The Sustainability and Environment Councilor, Catalina García, has visited the Doñana Natural Space, in the municipality of Hinojos (Huelva), to witness firsthand the positive effects of the accumulated rainfall in recent months and convey the commitment of the Andalusian Government to the active conservation of this unique enclave. During her tour of the marsh, the councilor has appreciated the response of the ecosystem to a «historic» water situation, while highlighting the extensive livestock activity and the actions promoted by the Andalusian Government to preserve biodiversity and enhance the park’s resilience to climate change.
As explained by Catalina García, the rainfall recorded in recent months has reached historic levels, leading to the reactivation of the water system that feeds the marshes. She specified that some stations have recorded more than 700 liters per square meter accumulated. «This situation has allowed March to be classified as one of the rainiest months on record, with over 250 liters per square meter just in this month of March,» she added.
This circumstance has resulted in widespread flooding, to the point where there are already over 28,000 hectares flooded out of the 30,000 that make up the National Park and at least 11,000 out of the total 20,000 hectares of the Natural Park, a figure that could be even higher if partially flooded agricultural areas were included.
«This widespread flooding is referred to here as a ‘swelling’, and it represents a natural phenomenon that covers the topography of the marsh almost entirely. It is something we haven’t seen since 2010 and has created a continuous water landscape where it is difficult to distinguish between low marsh, high marsh, veins, and pools,» she stated. The councilor emphasized that although this phenomenon may cause occasional difficulties for fauna or livestock, it is extremely beneficial for the hydrological balance of the area, as it anticipates a particularly favorable spring for the reproduction of waterfowl and the development of native vegetation. She also noted that a significant improvement in aquifer recharge is expected, which is «encouraging news after more than a decade of very worrying records.»
The key role of extensive livestock farming
This flooding has had a direct impact on the livestock activity carried out within the National Park. During her visit, the councilor explained that farmers have been forced to relocate herds of cows, sheep, and horses that graze in the marsh to other designated properties for animal welfare reasons. «The water level has turned many areas where animals usually graze into temporary lagoons, requiring a quick and coordinated response to protect the specimens and ensure their safety,» she noted.
This episode, according to Catalina García, has underscored the importance of continuing to promote extensive livestock farming as an ally of the environment. «The Andalusian Government has decisively supported this traditional practice, which not only preserves our native breeds and landscapes but also helps prevent fires, promotes sustainable land management, and strengthens rural communities,» she stated. In this regard, she emphasized that the Andalusian Government has promoted the Pasture-Firebreak Areas Network (RAPCA), through which over 100,000 heads of livestock actively collaborate in reducing forest fuel, thereby reducing the risk of fires while generating employment and economic activity in rural areas.
The councilor stressed that extensive grazing is a key tool for bioeconomy, climate change mitigation, and rural development, noting that the new Andalusian regulatory framework currently in progress, the Forestry Law, recognizes grazing for the first time as a strategic use of the forest. She also indicated that specific investments are being made in infrastructure improvements, such as watering holes, clearing for expanded grazing areas, or forest tracks, as well as a dozen measures within the Andalusian Forestry Plan 2030 to promote silvopastoral uses, such as habitat improvement, incentives for native breeds, and streamlining procedures for public pastures. «We want extensive livestock farming to be profitable, recognized, and fully compatible with conservation. It is undoubtedly synonymous with the future for Andalusia,» she added.
During her visit to Hinojos, Catalina García was accompanied by the mayor of the town, Joaquina del Valle Ortega; the Government Delegate of the Junta in Huelva, José Manuel Correa; the Director-General of Protected Natural Areas, José Enrique Borrallo; the Director of Doñana National and Natural Park, Juan Pedro Castellano; the President of the Participation Council of the Natural Space, Enrique Mateos; and the Territorial Delegate for Sustainability and Environment, Pedro Yórquez, among other authorities.
Actions of the Junta in Doñana
During the visit, the Sustainability and Environment Councilor took the opportunity to review the actions being carried out in Doñana to strengthen its protection and restore its ecosystems. In this regard, she particularly highlighted the acquisition of the ‘Veta la Palma’ and ‘Tierras Bajas’ estates, which have resulted in the addition of 8,700 hectares to the Andalusian public domain, with an investment close to 80 million euros. «This is undoubtedly a fundamental step to ensure a more integrated and coherent management of the park’s natural resources,» she emphasized.
The councilor explained that since January 2024, intensive work has been done with the technical team of ‘Veta la Palma’ to adapt the water management model to the new conservation and biodiversity purpose. «This first year of transition has allowed us to make key adjustments in water management and carry out interventions for ecosystem improvement,» stated Catalina García, indicating that in December, the process for contracting the hydraulic management support service was completed, with an annual investment of 792,000 euros, which began in February.
In addition to these acquisitions, she recalled that more than 6 million euros are being invested in actions co-financed with European funds from the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan. These include habitat restoration, temporary lagoon recovery, exotic invasive species removal, and ecosystem adaptation to the effects of climate change. She also mentioned the works to improve the canals and micro-drainage network of the park, essential to ensure adequate and stable water flow.
The councilor also appreciated the improvements made in the visitor centers of the National Park, such as La Rocina, El Acebrón, José Antonio Valverde, and the Ice Factory. «These spaces not only serve an educational function, bringing the value of Doñana to thousands of people, but they are also drivers of ecotourism and sustainable rural development,» she stated. In this vein, she explained that work has been done to adapt the gate system to improve the park’s connection with the Torre Branch and the Guadalquivir River, representing a significant improvement in the hydraulic management of the enclave.
Finally, she highlighted the ongoing work in the area affected by the Las Peñuelas fire in 2017, where over 10,000 hectares were lost. «The restoration plan has been recognized as a best practice at national and European levels. With it, we have not only reclaimed land but also strengthened the park’s capacity to face new climate challenges,» Catalina García concluded.