The Participation Council of the Doñana Natural Space has met at the administrative center El Acebuche in Matalascañas, Almonte (Huelva), where the Activities and Results Report of the Doñana Natural Space for the year 2024 was unanimously approved. It was also proposed to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO) to complement or update the risk assessment of the ‘Sondeo Marismas-3NE’ project for possible direct or indirect impacts on groundwater and the Doñana Natural Space, and therefore on the Doñana Special Conservation Zone.
During the meeting, chaired by Enrique Mateos and with the participation of the Deputy Minister of Sustainability and Environment, Sergio Arjona, it was agreed that the central government communicate to the European Commission the authorization process for the Marismas-3NE drilling, whose environmental evaluation supporting the initial gas storage project dates back to 2010, in order to strengthen transparency and compliance with community regulations on environmental matters. In parallel, it was also proposed to transfer this information to the UNESCO World Heritage Center for knowledge and, if necessary, review, within the framework of the recommendations of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on environmental assessments applicable to World Heritage sites.
Finally, it was agreed to request MITECO to inform the Participation Council of the Doñana Natural Space in the future about the actions taken regarding the agreement adopted in the Plenary. The ‘Sondeo Marismas-3NE’ project is linked to underground storage of natural gas in the Doñana environment and was included as an information point in the Participation Council Plenary. These proposals are aimed at maximizing environmental protection guarantees for the Doñana Natural Space.
Furthermore, unanimous reports were also approved on the ‘Project for the recovery of streams in the Rocina area’ and on the ‘Project for the recovery of lagoons’, both in the municipality of Almonte.
852 million mobilized by the Junta for the Doñana Agreement
During the interventions, the Deputy Minister of Sustainability and Environment, Sergio Arjona, presented a brief overview of the status of the Doñana Agreement’s implementation, signed between the Andalusian Government and the Spanish Government. He highlighted that since the signing, more than 58% of the committed funds have been mobilized, representing over 428 million euros in specific actions in strategic sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, forestry, natural environment, and hydraulic infrastructure.
«Thanks to the decisive impetus of the Junta, we have mobilized over 852 million euros, surpassing the initial commitment,» he emphasized, pointing out that these investments are translating into real improvements for biodiversity, sustainability, and socio-economic development in the Doñana area.
Likewise, he shared an optimistic view of the evolution of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) in Andalusia, noting that the census population in 2024 has reached 836 individuals, 78 more than the previous year. Arjona emphasized this growth, particularly significant when compared to the figures from 2019, when 463 individuals were counted. «Andalusia has doubled the population in just five years, demonstrating the effectiveness of the conservation strategies implemented,» he stated.
He also highlighted the population census of the Doñana-Aljarafe area, which now includes 133 individuals, with 33 females, the highest known record. In this line, a total of 75 individuals, including 38 cubs, were counted within the Doñana Natural Space. Additionally, at least seven litters with 18 cubs, three of which are located within the Natural Space with 6 cubs, have been identified.
240,000 waterbirds after this year’s rains
Regarding the current state of the Doñana marshes, the Deputy Minister highlighted the positive impact of the abundant rainfall since September, which has restored a landscape not seen in over a decade to the park. «We are facing the first wet year since 2010, with nearly 100 liters per square meter above the average,» he detailed, noting that March was the rainiest month on record. Thanks to this water cycle, over 28,000 hectares of the National Park and 11,000 of the Natural Park were flooded, with depths of up to 80 centimeters still present in areas like Vetalengua. This scenario has also favored the presence of over 240,000 waterbirds of 87 different species. «It is a historic event that renews our confidence in the ecosystem’s recovery capacity,» he expressed.
Arjona also emphasized the importance of the recent acquisitions of the ‘Veta la Palma’ and ‘Tierras Bajas’ estates, adding 8,700 new hectares to the Andalusian public heritage with an investment close to 80 million euros. This operation will enable «a more coherent and comprehensive management of the Doñana ensemble.»
The Deputy Minister also commended the exemplary development of the Romero Plan and the traditional Saca de las Yeguas by the Natural Space staff, two emblematic events reflecting the close relationship between culture, tradition, and sustainability. Finally, he praised the collaboration agreement signed with the González-Gordon family, owners of the ‘El Puntal’ and ‘El Lobo’ estates, as an example of public-private cooperation for active conservation of the National Park. «This agreement reinforces our commitment to participatory and sustainable management, focused on ecosystem restoration, habitat improvement, and protection of key species such as the Iberian lynx or the imperial eagle,» he concluded.
The plenary session was attended by the Director General of Protected Natural Spaces, José Enrique Borrallo; the Director of the Doñana Natural Space, Juan Pedro Castellano; the Commissioner for the Doñana Agreement, Jaime Mora; and the Territorial Delegate for Sustainability and Environment in Huelva, Pedro Yórquez. Also present were mayors of municipalities located in the Natural Space, representatives from the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, the Doñana Biological Station, universities, environmental associations, and the Andalusian Hunting Federation, among other authorities.