The Monnegre River green corridor, promoted by the Generalitat Valenciana, will incorporate walking trails and a cycle path along the river course. A key innovation will be the inclusion of flood retention areas, designed to temporarily hold water during heavy rainfall events. According to Generalitat sources, this initiative will be the first corridor in the province of Alicante to feature such spaces.
The total investment of 15,021,816 euros will be dedicated to the comprehensive restoration of the riverbed. The first phase will focus on removing invasive vegetation, such as Arundo donax, which currently occupies about 60% of the Monnegre. 2.8 million euros will be allocated to clearing and shredding intrusive species, and another 2.6 million to techniques like opaque covering to weaken and eliminate them by blocking light.
The work also includes rhizome extraction, selective clearing, and pruning to restore the river's hydraulic capacity and facilitate water flow. Removing the invasive cane will free up space for native vegetation, which will be restored in a second phase with an investment of 3.1 million euros. Species adapted to the terrain will be planted to promote water infiltration and reduce flood effects, thereby improving natural habitats.
Additionally, 1.1 million euros will be invested to re-profile embankments, stabilize slopes, and distribute shredded plant debris, aiming to level uneven surfaces and reduce erosion. The budget also includes funds for health and safety (564,000 euros), forest fire prevention (501,000 euros), and waste management (392,000 euros).
A significant portion of the project, two million euros, will fund the construction of a pedestrian footbridge over the mouth of the Monnegre River. This infrastructure will connect the promenade of El Campello with that of Muchavista, extending the Alicante coast's Vía Litoral and fulfilling a long-standing regional demand. The footbridge will also link to the cycle path and greenway along the river course to Tibi, creating a cycling network of over 40 kilometers.
The project combines environmental restoration with preventive measures against floods. The flood retention areas and riverbed improvements will help mitigate damage from intense rainfall. The initiative, supported by the Provincial Council of Alicante and the University of Alicante, is part of the Plan Endavant aimed at economic and social recovery following the DANA storm.
