Por Redaccion 
The Minister of Sustainability and Environment of the Andalusian Government, Catalina García, has toured part of the marshes and lagoons of the Doñana Natural Park to firsthand witness the effects of the recent rains on the wetland’s water recovery and to convey the firm support of the Andalusian Government for its active conservation. During the visit, the Andalusian official emphasized that this is a «historic» episode that anticipates a particularly favorable scenario for the park’s fauna and flora.
Catalina García detailed that the accumulated precipitation in this period has exceeded 700 liters per square meter in some areas of the Natural Park, making March one of the rainiest months on record. «In March alone, more than 250 liters per square meter have been collected, an extraordinary figure that has caused a very significant reactivation of the marsh’s water system. We haven’t seen similar records in fifteen years,» she explained.
During her tour, which took place in the marshes and lagoons within the National Park, the Minister expressed her confidence that the expected rains in the coming days will continue to bring life to the Doñana Natural Park. «Every drop counts in this recovery process, and we hope that this exceptionally wet cycle will prolong its positive effects on the ecosystem throughout the spring,» she stated.
Currently, more than 28,000 of the 30,000 hectares of the National Park are flooded, as well as around 11,000 hectares of the Natural Park. This number could increase if agricultural areas also affected by water are taken into account. «This phenomenon, known in the area as ‘arriada,’ completely transforms the landscape into a continuous water blanket where it is barely distinguishable between high marsh, low marsh, or veins,» the Minister pointed out.
Catalina García highlighted that this hydrological episode, although it may pose punctual challenges for fauna and livestock, brings multiple benefits for biodiversity. These include improving ecological balance, developing native vegetation, and the expected recovery of the aquifer. «It is an injection of hope after years of scarcity and alarming figures,» she said, noting that the conditions anticipate an exceptional spring for the reproduction of waterfowl.
In this context, the Minister has valued the livestock sector’s response to this rise, which has necessitated the temporary transfer of herds to other farms for animal welfare reasons. «In a few days, traditionally grazable areas have become seasonal lagoons, requiring a coordinated effort to protect the animals,» she explained.
The Minister reaffirmed the Andalusian Government’s support for extensive livestock farming as an ally of the environment. «We defend this traditional model that maintains native breeds, prevents fires, revitalizes rural areas, and generates employment,» she said. In this regard, she cited the Pasture-Firebreak Areas Network (RAPCA), which allows the participation of more than 100,000 heads of livestock in reducing vegetal fuel.
She also recalled that the new legal framework in process, the Forestry Law, recognizes grazing as a strategic use of the mountain. «We are improving infrastructure, facilitating access to public pastures, and providing specific incentives,» she added. «We want this activity to be profitable, recognized, and compatible with conservation. It is a key piece of Andalusia’s future.»
More public management hectares and new projects
During the visit, Catalina García reviewed the progress made in protecting Doñana, highlighting the inclusion of the ‘Veta la Palma’ and ‘Tierras Bajas’ estates in the Andalusian public domain, adding 8,700 hectares to the existing ones and an investment of almost 80 million euros. «This will allow for a more comprehensive and coherent management of the ecosystem,» she noted.
Since January 2024, the Andalusian Government has worked with the technical team of ‘Veta la Palma’ to redefine its hydraulic management model for conservation purposes. In this regard, the Minister reported that a specific support service has already been contracted, with an annual budget of 792,000 euros, in operation since February.
In addition, she highlighted the actions funded through the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, which exceed six million euros and include habitat restoration, recovery of temporary lagoons, control of invasive species, and improvements for climate change adaptation.
The Minister also valued the renewal of key infrastructures, such as drainage networks and channels, and interventions in the visitor centers of the National Park. «These are spaces that contribute to education, ecotourism, and rural development,» she emphasized, mentioning the improvements in La Rocina, El Acebrón, Valverde, and the Ice Factory.
Finally, she mentioned the restoration plan for the area devastated by the Las Peñuelas fire in 2017. «Not only have we restored forested areas, but we have also increased the park’s resilience to future extreme events. It is a model recognized at a national and European level,» she concluded.
Catalina García was accompanied during her visit by the Director General of Protected Natural Areas, José Enrique Borrallo, and the Director of the Doñana National and Natural Park, Juan Pedro Castellano.