Doñana National Park faces threat from new wetland boundary changes

The environmental organization WWF has expressed strong opposition to a new boundary delimitation approved by Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition (Miteco) regarding the Doñana marshes. The organization warns that the measure could lead to “irreversible consequences,” such as the permanent loss of freshwater wetlands.

The dispute centers on the classification of 118,772 meters of marshland in Huelva and Seville as maritime-terrestrial public domain due to perceived tidal influence. WWF argues this classification contradicts historical scientific literature, which identifies the area as a pluvio-fluvial freshwater system.

In a broader context of wetland preservation, experts emphasize that these ecosystems are vital for climate regulation, water purification, and biodiversity. Effective conservation requires navigating complex local and national regulations, as interventions often require specific environmental permits to protect key species such as migratory birds, fish, and amphibians.