Else Beekman
The iconic Albufera lagoon near Valencia is clean once again. A total of 2,500 tonnes of reeds, plastic and other waste have been cleared from the water. The city council of Valencia expects the water-based clean-up operation to be completed by 16 April.
The clean-up was prompted by the damage caused by torrential rainfall and flooding (DANA) in October last year.
2,500 tonnes of waste removed from the Albufera
During an inspection at the Rorro pumping station, councillor José Gosálbez (Devesa-Albufera department) stated that most of the emergency contract for cleaning the lagoon’s surface had now been completed. The figures are striking: 2,410 tonnes of reeds and plant debris, along with 65 tonnes of plastic, were extracted. In total, around 8,000 cubic metres of waste were removed from the lagoon.
Drones, pontoons and tractors in action
The original plan was to clean 170,000 square metres of the lagoon, but thanks to detailed drone imaging, the area was reduced to 107,000 m². Investigations by the Guardia Civil in connection with missing persons also influenced the clean-up zone.
Four large cleaning vessels and several smaller ones worked from the water to collect the waste, which was then transferred to pontoons for further processing. From there, the waste was transported to three temporary storage sites: the port of Catarroja, Adela, and a training ground in Silla. Each of the 2,000 m² sites was equipped with a waterproof base to prevent environmental damage.
Multi-million euro project with setbacks
Additional infrastructure was required to reach remote parts of the natural park, including the construction of four new access roads. As a result, the land-based clean-up is now expected to continue until 30 May.
According to Gosálbez, the project faced several challenges, including a lack of suitable boats, technical issues and adverse weather conditions. The total cost of the operation has reached €8.7 million. “We can almost say the mission is accomplished,” said the councillor.
Water quality key to Albufera’s future
Although most of the clean-up has been completed, Gosálbez stressed that this is not a structural restoration. “This was phase one: cleaning. Next comes phase two: preservation and recovery,” he explained.
A major step in this next phase is the supply of clean water. On Tuesday, an agreement was reached between the city council, the Generalitat Valenciana and irrigation associations to add 24.3 cubic hectometres of clean water to the lagoon each year. “Everyone involved with the Albufera says the same thing: the lagoon needs clean water,” Gosálbez stated.
He added that support from Madrid is still lacking. Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition reportedly refused to provide additional water last year, despite repeated requests.
Vital role for biodiversity and local economy
The Albufera is much more than a scenic lagoon – it is a vital wetland ecosystem that supports a rich variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered bird species. It plays a crucial role in regional biodiversity, acting as a haven for migratory birds and native wildlife. In addition, the lagoon underpins local agriculture and fishing traditions, making it both an ecological and economic cornerstone for surrounding communities. Ensuring its long-term health is not only a matter of environmental preservation, but also of cultural and economic sustainability for the Valencia region.