During the second day of the NBS4MED study visit, project partners took part in a field visit along the Llobregat River with the support of staff from the AMB Green Infrastructure and Parks Departments. The visit offered first-hand insight into one of the most important ecological corridors in the Barcelona metropolitan area and its transformation through nature-based solutions.
The Llobregat River functions as a major green and blue infrastructure axis, connecting inland natural systems with the Mediterranean coast while crossing several municipalities. Once heavily impacted by industrial activity and infrastructure development, the river has for years been undergoing an extensive restoration process focused on improving its ecological, hydrological and social value.
Partners observed interventions including the renaturalisation of riverbanks, the restoration of riparian vegetation, the creation of wetlands and the reconnection of floodplains. These actions improve biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem functions and help reduce flood risks linked to extreme weather events.
The visit also highlighted the river’s important role in climate adaptation. Restored green spaces along the corridor contribute to cooling, water retention and the creation of accessible climate shelters that improve comfort in surrounding urban areas during periods of extreme heat.
Beyond its environmental role, the Llobregat River supports agriculture, sustainable mobility and recreational activities, demonstrating how nature-based solutions can combine ecological restoration with social and territorial benefits. The river today stands as a strong example of how metropolitan-scale planning can support resilience, biodiversity recovery and sustainable urban development.
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