Gazelle Valley Park – A case study of a dual urban nature-based solution for flood mitigation in a Mediterranean climate

Due to increasing flood risks related to climate change and urbanization, solutions addressing environmental challenges must be more effectively integrated into urban environments. Green spaces and blue-green infrastructure, which combine water, vegetation, and recreational areas, can contribute to both flood risk mitigation while addressing the urban heat island effect, ultimately enhancing the quality of life in cities. These facilities also promote biodiversity and ecological resilience, supporting stable ecosystems while providing green and open recreational spaces even in the heart of bustling urban areas. The Gazelle Valley Urban Nature Park, located in the densely populated metropolitan area of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital, serves as a prime example of such efforts. The establishment of this park is considered a groundbreaking social and environmental achievement, made possible by the struggle of residents, local activists, social organizations, and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel. Built to the highest ecological design standards, the park has quickly become a popular destination for both residents and visitors, offering a model for integrating eco-hydrological solutions into urban landscapes. As part of an ongoing study, water inflow and its quality within the park’s water system are monitored. The park’s water system, which is fed by stormwater during the wet season (winter) and treated wastewater during the dry season (summer), is tracked through online monitoring using a low-cost open-hardware station. When combined with sampling and laboratory analyses, online measurement helps assess water composition and water quality dynamics in order to evaluate the impact of an urban nature-based solution on water quality. This study also tests the applicability of low-cost open-hardware technology for environmental monitoring in aquatic ecosystems, while examining the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in improving the water quality of stormwater and treated wastewater in urban settings.