Deal to save wetlands in Spain 'shows public must be onboard'

A landmark agreement to safeguard one of Europe's most important wetlands underscores the importance of harnessing public opinion to drive the green transition and mitigate the effects of the climate emergency, Spain's environment minister said.

- Sam Jones

The Doñana in western Andalucía - where the marshes, forests and dunes extend across almost 130,000 hectares (320,000 acres) and include a Unesco-listed national park - has been at the centre of a national and international row over recent years.

Its water supplies have declined drastically over the past three decades because of climate breakdown, mining pollution, marsh drainage and the boom in soft fruit cultivation.

A deal reached in November by Spain's environment minister, Teresa Ribera, for €1.4bn (£1.2bn) of investment to help protect the area and diversify the local economy away from its reliance on soft fruit provided a ray of hope. A plan from the Andalucían regional government for an amnesty for farmers who have been illegally tapping its aquifer to irrigate strawberry farms in the area had led to dire warnings from environmental groups, the European. Union and supermarket chains.

Speaking to the Guardian, Ribera said the deal was the result of internal and external pressure, a change in public opinion, and a concerted effort to engage with local residents.