Spanish municipalism unites to protect its urban environments from environmental challenges. The Spanish Network of Cities for Climate of the FEMP celebrated the "20 Years of Local Climate Action" conference in Castelldefels to mark its twentieth anniversary. The event brought together leading municipal leaders from across the country who are driving active policies to mitigate the effects of global warming. At this national forum, the mayor of Benicassim, Susana Marqués, played a prominent role, emphasizing the urgent need to reconfigure water management in coastal municipalities.
The mayor of Benicassim actively participated in the round table "City Adaptation to Climate Change" alongside the mayors of Rota, José Javier Ruiz, and Vedra, Carlos Martínez. During her presentation, titled "The Risks of Flooding in Our Municipalities," Marqués delivered a clear message: "Adapting to climate change requires constant communication and permanent coordination between administrations." The mayor warned that severe storms and flash floods are no longer isolated phenomena but a new structural reality demanding firm responses and medium to long-term investment plans.
Marqués's speech focused on the unique geography of the Valencian territory and, specifically, her own municipality. Benicassim faces particular water vulnerability due to its location on the Mediterranean coast and the presence of five ravines and natural watercourses that run through the town to the sea. "During intense rainfall episodes, these basins can generate large water accumulations very quickly," the mayor alerted, justifying the need for constant maintenance of evacuation infrastructure.
In response to these threats, the Benicassim City Council is implementing a comprehensive urban resilience strategy that includes water containment measures, sustainable drainage systems, and strict local climate planning. Concluding her remarks, Marqués reiterated that municipalities cannot tackle this challenge alone. She demanded financial support from regional and central governments to design prepared cities, stating that "adapting to climate change is no longer an option, but an obligation."
