Key Highlights
- The Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica has initiated a strategic project to restore degraded dunes in La Manga del Mar Menor.
- This initiative aims to rebuild the natural coastal defenses and protect endangered species, crucial for the ecological balance of the Mar Menor.
- Investment amounts to €210,000 with an 8-month execution period.
- The project focuses on eliminating invasive plant species that threaten local biodiversity.
Restoration in Motion: Dune Revival in La Manga del Mar Menor
The Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica, through the Dirección General de la Costa y el Mar, has launched a critical restoration project aimed at rejuvenating degraded dunes in La Manga del Mar Menor. This initiative is not just about beautification; it’s an urgent and strategic move to fortify coastal defenses against urbanization and climate change.
Starting from six key zones—ranging from the Canal del Estacio to Veneziola, within San Javier municipality—the project seeks to reclaim a natural balance. The goal is ambitious: to protect endangered species, such as the endemic Mar Menor sparrow grass (Asparagus macrorrhizus), and ensure the dunes can continue their vital role in buffering against the increasing frequency of extreme weather events driven by climate change.
Investment and Execution
The project comes with a hefty price tag of €210,000 and a timeline spanning eight months. This financial commitment underscores the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship in this particularly vulnerable coastal area. The project is part of Line 3.2 of the Mar Menor Recovery Action Plan (MAPMM), indicating its strategic importance for regional ecological health.
Removing Threats and Promoting Biodiversity
A significant portion of the work involves eradicating invasive plant species like uña de gato (Carpobrotus edulis). This is a critical step to preserve the unique coastal ecosystem. By removing these invaders, native species such as sparrow grass, marine fennel (Crithmum maritimum), and sea campanula (Calystegia soldanella) can thrive, contributing to a more resilient coastline.
Protecting Regenerated Zones
To ensure the success of this restoration effort, soft perimeters will be installed around regenerated areas. These barriers prevent human traffic and vehicle movement, allowing vegetation to grow undisturbed. The project aims for at least four years of continuous monitoring and management to prevent reinvolution by invasive species.
With a blend of innovative measures and traditional ecological wisdom, the restoration in La Manga del Mar Menor stands as a bold step towards environmental resilience. It’s not just about building defenses; it’s about nurturing life in an increasingly challenging climate.
