A community reaction to the river cleanup
A group of citizens from La Seu d’Urgell, together with educators and environmental advocates, have started an initiative on Change.org to collect signatures against the cleaning of the Segre riverbed. This action, promoted by the City Council, seeks to clean a four-kilometer stretch to prevent damage in the event of floods, but has generated a reaction of rejection from those who consider that its execution has been excessive.
Disagreements over justification for cleaning
The residents who have promoted the petition express their frustration with the terms used by the City Council, such as ‘selective logging’ and ‘environmental sustainability’. They argue that, in reality, these tasks have caused significant destruction of the riverside forest ecosystem, contravening the environmental protection criteria that had previously been established.
The role of riparian vegetation
Opponents of the cleanup argue that riparian vegetation not only acts as a barrier, but is essential for hydrological regulation. They argue that its removal could increase the risk of flooding, rather than reduce it, and they claim that these spaces are inhabited by a great diversity of animal and plant species.
Environmental education and awareness raising
The group that presented the ‘River Manifesto’ highlights the importance of this space not only for biodiversity, but also as a learning environment for students. They propose environmental education activities and awareness-raising about climate change, demanding management that integrates the community in the preservation of the river.
The City Council’s position
The mayor of La Seu d’Urgell, Joan Barrera, defended the City Council’s actions, arguing that cleaning the riverbed was a responsibility that, in theory, corresponded to the Ebro Hydrographic Confederation. He regretted that, given the lack of action by this institution, the City Council was forced to intervene to guarantee the safety of residents.
A slow bureaucratic process
Barrera explained that planning for this project began years ago, but bureaucracy has delayed approval, which has complicated the current situation. As a result, the City Council has had to take urgent measures to prevent possible flooding, recalling that the city had suffered serious damage in the past.
Looking to the future
With the clean-up actions underway, the mayor has expressed his intention to maintain regular monitoring of the riverside ecosystem, with the aim of preventing such drastic actions in the future. Barrera has assured that, once the situation has stabilized, a more sustainable maintenance of the river’s vegetation will be prioritized.