Doñana boosts river restoration and adds bird‑frog project to fight Asian hornet

The Spanish government, through the Ministry for the Ecological Transition, has accelerated a large‑scale restoration of watercourses and wetlands in the Doñana National Park. By the end of the current phase, 44 of the 55 planned actions are underway, representing 83 % of the programme and more than 60 % of the €348 million budget, much of it funded by EU Next Generation funds. Work includes sealing historic drainage channels, rebuilding stream beds, enhancing aquifer recharge and reducing flood risk in nearby towns.

Concurrently, the conservation group EBF‑Doñana has launched a biological‑control initiative that uses bee‑eaters (abejarucos) and common frogs to curb the spread of the invasive Asian hornet. Four artificial bird‑eater nests have been installed and early observations show the birds and frogs preying on hornets. The project also plans three artificial wetlands to support frog populations, aiming for formal recognition by regional authorities.

Both efforts aim to improve ecosystem resilience, protect biodiversity and address threats to pollinators.