Delta Life 12

Most cities would rather see the back of excess water from, for example, heavy rainfall or river flooding. Costa Rica is the exception. Here, they adapt the urban infrastructure to collect, retain and re-use water. The aim is to reduce flooding and improve water quality. Curridabat wants to be a Ciudad Dulce ('sweet city') with appealing rivers and a richer biodiversity. A city where not only people but also pollinators such as honey bees feel at home. The ultimate aim is a more natural, healthy and colourful urban environment. Deltares is helping Curridabat to develop a master plan for water management in the future. The focus of the plan is on strengthening natural resources and improving the quality of life for local people. That involves more than just Curridabat itself. The idea is for the plan to inspire neighbouring cities in the Rio Maria Aguilar basin, with a 'sweet river' as a result. Important guiding principles are: linking cities through the river, biodiversity, a sustainable water infrastructure and social cohesion. Researchers fromDeltares visited Curridabat and analysed, among other things, the water cycle, and the hydrological and topographical characteristics of the area. They entered these data in a hydrodynamic model that generated suggestions for improving water management and reducing flooding. In short, the first steps on the road to a sweet city that embraces water and biodiversity. For more information: hans.gehrels@deltares.nl CIUDAD DULCE