also includes the installation of a natural viewpoint that will serve as a bird observatory and landscape interpretation center.
4. Creation of “Biodiversity Gardens” in the Tejadilla ValleyBeyond ecological restoration, specific spaces will be created to promote biodiversity and, potentially, community engagement. These gardens are envisioned as learning and outreach centers, where native plants, pollinator habitats, and sustainable land management practices can be showcased.
5. Environmental restoration of open spaces for public use on Vicente Aleixandre AvenueThe aim here is to utilize open areas and interstitial spaces to introduce vegetation, improve ecological continuity, and create areas for people to linger. The intention is for this urban axis to gain environmental quality and be better integrated into the city's network of green spaces.
6. Creation of a new biodiversity zone on Gerardo Diego AvenueThis project involves creating a dedicated space where vegetation and wildlife play a central role. Through plantings, landscaping, water features, and wildlife refuges, a high-value ecological area will be created, serving as a landmark within the urban fabric.
7. Development of a biodiversity area between the cemetery and the Dam RoadIn this area, work will focus on connecting peri-urban areas, restoring habitats, improving trails, and creating optimal conditions for native species. The aim is to seamlessly integrate the urban and natural environments through a well-structured corridor.
8. Removal of invasive species in the old town of SegoviaAn essential part of the project is the control and removal of invasive flora, with special attention to the tree of heaven (Ailanthus ailanthus), which is proliferating in areas such as the vicinity of the city walls. This species exerts strong competition with nearby trees and disrupts urban ecosystems, making its management a priority.
9. Installation of nest boxes and measures to promote the nesting of native speciesNest boxes for birds and shelters for bats will be placed in different urban and peri-urban areas, seeking to improve the breeding conditions of these species and reinforce their populations in the municipality.
Budget, financing and resource allocation
The total budget for the project amounts to 4.000.000 euroswhich amounts to €4.733.472,42 including VAT. Of this amount, the aid granted or proposed through the European NextGenerationEU funds, managed by the Biodiversity Foundation, is €3.800.000, which represents approximately 95% of the cost excluding taxes.
Economic distribution highlights that More than half of the resources are concentrated on the renaturalization of the four squares of Nueva Segoviawith an approximate investment of 2.200.000 euros. This is due to the scale of the work required to completely transform these spaces: dismantling of pavements, redesign of the topography, new plantings, sustainable drainage systems, street furniture and, possibly, work on service networks.
Another notable item is the 350.000 euros allocated to the natural recovery of the Tejadilla valleyThis amount will allow for ecological restoration work in the most deteriorated areas, reforestation projects with native species, and the installation of a natural viewpoint that will serve as a bird observatory, also generating a valuable educational and tourist resource.
Also acquiring special economic importance is the Elimination of invasive species in the historic center of Segoviawith an estimated budget of 280.000 euros. The project requires specialized diagnostic work, felling or removal of invasive specimens, management of plant debris and, in many cases, replanting with suitable species that guarantee the stability of nearby slopes or walls.
The remainder of the budget is divided among the interventions in La Albuera, the Vicente Aleixandre and Gerardo Diego avenues, the peri-urban spaces and the transversal actionsThese latter tasks include coordination, communication, participation programs, environmental education campaigns, and biodiversity inventories and monitoring, which are fundamental to ensuring that investments translate into tangible and measurable results.
Birds, bats and urban biodiversity in Segovia
One of the most interesting aspects of the project is the specific attention given to birds and bats.Birds are two key faunal groups in urban ecology. Besides their intrinsic value, birds act as excellent indicators of the city's environmental health, and many contribute to the biological control of insects or the dispersal of seeds.
In Segovia At least 108 bird species with potential distribution have been identified in the city and its surrounding municipal peri-urban area. This figure comes from a preliminary study conducted for the grant application, which must be reviewed and supplemented with fieldwork. It is very likely that the actual diversity will exceed the number initially cited once more detailed observation and monitoring data are available.
Within this set, There is a group of species with a more delicate conservation statusThese species are listed as “vulnerable” or “endangered.” They include the swift, the barn swallow, the lark, the lesser kestrel, the common kestrel, the European turtle dove, and the crag martin. Many of these species have been affected by habitat loss, intensive urbanization, or the disappearance of suitable nesting areas.
They also highlight birds of prey and other species associated with peri-urban areassuch as the hen harrier (Circus cyaneus), Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus), and red kite (Milvus milvus). These birds need open spaces, agricultural mosaics, and well-preserved transition zones, so actions in the Tejadilla valley and peri-urban corridors play a key role in their conservation.
To support this wildlife, the project includes the installation of nest boxes for birds and shelters for bats in different urban and peri-urban areasThese infrastructures will be accompanied by inventories and population monitoring programs, so that their effectiveness can be evaluated and the measures adjusted according to the results obtained.
The actions on biodiversity will also include outreach campaigns and environmental educationThe goal is for citizens to learn about the species that live in their surroundings, to respect them, and to become involved in their conservation. Citizen science programs, birdwatching tours, school workshops, and open talks can all be part of this initiative, strengthening the connection between people and urban nature.
Citizen participation, governance and project monitoring
The project is not conceived as a plan "from above" that is detached from the population.but rather as a transformation that requires the involvement of residents, associations, and local stakeholders. Therefore, governance actions have been planned to facilitate coordination between administrations, social entities, technical teams, and interested citizens.
The project website presents itself as a channel to inform, gather input and provide accessible tracking of the different phasesFrom this space, it is possible to explain what will be done in each area, in what timeframes and with what objectives, resolving common doubts and generating greater social acceptance of the works and changes they entail.
In parallel, Communication and environmental education campaigns are essential to changing the way people view the city.It's not just about reporting that more trees are being planted, but about explaining why some species are chosen and not others, why invasive specimens like the tree of heaven are removed, or why some spaces are left with a more "naturalized" and less ornamental appearance than traditional gardens.
The monitoring component relies on biodiversity inventories and environmental monitoring systemsMeasuring the evolution of bird species, the presence of pollinators, soil quality, and temperatures at different points in the city will allow us to assess the real impact of interventions and readjust the measures if necessary.
As a result, “Spaces of Opportunity: Biodiversity Aqueducts” becomes more than just a collection of worksIt is a shared urban transformation process, where technical knowledge is combined with the everyday experience of those who live in the city day by day.
Segovia's commitment to connecting small green spaces, restoring degraded areas, and nurturing urban biodiversity This places it on the path of cities that understand nature as an ally in the fight against climate change, not as a dispensable luxury. With strong European funding, concrete actions in neighborhoods like Nueva Segovia and La Albuera, the restoration of the Tejadilla Valley, and special attention to birds and other wildlife, the project envisions a cooler, more livable, and socially cohesive city, where plazas, avenues, and peri-urban spaces connect like veritable lifelines.
