We know that the Doñana marshes are a very important nature reserve throughout Spain. The drought that Andalusia is suffering is becoming more aggressive as time goes by. This type of ecosystem survives thanks to rainfall and the accumulation of water. Vegetation and fauna are adapted to these environments and increasingly lack of water in Doñana.
In this article, we are going to detail the problems that the Doñana National Park faces due to the lack of water and what are the solutions. short, medium and long term consequencesIn addition, we will analyze the disputes between the agricultural and environmental sectors, delving into the political and legal conflicts that are seriously affecting this ecosystem.
Lack of water in Doñana
The aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of the Doñana National Park provide the ideal conditions for a unique biodiversity in this protected space. This natural park, which covers more than 50.000 hectares spread across the provinces of Huelva, Cádiz and Seville, is home to some of the most emblematic species of Spanish fauna, such as the Iberian lynx and the imperial eagle, both of which are in danger of extinction. In addition, its privileged location makes Doñana the main wetland in Europe, serving as a refuge for thousands of migratory birds from Africa and Europe.
Water is the true pillar that sustains life in this environment, but the Water shortage in Doñana has emerged as a problem that threatens the natural balance of the park. This shortage affects both the wetlands and the underground aquifers that feed the park's many lagoons and marshes.
Human impact and illegal wells
The increase in demand for water by the local farmers has led to overexploitation of the aquifer that feeds the park. Illegal wells have proliferated in areas near Doñana, causing an alarming decrease in the level of groundwater. According to figures provided by WWF, nearly 100 million people live in the area. 4700 hectares of land are irrigated with illegally obtained water.
In this context, illegal wells have been a key point of conflict. Uncontrolled groundwater extraction has exacerbated the decline in the water table, putting at risk not only biodiversity but also the viability of sustainable agriculture in the area. Despite attempts by authorities to close these wells, high water demand continues to jeopardize the recovery of the aquifer.
The situation has also been aggravated by the increasing drought affecting the entire southern region of Spain. According to the European Commission, Doñana is already showing serious signs of ecological deterioration due to the intensive and irresponsible use of water resources in the region.
New bill and its impact
In 2023, the problems arising from the overexploitation of water in Doñana took a political turn with the presentation of a bill This controversial law would allow the regulation of water use on land dedicated to the intensive cultivation of strawberries and other berries. This law seeks to legalise part of the illegal aquifers operating in the region, something that has been strongly criticised by environmental organisations and several European institutions.
Despite warnings from the European Commission about possible sanctions against Spain if this law is approved, the Parliament of Andalusia is moving forward with the legislative process. For many, this is a decision that will only aggravate the situation in Doñana, as it would authorize up to 100,000 tons of oil. 2000 additional hectares of irrigated landThis increase in water demand could be devastating for an ecosystem that is already stretched to its limit.
International reactions
At an international level, the crisis in Doñana has raised great concern. Various NGOs and organisations such as WWF have brought the case to the attention of the Unesco for evaluation, as the park is classified as a World Heritage Site. In a recent assessment, UNESCO warned that if immediate corrective measures are not taken, Doñana could lose this distinction.
In addition, the European Commission has issued several statements warning Spain about the legal and financial consequences of continuing with a policy that favours the overexploitation of aquifers. In June 2021, the Court of Justice of the European Union has already ruled that Spain had violated European regulations on wetland conservation.
The Strawberry Plan and the overexploitation of the aquifer
El Strawberry Plan, approved in 2014, was an initial response to the water crisis in the region. It divided agricultural land into demarcated zones based on whether it was registered as cropland or rainfed land before 2004. However, this hopeful plan did not take into account the growing number of illegal farms that had developed after 2004.
The main criticism of this plan is that it has not been able to stop the advance of illegal crops, which has caused greater pressure on the aquifers. According to WWF, only in the last report it was found that the aquifer had lost between 1,3 and 7,3 meters of level in its different sectors, representing a direct threat to the 3000 temporary lagoons that form in the park.
Consequences for the biodiversity of Doñana
La Biodiversity wealth of Doñana The park is severely affected by the lack of water. Lagoons and wetlands, which provide refuge for thousands of migratory birds and various species of animals, are rapidly disappearing. The park's most emblematic lagoon, Santa Olalla, dried up completely in 2022, marking an unprecedented event in recent history.
This lack of water not only affects wildlife, but also endangers the balance of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Plant species that depend on these wetlands are disappearing, which causes a chain of negative effects that also affects the animals that depend on them.
Endangered species
Among the most affected species, migratory ones stand out. wintering waterfowl have decreased to around 50% of their population in recent years. CSIC data indicate that only 120.649 wintering birds have been recorded in 2023, a historical minimum figure compared to the 670.000 birds in 2017.
In addition, the Iberian lynx and the imperial eagle, other emblematic species of the park, are also suffering the impact of water shortages, as their natural habitat is rapidly disappearing.
The uncertain future of Doñana National Park
The future of Doñana depends on immediate and appropriate measures being taken to preserve its water resources. The problem lies in balancing human needs for water consumption with the preservation of ecosystems vital to global biodiversity. Unless serious restrictions on illegal water extraction are implemented and the current model of water use is changed, the park is likely to end up losing its ecological value.
It is essential that public administrations, together with farmers and environmental organisations, work to find a sustainable solution that allows both agricultural activity and environmental conservation, a balance that has not been achieved until now.
The lack of water in Doñana is a reflection of a broader water crisis affecting many regions of the world. However, Doñana is a unique jewel in Europe, and its loss would have repercussions not only at a local or national level, but also globally.