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Doñana Natural Area is basking in what officials are calling “one of the best years in recent decades” for the reproduction of waterfowl. This optimistic update came during a recent plenary meeting of the Doñana Natural Area Participation Council, where the Andalusian Regional Government’s Minister of Sustainability and the Environment, Catalina García, welcomed unanimous approval of the 2026 Work Plan budgeting around €17 million for continued conservation efforts.

 

The plan sets out a wide-ranging series of actions to protect the natural and cultural heritage of the area, boost habitat restoration, and help the reserve adapt to increasing climate challenges. This push comes after a wet year where rainfall triggered flooding in key marshes like Caño de la Madre and the Rocío marsh, creating ideal conditions for bird breeding. As a result, colonies of species such as the slender-billed gull and glossy ibis surged to record numbers. Critically endangered birds, including the marbled teal and white-headed duck, also saw promising rebound figures.

 

“The abundance of water since spring allowed numerous species to reach record numbers,” said the Minister, adding that while the aquifer has yet to fully recover from extended droughts, ambitious hydraulic projects remain a priority to safeguard Doñana’s future. The council also highlighted ongoing work on special irrigation management and climate adaptation programs, alongside plans for a possible marine expansion to protect fragile coastal ecosystems.

 

Meanwhile, not far away in Malaga province, community spirit is driving another environmental success story. Over 100 volunteers gathered in the Sierra de las Nieves National Park to plant 140 Spanish firs and other native trees as part of the Provincial Council and Unicaja Foundation’s Pinsapada initiative. These efforts aim to strengthen the fir’s natural habitat and help the species withstand the impacts of climate change, explained Cristóbal Ortega, Vice President of Sustainable Territory.

 

Volunteers learned about the care and propagation of these protected trees, embarking on an interpretive walk before planting the saplings amid the scenic Las Moreras area. Supporting biodiversity at a grassroots level, the day combined education with action, a hopeful step in preserving Andalucía’s natural legacy.

 

These two initiatives demonstrate how government strategies and citizen involvement are joining forces, from Doñana’s wetlands to the mountainous fir forests, to embrace ecological stewardship and secure the future of Andalucía’s treasured landscapes.

 

 

 

Images: Anne and Saturnino Miranda/Pixabay and Málaga Provincial Council