Minister of Durability and Environment Junta de Andalucia, Catalina García visited Doñana Marshes Turning the enclaves To the root, the dew, and the punctal Within the framework World Wetlands Day celebrated every February 2nd To commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Agreement Regarding the conservation of these ecosystems, 1971. This event aims to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands for biodiversity and combating climate change, as well as their key role in water regulation and the preservation of many species.
Catalina García emphasized that the Junta de Andalucía promotes Active environmental management in wetlands focusing on Planning, restoration, and continuous monitoring of these ecosystems. This approach, on one hand, involves the preservation of protected areas and also incorporates adaptive measures to enhance their resilience against climate changes and ensure long-term ecological functionality. «It’s not just about protection, but constantly acting to optimize the wetlands’ capacity to regulate water, absorb carbon, and serve as a refuge for biodiversity,» she said.
During the visit, the minister was accompanied by the director general of protected natural spaces, José Enrique Borrallo; the director of the National and Natural Park in Doñana, Juan Pedro Castellano; the president of the Doñana Natural Space Council, Enrique Mateos; Government Delegate of the Board in Huelva, José Manuel Correa, and the Territorial Delegate for Sustainability and the Environment, Pedro Yórquez, among other authorities.
Catalina García highlighted the work carried out by the Junta de Andalucía in the protection and restoration of Andalusian wetlands, emphasizing that «Andalucía is the autonomous community with the highest number of protected wetlands on the Ramsar list and has the Andalusian Wetland Inventory, which includes 228 high ecological value sites.
One of the most significant announcements during the visit was the implementation of the new environmental management model. The Palma Veta Estate, whose acquisition by the Junta de Andalucía, with an investment of 73 million euros, was a crucial step in wetland conservation. The minister explained that starting in January 2024, they worked intensively with the farm’s technical team to adapt the hydraulic management model with the new purpose of conservation and biodiversity.
«This first year of transition allowed us the hydraulic management of the United States, with an annual investment of 792,000 euros, whose development began on February 1st.
The minister emphasized that the acquisition of Veta en Palma ensures the direct management of one of the highest environmental values within The natural space of Doñana, allowing biodiversity to thrive and optimizing water management. «We ensure that Doñana regains its ecological functionality, adapting the management of this enclave so that it can respond to the challenges of climate change,» she added.
Investments in wetlands
The Junta de Andalucía is executing investments worth 15.4 million euros in wetland restoration through European funds from the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR). Catalina García explained that «these actions include environmental restoration, habitat improvement, and the purchase of strategic wetlands for their conservation.»
Additionally, she noted that the wetland areas in the Andalusian inventory continue to expand, with the incorporation of new enclaves such as La Laguna del Conde or El Salobral in Córdoba, which will enhance their protection and planning. Among the prominent investments in Doñana, the minister mentioned environmental restoration projects, improvement of water management infrastructure, and temporary restoration of the lagoon, many of which were seeing reduced functionality.
The impact of rains on Doñana
During her visit, the minister highlighted the positive effects of the recent rains on the Doñana marshes. «Since January 2015, there hasn’t been such a positive volume of rain during this time of year,» she explained.
According to data collected from various meteorological stations in the park, in some areas 370 millimeters of accumulated rain have allowed for a significant flooding of the marsh and the revival of the key lagoon for environmental fauna. «This situation has favored the arrival of numerous wintering birds that use it as a rest and feeding area during their migration from northern Europe,» she said.
Among the most beneficial precipitation areas are Lucas de Veletlengua, Membrillo, and Lucio de Los Ánsares as well as Caño Guadiaiam and Los Caños de la small inlet basin. There has also been an increase in flooding in Veta a Palma, establishing itself as a key area for the ecological recovery of the park.
Projects in Doñana
In the specific case of Doñana, investments within the PRTR exceed 6 million euros and include environmental restoration projects, habitat improvement, and water management infrastructure. «We are advancing in the restoration of the temporary lagoon, the removal of invasive exotic species, and in the adaptation of ecosystems to the effects of climate change, in addition to improving the functionality of pipelines and the micro-drainage network,» García detailed.
In addition to these interventions, the Junta de Andalucía promoted the improvement of public use infrastructures in the Doñana National Park, with actions in Visit centers of La Rocina, El Acebón, José Antonio Valverde, and Ice Factory. «These spaces are essential both for environmental education for schools and visitors, as well as for the development of ecotourism, an activity that contributes to environmental sustainability,» said the minister. Likewise, an adaptation of the GUES system of the Doñana National Park was carried out to optimize the connection of marsh pipelines with the tower arm and the Guadalquivir River, improving water management in the area.
Furthermore, restoration work is being carried out in the area affected by the Peñuelas fire in 2017, which resulted in the loss of over 10,000 hectares. «This restoration plan has been recognized as a reference model in the recovery of burned areas and allows us to strengthen Doñana’s resilience to future climate challenges,» the minister said.
Catalina García reaffirmed the commitment of the Junta de Andalucía to Sustainable protection and management of the community’s wetlands. «Wetlands are essential for ecological balance, water regulation, and biodiversity conservation. From the council, we will continue working to ensure their preservation and make Doñana a model of sustainable environment,» she concluded.