The Las Tablas de Daimiel wetland in Ciudad Real faces significant threats from drying conditions. Yet, actions by the administration have begun to show results. Six hectares of water transferred from the Tagus River to this nature park through the Llanura Manchega pipeline has concluded, and 275 hectares of the protected area remain inundated.
This update was shared with Efe on Tuesday by Félix Romero, the director general of Natural Environment and Biodiversity and chair of the Mixed Management Commission for Cabañeros and Las Tablas de Daimiel national parks.
Romero noted that the final step of three water shipments, totaling three hectares, reached Las Tablas de Daimiel recently. He recalled that the initial shipment of three cubic hectares via the Llanura pipeline began on 15 August of the prior year and continued through 30 September.
A second round of three hectares began being delivered, arriving sporadically at the national park last October, aligned with the commissioning tests of the Manchega Pipeline.
Between 1 December and 30 December, 1.43 cubic meters of water was drawn from the emergency wells of the national park, supporting environmental restoration and improvements along the Isla del Pan route and park walkways.
Water shortage continues
The general manager of Natural Environment explained that, with this water, the team managed to maintain a flooded area spanning 1,850 hectares. It is anticipated this could be about 275 hectares, given the lack of sustained rainfall during this period.
“In this bleak scenario, there is no choice but to monitor rainfall developments in the short to medium term and reassess whether the battery of wells should run or if a new transfer can be requested through the Mixed Commission, if necessary,” Romero stated.
He warned that, if needed, the Tajo-Segura Aqueduct Unloading Commission would have the final say on any further authorizations.
In the director’s view, the water reaches Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park via the Llanura Manchega pipeline. It has proven to be a highly efficient means of delivering water to this protected area.
He added that after completing the first water delivery from the Tagus River, the Joint Commission evaluated the possibility of incorporating this infrastructure more clearly into solutions for addressing the water needs of Las Tablas de Daimiel.
He mentioned that there is discussion within the Mixed Commission about standardizing this water supply method across the various options available to address the park’s water shortages when natural rainfall is insufficient.
A more efficient agriculture
Alongside these efforts, investments continue in other strategies, including promoting more efficient water use in agriculture to aid the recovery of underground water bodies.
Romero believes that launching the La Mancha Húmeda Biosphere Reserve brand could positively impact the market by highlighting rain-fed crops or those that use water very efficiently, creating added value for agricultural products.
All of these measures, according to Romero, represent an opportunity to progress in the recovery of Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park.
Regarding the restoration work on the Isla del Pan route, he stated that technicians’ observations indicate the results are very favorable, contributing to the sustainable use of the ecosystem and the national park.
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A point of contact for environmental matters has been provided, though specific addresses are not included here.