Doñana is the largest, most important natural marshland park in Southern Europe. It is threatened with disappearance by drought, but Madrid and Andalusia have agreed: 700 million euros will be spent jointly to improve hydraulic installations and subsidize illegal strawberry crops which pump water from the aquifers.
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With our correspondent in Madrid, Francois Musseau
THE Donana Park will be able to breathe, even if no one can guarantee his survival. The good news for this natural jewel, known for its flamingos and its lagoons overlooking the Mediterranean, is that the Andalusian regional plan aimed at increasing the surface area of irrigated fruit crops, especially strawberries and raspberries, has been abandoned.
This was essential, since the water tables are at their lowest and only 10% of the lagoons emerge on the surface. If agricultural exploitation increased, the death of the park was certain. With this agreement, the region and the State will grant 100,000 euros per year per hectare to any farmer who gives up growing strawberries and maintains natural vegetation.
Money is also provided to restore damaged parts of the natural park. However, said the Minister of Climate Transition, Teresa Ribera, the authorities will not subsidize the half a thousand illegal wells that persist around Doñana. With these efforts, the objective is to protect a park in poor condition, and to restore the lagoons for which it is famous.
ReportingUnesco is concerned about Doñana Park and warns Spain