The Sustainability Master Plan focuses on environmental regeneration and sustainable mobility through the elimination of invasive species, reforestation with native flora, and the development of a cycle-pedestrian route.  

The initiative not only enhances biodiversity but also fosters social and economic revitalisation by connecting urban areas with natural landscapes. The plan includes public participation, with community input shaping the proposal, ensuring it meets local needs and preferences. Key features like the Blue Route aim to provide recreational opportunities while preserving cultural and natural heritage, promoting sustainable tourism and local development​. 

This practice, known locally as the Carraixet Ravine Master Plan, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing environmental quality and promoting sustainable mobility. The plan is strategically linked to the Carraixet's territorial framework, encompassing key municipal areas such as Gátova and Marines. It involves the removal of invasive species, reforestation with native plants, and the development of the Blue Route, a cycle-pedestrian pathway that connects urban and natural spaces. 

Key milestones include extensive public participation from August to December 2021, with community workshops and surveys shaping the preliminary plan. Primary activities involve environmental restoration, infrastructure improvement, and the creation of recreational and educational spaces. The plan is aligned with regional strategic documents and supported by various stakeholders, including local governments and environmental agencies​​. 

The results address critical needs such as biodiversity conservation, flood risk reduction, and the enhancement of public access to natural areas. The plan also aims to boost local tourism and economic activity by creating attractive and accessible natural spaces. Potential areas for improvement include the continuous engagement of local communities in the implementation phase and the integration of advanced monitoring systems to track environmental and social impacts. 

The Carraixet Ravine Master Plan employs an integrated approach to address urban challenges by simultaneously tackling environmental, economic and social dimensions. 

• Environmental dimension: The plan focuses on the restoration of the ravine's natural habitat by removing invasive species and reforesting with native plants. This improves biodiversity, reduces the risk of floods, and enhances the overall ecological health of the area. The creation of the Blue Route, a cycle-pedestrian pathway, promotes sustainable transportation and reduces the carbon footprint of local mobility. 

• Economic dimension: The plan fosters economic revitalisation by creating attractive natural spaces that boost local tourism and related economic activities. By connecting urban centres with natural landscapes, the plan encourages sustainable tourism and the development of local businesses such as hospitality and recreational services. This contributes to the economic development of the region, providing new employment opportunities and supporting local entrepreneurship. 

• Social dimension: The plan emphasises community involvement and public participation. Through workshops and surveys, residents have contributed to shaping the plan, ensuring it meets their needs and preferences. This inclusive approach strengthens community ties and fosters a sense of ownership among residents. 

The Carraixet Ravine Master Plan has demonstrated a strong participatory approach throughout its development and implementation, involving a wide range of stakeholders who collaborate closely to ensure the plan’s success. 

• Public participation: Between August and December 2021, the project engaged local communities through five workshops held in Gátova, Marines and Marines Vell. These workshops included participatory diagnosis sessions and feedback rounds on preliminary proposals. The process collected input from 59 survey respondents, capturing the perceptions and suggestions of residents regarding environmental and recreational improvements. 

• Stakeholder involvement: Key stakeholders involved in the project include residents, municipal governments of Gátova and Marines, environmental organisations, local businesses and regional planning authorities. 

• Collaborative efforts: Stakeholders worked together through structured participation processes. A series of workshops facilitated direct interaction between the project team and the community, allowing residents to voice their concerns and preferences. Preliminary plans were presented to the public to ensure that the plan incorporated community feedback. In addition, surveys gathered quantitative data on community needs, and collaborative mapping identified valuable environmental resources and areas requiring intervention.  

The Carraixet Ravine Master Plan has made significant impacts at local level, addressing various environmental, social and economic needs. The practice addressed critical issues such as environmental degradation, invasive species proliferation, and lack of sustainable mobility infrastructure. By focusing on reforestation with native species and creating the Blue Route cycle-pedestrian pathway, the plan has enhanced biodiversity and provided a sustainable transportation alternative, reducing the area's carbon footprint and promoting healthier lifestyles. 

Results have been achieved in a range of areas: 

• Environmental: Significant improvement in the ecological health of the ravine, with invasive species reduced and native flora reintroduced. This has led to increased biodiversity and a more resilient natural environment. 

• Social: Enhanced community engagement and social cohesion through participatory workshops and public involvement in decision-making processes. The creation of accessible green spaces has provided residents with more recreational opportunities. 

• Economic: Boosted local tourism and related economic activities by making the area more attractive to visitors. This has supported local businesses and created new job opportunities. 

Overall, post-implementation surveys and feedback indicate a marked improvement in the area's environmental quality and increased use of the new cycle-pedestrian pathways. 

This practice is highly relevant for other EU towns and cities, as it addresses common key urban and environmental challenges. It promotes sustainable land use, enhances urban biodiversity, and mitigates climate impacts through reforestation and green infrastructure. 

The model’s core elements – environmental restoration, sustainable mobility and community engagement – are universally applicable. Towns and cities can tailor the specific actions, such as type of native plants for reforestation or design of cycle-pedestrian routes, to fit their unique environmental conditions and urban layouts. 

Aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals, including 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land), the plan also contributes to the Urban Agenda for the EU by enhancing urban mobility and reducing environmental degradation.  

It supports the EU Territorial Agenda's goals by fostering balanced and sustainable development across regions, promoting territorial cohesion, and enhancing the quality of life in rural areas. By integrating public participation and local knowledge, the plan ensures that development is inclusive and reflects community needs. 

The plan aligns with Spanish national governance and legislative frameworks, including: Compliance with laws on biodiversity conservation, invasive species control, and sustainable land use; Integration with regional and national urban development plans that emphasise sustainable mobility and green infrastructures; and Public participation policies. 

So far this practice has been shared in various urban planning forums and environmental conferences, sparking interest from municipalities looking to adopt similar sustainable urban development strategies. Stakeholder engagement, customised planning, funding and resources, policy support, and monitoring and evaluation, are all vital for a successful transfer. The project team is open to collaborations and guiding interested town and cities.