Segura River meanders in the section of Rincon de Beniscornia (Huerta de Murcia)

Abstract

García Cano, A. J. 2016. Segura River meanders in the section of Rincon de Beniscornia (Huerta de Murcia). Opportunities in the context of climate change. Ecosistemas 25(3):98-104. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.2016.25-3.11

In the stretch of the River Segura between the Contraparada Dam and the city of Murcia there is an area where fluvial dynamic created pronounced meanders and fertile river groves that have made the land suitable for irrigated agriculture. However, channeling works promoted by the Flood Control Plan in the Segura Basin (1987) generated more than four kilometres of removed meanders and increased lack of connection between groves and stream. This article aims to identify opportunities in this place that could be part of an effective strategy against the consequences of Climate Change in the Region of Murcia. Regarding methodology, basically it was done through literature review about fluvial history of the area, properties of traditional Mediterranean irrigation systems and the effects of climate change in the Region of Murcia. Likewise, a cartographic study covering the period 1809-2013 was made in order to understand the meandering river movement and the disturbances generated by human activity. Results show that the study area where traditional orchards, river and irrigation system are combined presents many opportunities like the opening of the former meanders to the current river to embrace possible floods or the potential ability to generate biodiversity. Results encourage to consider these combined landscapes as strategic locations to contribute to restoration projects and to mitigation and adaptation to Climate Change.