Doñana

Doñana is a protected natural area in southwestern Spain, spanning parts of the provinces of Huelva and Seville in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It lies on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River and comprises a mosaic of landscapes, including coastal dunes, salt flats, extensive marshes, reed beds, and pine woodlands.

The core of Doñana is the Doñana National Park, a key conservation area that forms part of a larger network of protected lands around the marshes. Doñana is one of Europe’s most important wetlands, serving as a major stopover and wintering site for countless migratory birds traveling the East Atlantic Flyway. It also harbors populations of endangered species such as the Iberian lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle, along with diverse mammals, reptiles, fishes, and a rich plant community. The area supports long‑term ecological research through institutions such as the Doñana Biological Station.

Doñana has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the Natura 2000 network. Management is shared by the regional government of Andalusia and national authorities, with protections designed to maintain its hydrology, habitats, and biodiversity. Tourism and scientific research are allowed under strict controls to minimize disturbance.

Doñana faces ongoing pressures from changes in water availability due to upstream water management and drought, agricultural development, and land-use changes. Conservation efforts focus on water balance, habitat protection, regulation of human activity, and monitoring of endangered species.