Villarrubia de los Ojos: Riparian Restoration

About the project

Centered around the revitalisation of the Cigüela River in the municipality of Villarrubia de los Ojos, this project presents a transformative opportunity to improve the ecological health of a key water source feeding one of Europe’s most important wetlands, Las Tablas de Daimiel, thus contributing directly to the conservation of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It focuses on restoring underutilised land, once used for grazing and agriculture but largely abandoned in recent years, by transforming it into a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem.

The initiative will restore 30 hectares, improve soil health, boost biodiversity, regulate water flow, reduce erosion, and provide vital habitats for local wildlife.

Objective

Restore a degraded 30-hectare field into a mixed and biodiverse riparian forest, boosting key ecosystem services while creating a space for the promotion of environmental education.

Impact

This project will deliver meaningful ecological and social benefits by restoring degraded riparian habitats and transforming the area into a multifunctional green space that supports biodiversity, improves water quality, and offers accessible natural areas for local residents. By involving local schools in environmental education, it fosters a deep, early connection to ecological values among younger generations. The integration of reforestation, community participation, and recreational infrastructure creates a dynamic, people-centered approach to ecological recovery and sustainable land use.

How do we measure this impact?

  • Number of trees planted

  • Number of hectares restored

  • Tons of CO2 eq absorbed**

  • Community members involved

  • Students involved

Supporting this project means supporting the following Sustainable Development Goals:

  • good health
  • Quality education
  • clean water and sanitation
  • Sustainable cities and communities
  • responsible consumption and production
  • Climate Action
  • Life on land
  • Partnerships for the goals

Carbon Dioxide Offsetting Estimate

This 30-hectare project is estimated to absorb 100-150  tonCO2eq/hectare.

In total, an estimate of 3,000-4,500 tonCO2 equivalent will be absorbed in a 40-year period**

**Estimation under Life Terra’s, IFER and University of Barcelona's research - Palmero-Barrachina, J. et al. (2025). doi:10.3389/gc.2025.1586743

If you are interested in this project, reach out us here:

Villarrubia Riparian Restoration