The Odiel Marshes in Huelva, Andalucia. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of Andalusia’s most ecologically valuable areas, is undergoing a significant environmental restoration. A new conservation and prevention project, backed by the Andalusian Ministry of Sustainability and Environment, has been launched to tackle pollution and habitat degradation. The initiative, with a budget of over €728,000, is part of the EU-funded NextGenerationEU Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.
The project, which began in February 2025, is set to last 14 months and focuses on removing waste and restoring ecosystems affected by pollution. The marshes, located in Huelva at the confluence of the Tinto and Odiel rivers, are a crucial habitat for migratory birds and a designated Special Protection Area under the EU’s Natura 2000 network.
Read more about the Odiel marshes here.
Combating Pollution and Habitat Degradation
The project covers 161.48 hectares, focusing on waste removal, reforestation with native species, and improving conditions for wildlife. Initial efforts target the collection of plastic, fishing nets, and other pollutants, using specialised techniques to minimise disruption to the environment. Both manual and mechanical methods will be used, depending on the accessibility of the affected areas.
Long-Term Conservation Measures
Beyond waste removal, the initiative includes replanting native vegetation to stabilise soil, improve water filtration, and restore degraded areas. More than 4,000 specimens of local plant species, such as coastal juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus macrocarpa), sea poppy (Glaucium flavum), and savin juniper (Juniperus phoenicea turbinata), will be introduced to aid ecosystem recovery.
An innovative aspect of the project is the installation of four nesting platforms for ospreys, designed to support the species’ continued growth in the region. Ospreys, classified as ‘vulnerable’ in Andalusia, have seen an 80% increase in breeding pairs in the region since conservation efforts began in 2012. The Odiel Marshes now host eight breeding pairs, with 29 chicks born since 2009.
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