Spain pledges to obstruct agricultural activities in the vicinity of endangered wetlands
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Loading... - jesse rossie
- 18 May 2023
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Spain has made a firm commitment to prevent the establishment of farming activities near a vulnerable wetland that is not only one of Europe's largest but also rich in flora and fauna. The wetlands in question have experienced a significant decrease in water supply due to the impacts of climate change and agriculture. The regional plan aimed at rezoning lands near the expansive Donana National Park in the Andalusia region, which is currently facing an extended drought, has drawn criticism from Brussels.
Donana National Park, situated in southern Andalusia, is a vital habitat for numerous rare species, including the Iberian lynx, as well as a crucial stopover for millions of migratory birds such as flamingos, spoonbills, and ibis. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized the significance of Donana, declaring it as the shared heritage of the Andalusians and all Spaniards, firmly opposing any encroachment on the area.
The proposal put forth by the conservative Popular Party (PP) government in the Andalusian parliament received consideration on Wednesday. If approved, the legislation would reclassify approximately 2,000 hectares (3,700 acres) adjacent to the park and its endangered wetlands as suitable for irrigation. This move would provide amnesty to numerous unauthorized farms, primarily engaged in strawberry cultivation, that have emerged in the region.
The final vote on the proposal, which enjoys support from the far-right party Vox as well, is expected to take place soon. Given the majority held by the PP and Vox in the regional parliament, it is likely to pass. However, Prime Minister Sanchez's government has made it clear that they will challenge the legislation in court if it is approved.
Occupying an estuary where the Guadalquivir River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Donana National Park spans across 100,000 hectares, comprising forests, lagoons, marshes, and dunes. A recent study conducted by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) revealed that 59 percent of the park's largest lagoons have remained unfilled since at least 2013. The study attributed this phenomenon to changes in temperature and precipitation in the area, as well as the expansion of cultivated land.
Proponents of the proposal argue that it will benefit farmers who were excluded from a previous regularization process in 2014 under a Socialist government. The PP claims that the plan will not harm the wetlands since the newly regulated farms will solely rely on surface water. However, environmentalists and the central government disagree, stating that it will further strain the park's already stressed aquifer.
Spain's Ecological Transition Minister, Teresa Ribera, criticized the Andalusian government's intentions, asserting that they were attempting to win favor with farmers ahead of the upcoming regional and local elections on May 28, as well as the general election at the end of the year. She emphasized that the Andalusian government is well aware that there is insufficient surface water available due to its depletion and highlighted the contradiction of promising water that does not exist while simultaneously complaining about water scarcity and drought.
The head of the regional government, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, accused Prime Minister Sanchez of hypocrisy, alleging that the Socialist party failed to reverse the degradation of Donana during their 36-year tenure governing Andalusia until 2019. He claimed that his government's plan would restore order to the chaos caused by previous administrations.
The Spanish central government has warned of potential fines from the European Union if the proposed plan proceeds. In 2021, the European Court of Justice condemned Spain for its failure to protect the natural reserve and threatened Madrid with penalties unless the situation improved. The European Commission spokesperson, Tim McPhie, confirmed that they are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with the Spanish authorities.
Located in the drought-prone province of Huelva, the park where Donana is situated, is a major producer of strawberries, yielding 300,000 tons annually, accounting for 90 percent of Spain's total production. This thriving industry, known as "red gold" in the local region, provides employment for up to 100,000 people and contributes nearly eight percent to Andalusia's economic output.
In conclusion, Spain is taking a strong stance to protect the vulnerable wetlands near Donana National Park from encroaching farming activities. With concerns over dwindling water supplies and the impact of climate change, the Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, vows to block the regional plan proposed by the conservative Popular Party. The fate of Donana hangs in the balance as the final vote on the proposal approaches, with environmentalists, the central government, and European authorities expressing opposition to the plan. The outcome of this debate will not only have implications for the delicate ecosystem of Donana but also for the livelihoods of farmers and the economic landscape of the Andalusia region.
