Intervene

Currently, various projects are being implemented to intervene in the territory for the recovery of the Mar Menor , with a comprehensive approach that includes nature-based solutions and actions at the root causes of the imbalance of the Mar Menor .

These are projects that seek to address the ecosystem crisis of the lagoon through the application of short and medium term measures.

These projects, which complement the research advances and legal controls discussed in other sections, will enable the restoration of ecosystems and the renaturalization of land, prevent flooding, conserve biodiversity, and promote the transition of productive sectors. They can be classified according to the objectives outlined below.

Creation of a green belt

Eliminate direct impacts and seek a buffering or impact-absorbing effect, improving the quality of the water reaching the lagoon by reducing nutrients and suspended solids. All this is achieved through NBS. This action also entails naturalizing the environment, increasing connectivity between natural spaces and, consequently, their biodiversity.

Presentation on progress in the green belt – January 17, 2024

Restoration of areas affected by mining

In the mining basins of the Sierra Minera de La Unión and Cartagena, there are abandoned facilities and contaminated soils that cause heavy metals to be leached into the Mar Menor. The goal is to prevent soil and groundwater contamination, as well as surface runoff of hazardous mining waste into the Mar Menor.

3 flechas que van aumentando su curvatura una debajo de otra

Renaturalization, environmental improvement and flood risk reduction in the watershed

Prevent flooding and reduce the contribution of pollutants to the Mar Menor. The wadis are the main route of entry of water into the lagoon and, therefore, of the pollutants they can carry (nitrates, heavy metals, etc.). Renaturalization also contributes to improving biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and promoting the overall health of the ecosystem.

Aid to municipalities for flood management

Complementary measures to the renaturalization and environmental improvement of the drainage basin, aimed at reducing the risk of flooding in urban areas.

Royal Decree on aid for adaptation to flood risk in Campo de Cartagena

gráfico de representación de datos en forma de quesito

Sanitation and purification

Improving wastewater treatment at wastewater treatment plants. Aid to improve the sanitation network and prevent leaks into the aquifer and discharges into the Mar Menor, complying with the water quality standards imposed by European regulations.

Royal Decree on Complementary Aid for the Improvement of Sanitation and Purification

Restoration of the seaside

Actions for the protection and recovery of the seaside.

Biodiversity conservation

Actions aimed at the conservation of marine and terrestrial species of interest, to protect the biodiversity of the Mar Menor and its watershed.

State Center for the Conservation and Reproduction of Marine Species

Environmental improvement of agricultural and livestock farms

Environmental restoration and improvement actions to reduce the impacts of agricultural and livestock activities at source. To this end, funding is provided for projects that develop these types of actions, which will be complementary or additional to those required by applicable regulations.

Call for grants from the Biodiversity Foundation (FSP) for environmental restoration and improvement in the agricultural sector, to contribute to the recovery of the ecological functionality of the Mar Menor.

Projects for environmental restoration and improvement in the agricultural sector

Do you want to know the latest developments in measures?

Progress Report on the action plan