Restoration of salt flats around 27 endorheic wetland areas in La Mancha

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND

The La Mancha wetlands (Humedales de la Mancha) are situated in the region of Castilla-la Mancha, in Spain. The wetland complex consists of the 27 La Mancha wetlands’ Nature 2000 sites (targeted by this project), as well as 15 less well known wetlands in the Ruidera natural park and one in the Daimiel national park.

Some of the water in the wetlands is potable, but in places it can also be saline or hyper saline. The wetlands consist of shallow lakes, with depths of between 1.5 to 2 metres. They form a unique habitat for highly specialised flora and fauna. Some endemic species, such as Helianthemum polygonoides, are threatened. Many migratory birds winter there, including the white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala) and the bittern (Botaurus stellaris), both listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive.

In 1980, the United Nations’ agency, UNESCO, declared the La Mancha wetlands a ‘Biosphere Reserve’, in recognition of their importance for water birds and their rich biodiversity. Moreover, the La Mancha wetlands are among the most species-rich wetlands in Western Europe. In addition, two of the lagoons targeted by this project, Laguna del Pueblo” and “Lago Manjavacas”, are Ramsar sites of international importance.

The wetlands are surrounded by Mediterranean forest, seasonal grasslands and agricultural land (cereals, vineyards and olive trees). The area’s farming activities have the greatest negative impacts on the groundwater and wetland conservation. A significant amount of water is withdrawn for irrigation and the use of nitrate and phosphate has very negative impacts on the wetlands’ biology.

OBJECTIVES

The project targets the recovery of the Mediterranean salt steppes (Limonietalia), a priority habitat of the Habitats Directive, in the 27 La Mancha wetlands’ Natura 2000 sites. The main actions will focus on the purchase of agricultural land surrounding the wetlands to halt their degradation and desiccation, and restore/ recover their hydrological properties. These actions will benefit numerous Annex I bird species.

Expected results:

An increase in the surface area of the targeted Limonietalia salt steppes (to over 400 ha);

Conservation of the current SPA and SCI areas that provide essential alternative habitats for many species endangered by the loss of suitable wetlands;

An increase in the size of the buffer zone (between the wetlands and agricultural lands) and the conservation of the wetlands’ environment. This should result in improved water quality due to a decrease in sedimentation and nutrient run-off;

An increase in the public estate (262 ha), giving the regional authority more rights over the management of public access. This should also assist in the task of protecting especially sensitive areas;

Knowledge of and recognition of the La Mancha Natura 2000 wetlands (through recreational and environmental education activities) extended to the Ruidera natural park and the Daimiel national park.