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La Junquera – Semi-Arid Regeneration & Carbon Farming Hub in Murcia

Trust T1

Climate Zones: Semi-arid Mediterranean.
Regenerative Focus: Regenerative agriculture, water conservation, carbon farming.

About this land node

La Junquera implements regenerative agriculture to combat desertification in Murcia, restoring soils, building carbon sequestration, and promoting sustainable water harvesting and community resilience.

Overview

Project Vision: Turn semi-arid lands into regenerative farming models for climate resilience.
Project Purpose: Combat desertification and promote sustainable farming by restoring soil fertility, conserving water, and enhancing biodiversity through regenerative agriculture and agroforestry.
Project Title: La Junquera
Political Location: Murcia Region, Spain

Ecology & biodiversity

Biodiversity context: Adjacent to Sierra Espuña NP and Murcia biodiversity corridor.
Ecological corridors: Links Sierra Espuña to Cabo de Gata.
Natural boundaries: Located in Segura River basin near Sierra Espuña.
Ecosystem unity: Semi-arid landscape connecting steppe, riverine areas, and hills, supporting drought-resistant species and carbon storage.

Climate & water

Climate Zones: Semi-arid Mediterranean.
Rainfall patterns: Rainy Oct–Apr (~50 mm/month); dry May–Sep.
Average Rainfall: 400–600 mm/year
Temperature Extremes: 10°C to 35°C
Average Temperature: 23°C average
Watershed: Segura River watershed draining to Mediterranean.
Nearby water bodies: ≈20 km to Segura River; ≈50 km to Mediterranean Sea

Land & terrain

Elevation & slope: 400–800 m; flat to gentle slopes.
Landforms: Semi-arid plains and hills.
Soil Types: Sandy soils low in fertility; improved with compost, cover crops, and water-retention basins.
Soil health: Low organic matter, rising with regenerative practices.
Erosion risk: High desertification risk mitigated by regenerative farming.
Renewable resource potential: Solar power, water harvesting, biomass.

People & history

Land Acknowledgements: Honours Iberian ancestral wisdom.
Recent land history: Former industrial agriculture now regenerating.

Regenerative practice

Regenerative Focus: Regenerative agriculture, water conservation, carbon farming.
Regenerative Methodologies: Swales, keyline design, holistic grazing, composting.
Environmental objectives: Enhance biodiversity, restore soil fertility, reduce desertification.
Community objectives: Support farmers’ incomes, provide training, foster community resilience.
Community engagement: Workshops, eco‑tours, farmer cooperatives.
Economic Model: Donations, eco‑tourism, regenerative product sales.

Impact

Expressed Impact: Converted 800 ha, increased biodiversity by 10%, trained 200+ farmers.
Key impact metrics: Hectares regenerated, biodiversity increase, farmers trained.

Visiting & links

Nearest urban centres: ≈40 km from Murcia.
Website: https://www.ecosystemrestorationcommunities.org/community/la-junquera-spain/
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/ecorestorationcommunities