Doñana Expected to Rejoin the Green List Before Summer
The Andalusian regional government anticipates that Doñana National Park will be reinstated on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Green List before the summer. The park was removed from this prestigious international catalogue due to conservation concerns, pending a reassessment that has been ongoing for over a year.
The Sustainability Minister, Catalina García, stated that the goal is for Doñana to receive approval for reinstatement within the first half of 2025.
Environmental Challenges and Water Supply Issues
Doñana has faced serious environmental challenges in recent years, with one of the most pressing issues being water depletion. In June 2021, the European Court of Justice found Spain guilty of failing to protect Doñana’s water resources, highlighting that illegal and excessive water extraction for agriculture and urban development had contributed to the deterioration of the park’s ecosystems.
Despite commitments to conservation, challenges persist. In February 2025, Spain’s National Court Prosecutor’s Office called for urgent action against 250 farmers accused of illegally extracting groundwater from Doñana’s aquifer. This continued overexploitation underscores the need for stronger enforcement of water protection measures to secure the park’s long-term sustainability. (Some background information on the illegal water wells here.)
Recognition of Conservation Efforts
The Andalusian government has been working with the IUCN to address conservation concerns and restore Doñana’s international recognition. García expressed gratitude to the Doñana team and the General Directorate of the Ministry for their joint efforts in achieving this goal. She highlighted that this recognition would be beneficial for Andalusia and Spain, as only two areas in Spain hold this certification: Sierra Nevada, which recently renewed its status, and Doñana, which is now working towards reinstatement.
Reinstatement on the Green List would mark a major achievement, acknowledging the efforts made to address these conservation challenges. The park’s removal from the list in 2023 coincided with a parliamentary debate on expanding irrigation rights. The subsequent withdrawal of this legislative proposal—agreed upon by PP and Vox—along with the Doñana Pact, signed by the central government and the Andalusian regional government, were key factors in prompting the IUCN to reconsider Doñana’s status.
Ongoing Evaluations and Next Steps
The last coordination meeting between Doñana’s technical team and IUCN experts took place in November 2024, with encouraging results. While the IUCN leads the evaluation process, the Andalusian government has submitted all requested documentation, and the next step will be an on-site assessment.
If Doñana is reinstated, it would signal progress in protecting one of Europe’s most important wetlands. However, experts stress that conservation efforts must continue, particularly in sustainable water management, to ensure that the park does not face similar threats in the future.
PSOE Criticism
PSOE MP Enrique Gaviño questioned why Doñana was removed from the Green List in the first place. In December 2023, the IUCN formally notified the Andalusian government that Doñana had been excluded after a two-year assessment by ten experts, who concluded that the biodiversity and governance of the park had progressively deteriorated.
He criticized the Andalusian government, stating that Doñana was the first nature reserve to be expelled from this quality certification due to the policies of Juanma Moreno’s government. Now, fifteen months later, and after narrowly avoiding an environmental crisis thanks to a pact initiated by the Spanish government, there have been no updates on Doñana’s application process. He demanded clarification on what actions have been taken over the past 15 months.
A Step Towards Sustainability and Doñana To Return to the IUCN Green List
The possible reinstatement of Doñana on the IUCN Green List would be a positive step in recognizing conservation efforts. However, it also highlights the urgent need for continued commitment to sustainable water management and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations. The park remains at risk if long-term solutions are not implemented to protect its fragile ecosystems.
Further Reading
- Doñana national Park. https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/donana-national-and-natural-parks/
- Safeguarding Doñana for the future. https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/safeguarding-donana-challenges-controversies-and-a-path-forward/
- Lynx breeding in Doñana. https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/twelve-iberian-lynx-cubs-born-in-donana-prepare-for-release-into-the-wild/
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