Lorraine Williamson
Spain is marking World Wetlands Day with a renewed focus on landscapes that quietly underpin the country’s environmental health. From coastal lagoons to inland marshes, wetlands play a vital role in water regulation, biodiversity, and climate resilience — yet many remain under pressure.
Observed each year on 2 February, World Wetlands Day commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention and serves as a reminder that wetlands are not empty spaces, but living systems essential to both nature and people.
Spain’s wetlands at the heart of migration routes
Spain sits at a crossroads of global bird migration, linking Europe and Africa. Wetlands such as Doñana National Park
In winter, these areas host vast numbers of waterfowl, while spring brings migratory species moving north. Their presence is more than symbolic. It reflects the health of ecosystems that also protect coastlines, store carbon and filter water.
A fragile balance under strain
Despite their importance, many of Spain’s wetlands face mounting challenges. Over-extraction of water, agricultural pressure and prolonged drought linked to climate change have left several iconic sites struggling to maintain water levels.
Recent studies and monitoring reports show that even wetlands with legal protection are not immune. Reduced inflows and rising temperatures threaten both wildlife and the communities that depend on these landscapes for tourism, fishing and agriculture.
Why wetlands matter beyond wildlife
Wetlands act as natural buffers. They absorb excess rainfall, reducing flood risk during heavy storms, and release water slowly during dry periods. In a country increasingly exposed to weather extremes, this function is becoming more valuable each year.
They also store significant amounts of carbon in soils and vegetation, making them quiet allies in the fight against climate change. When wetlands are drained or degraded, that carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
A day for awareness — and action
Across Spain, World Wetlands Day is being marked with guided walks, educational activities and conservation initiatives led by local authorities and environmental groups. These events aim to reconnect people with landscapes that are often overlooked, despite being close to towns and cities.
The message is simple but urgent: protecting wetlands is not just about saving birds. It is about safeguarding water security, rural livelihoods and natural defences against climate disruption.
Survival
As Spain faces another year shaped by drought, intense rainfall and rising temperatures, wetlands sit at the centre of the country’s environmental future. Their survival will depend on long-term planning, sustainable water use and political will.
World Wetlands Day offers a pause to recognise their value — and a reminder that once lost, wetlands are among the hardest ecosystems to restore.
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