Starting from Cabo de Palos near Cartagena, this piece follows ANSE’s ship Else, the Southeastern Spanish Association of Naturalists, as it sails along the coast. A starboard walk leads to Cala Reona, a route that many locals and visitors enjoy for its scenic shorelines and easy access to a calm, bluish-green sea. The journey then threads through the mine-strewn hills and arrives at a broad dune system protected for its fossil-rich significance. The trail continues toward the Rasall salt flats, where birdwatching spots and long stretches of beach sit at the foot of Monte de las Cenizas, offering a quiet escape and a chance to observe coastal wildlife in their natural habitat.
From the boat, the conservation focus is evident in the High Geological Interest Natural Park. Plans for macro-urban development, including a golf course, faced opposition in the 1980s after a real estate push backed by a foreign group aimed to acquire thousands of hectares for a large housing and marina project. The local community rallied for protection, and the landscape conservation framework was established around Calblanque, later expanding to Peña del Calblanque Natural Park in 1992, encompassing Águila and Monte de las Cenizas. The protective measures prevented a dramatic transformation of the coastline and preserved vistas of Aleppo pines and native flora that would have otherwise been replaced by housing decks and resort views. The storyline highlights how public sentiment and regulatory action can shape a coast’s destiny, preventing visible changes when seen from the water.
At the age of 18, a dedicated advocate joined ANSE, an organization marking its 50th anniversary in 2023. A regional geography institute in Murcia recently hosted a conference to celebrate ongoing work, including wetland conservation, both marine and terrestrial fauna, and native vegetation restoration, along with projects like Resalar and related initiatives. Within ANSE, national programs include establishing a field mission in El Hondo Natural Park in Alicante to support the Mar Menor and a study center focused on the Marchamalo salt flats. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to connect conservation with regional heritage and ongoing scientific study.
The fleet’s historic vessel, built in 1951 in Denmark, came under ANSE’s stewardship as judicial custody and later became a key asset owned by the association. This 15-meter-long gulet has supported numerous projects aimed at protecting marine mammals, turtles, and seabirds, safeguarding vulnerable coastal ecosystems, and engaging in beach-cleaning outreach activities. A new program, Killer Whale, is planned to begin operations in the upcoming season, signaling ongoing expansion of wildlife-monitoring and education initiatives.
In conversation, the emphasis is on harmonizing culture, history, and nature. The center’s renovations in Cartagena, including a restored building and restored public spaces, demonstrate how cultural heritage can align with natural preservation. The planning process showcases eclectic architectural influences, from rococo and imperial elements to neo-Gothic touches, reflecting Cartagena’s layered past and its ongoing evolution as a modern cultural hub.
While speaking about Cartagena, the speaker stresses that the city holds countless treasures for visitors to discover, such as historic churches, ancient theaters, and modern museums. The narrative invites readers to picture how a Roman-era port once connected different districts, with streets tracing routes from the historic center toward the Molinete hills. A famous mosaic by a local artist captures the sense of place, while memories of traveling through the winding harbor area evoke personal connections to the region. The story hints at the enduring link between the city and the wider Mediterranean world, where coastal landscapes, ancient roads, and contemporary life intersect.
Aguirre’s Palace
Plans to visit the headquarters of the Modern Art Museum of the Region in the Palacio de Aguirre showcase a building from 1901 that embodies a blend of styles. The structure originally featured a modern mix of rooms and decorative forms, blending influence from French rococo with neo-Mudejar and other eclectic touches. This architectural mosaic mirrors Cartagena’s own history of cultural exchange and transformation in public spaces, education, and art.
The guide’s reflections offer a compact tour through the city’s treasures, including the Church of Santa Maria near the Roman Theater and Casa Maestre, both emblematic of Cartagena’s layered history. The ancient amphitheater lies beneath the old bullring, and ongoing excavations reveal a window into the past. A referenced mosaic from the early 20th century anchors these memories, while personal recollections of rural routes and sea-bound journeys hint at the intimate connections many visitors feel with the city. The narrative closes with a teaser: in the next episode, a coastal excursion to El Portús, a naturist corner, will reveal even more of this coastal paradise.
In sum, the Cartagena coastline and its inland landscapes offer a vivid tapestry of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and ongoing conservation efforts. The collaboration between local organizations, researchers, and communities demonstrates how responsible stewardship can protect fragile ecosystems while allowing people to appreciate them deeply and responsibly, season after season.