Estepona is the sole Spanish municipality taking part in a European initiative aimed at designing response strategies against natural hazards and cyber-attacks. Known as the ECHO initiative, it brings together 26 organizations from across the EU to establish a unified response system. The project focuses on addressing various risks, including climate change, infrastructure failures, and cyber-attacks, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and integrated responses. Estepona’s Mayor, José María García Urbano, highlights the city’s alignment with sustainable and innovative practices, as demonstrated by its involvement in national and European networks dedicated to climate, sustainability, and smart tourism. The city council’s active role in the project includes receiving funding for research, contributing to decision-making, and collaborating with partners such as the Malaga Provincial Council and the Andalusian Health Service. One of the initial actions under the project involves addressing local challenges related to floods and droughts in the Malaga Province, setting the stage for the development of innovative tools and strategies. Estepona’s expertise in strategic projects, including its participation in the GOBEYOND project for early warning systems, further underscores its commitment to resilience and disaster preparedness. By working with partners like the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Estepona aims to enhance its response capabilities and contribute to a safer future in the face of natural hazards.
Estepona: Spanish city council involved in European project for natural hazard and cyber-attack strategies







