European delegations visit Bermeo to learn about Tonpoi recovery project

Around one hundred European technicians and politicians have visited Bermeo to closely observe the climate change adaptation work in the Tonpoi area.

Generic image of the restored green area in Tonpoi, Bermeo, showing the coastline and a pedestrian path.
IA

Generic image of the restored green area in Tonpoi, Bermeo, showing the coastline and a pedestrian path.

Around one hundred technicians and politicians from various European countries have arrived in Bermeo to learn about the Tonpoi area's recovery project, as part of conferences organized by the public society Ihobe.

The activity was part of conferences organized by the public society Ihobe, within the framework of the LIFE program and the Urban Klima 2050 initiative. The European representatives were welcomed by the Bermeo City Council, starting their tour in Tala before heading to Tonpoi. There, municipal delegates and technicians explained the details of the intervention carried out.
The transformation of Tonpoi has been developed within the LIFE Urban Klima 2050 project, as an example of good practices for climate change adaptation. Through this intervention, biodiversity has been strengthened, the coastline has been restored, and a resilient and accessible green space has been created for citizens.
Before the restoration work, the area was degraded, occupied by orchards, temporary constructions, and other irregular structures. Furthermore, there was invasive vegetation and uncontrolled waste. The geographical characteristics of the area, its proximity to the sea and steep slope, generated a high risk of landslides, especially due to heavy rains and violent waves.
Through the intervention, a 1.4-hectare green area has been created near the urban center. This space offers shaded areas and connects Aritzatxu beach with the urban center via a pedestrian path. To date, the project has involved an investment of almost 600,000 euros. For this, the Bermeo City Council has received a subsidy of 425,000 euros, with the support of the LIFE Urban Klima 2050 program, the Basque Government, and the Coastal Demarcation.

"Through this intervention, beyond environmental recovery, a pedestrian route has been created so that citizens can exercise in a natural environment, adapted to climate change and away from noise and pollution."

a municipal representative
Municipal representatives have expressed their pride in the work carried out and have highlighted that the project has improved the quality of life for residents and visitors. They have also indicated that the model developed in Bermeo is becoming a reference for other municipalities. However, they have clarified that the project is not yet finished, as the third phase is pending execution due to lack of funding.