A city made of diversity 

Benissa, located on the Costa Blanca of the Valencian Community in Spain, effectively combines history, culture, biodiversity and environmental sustainability. With a population of 11,462 inhabitants, the town benefits from a geographical position that provides a diverse landscape ranging from clean beaches to verdant mountains, which is essential for a sustainable development and a healthy lifestyle.

The service sector dominates the local economy, accounting for 76.7%, complemented by construction, industry, and agriculture which, although limited in scale, is crucial to maintaining the area's biodiversity and landscape. The well-preserved old town, together with Benissa's historic architecture, not only attracts cultural and beach tourism, but has also made the town an attractive place for international residents, enriching the cultural diversity of the community. Currently, 40.12% of Benissa's population is of foreign origin, which contributes to a rich cultural mix and shows the relevance of its attractions for developing a healthy lifestyle.

Benissa faces the challenge of conserving and valorising its environmental heritage while improving quality of life and promoting inclusive and sustainable development, adapting to the dynamics of a changing world without compromising the health and well-being of its citizens or the integrity of its environment.

 

The One health approach to foster the process of making the city a model of sustainability

Benissa is committed to a future where wellbeing, environmental health and sustainability form an inseparable whole. In fact, the town was nominated as a "sustainable municipality" in a regional award. The city wants to adopt the "One Health" approach in its core urban planning, recognising the interdependence between human, animal and environmental health. This holistic approach responds to local challenges such as climate change, which degrades its large natural mass, and also promotes healthy lifestyles, positioning it as a role model town in sustainability.

From learning from other green models to understanding how town councils coordinate to implement cross-cutting actions, Benissa seeks to consolidate its status as a sustainable municipality by participating in the One Health 4 Cities project. Currently, the town offers a natural environment accessible in less than 15 minutes from the town centre, which promotes and enhances it as a high quality of life. Taking advantage of its natural, sporting and urban resources, Benissa aims to strengthen its commitment and action to protect its assets and provide positive social, economic and environmental impact.

The commitment to "One Health" aims to improve the quality of life of local inhabitants but also to offer high quality services to visitors for now and for the future. Benissa seeks to create a resilient and prosperous society, capable of facing future challenges with innovation and sustainability. The town hopes to be a benchmark in the integration of human, animal and ecosystem health in a unified strategy, transforming Benissa into a model of holistic wellbeing: consolidating the care economy as an engine to generate income, employment and prosperity.

Towards a strategy that enhances biodiversity and cultural heritage while promoting the health and wellbeing of its inhabitants and visitors  

Benissa plans to develop a comprehensive strategy that respects and enhances its biodiversity and cultural heritage, while promoting the health and wellbeing of all its inhabitants and visitors inclusively. The strategy will include improvements in the health and social services sector, focusing on raising the quality of life for all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable groups such as the growing elderly population and young people with mental health challenges. 

In March, the town formed a Citizens' Health Council, which will ensure clear and precise monitoring of such measures. From the Urbact Network, sustainable mobility initiatives, the development of accessible green spaces, and the adoption of environmentally friendly agricultural and waste management practices will be promoted.

In addition, efforts will be intensified to educate and raise awareness about healthy lifestyles and the importance of biodiversity and environmental conservation. With a focus on inclusion and citizen participation, Benissa aims to be an example of how local and international residents can be active partners in defining their future. This collaborative and integrated model will ensure that policies and projects not only address current challenges but are also prepared to adapt and respond to future community needs.

 

To know more about Benissa : 

• Maite Escriva, Local project coordinator maiteescriva@ajbenissa.es

• Jorge Ivars, Vice-Mayor of Benissa jorgeivars@ajbenissa.es