The coastal area of ​​the Region of Murcia is undergoing a transformation aimed at restoring its natural character. The Ministry has recently completed the first phase of work designed to give it a second chance for the dunes of La Manga, focusing especially on the municipality of San Javier. This intervention has been carried out in an area that has suffered considerable urban development pressure for decades.
The budget allocated to these tasks has reached figure of 210.000 eurosThis demonstrates a clear commitment to environmental restoration. It's not just about aesthetics, but a strategic measure to create a natural barrier against the effects of climate change. The stretch from the Estacio Canal to Veneziola now benefits from improved protection thanks to these regeneration efforts.
A comprehensive on-the-ground intervention
The scale of the work is remarkable, covering a total area of ​​33.000 square meters. Six critical areas have been selected for implementing measures that will allow the ecosystem to function on its own again. This entire process is integrated within the Framework for Priority Actions for the recovery of the lagoon, seeking long-term solutions.
One of the most laborious tasks has been clearing the vegetation that shouldn't be there. Work teams have had to work hard to remove some 3.900 square meters of invasive exotic plants, such as the well-known cat's claw. This species poses a direct threat to biodiversity, since it prevents local plants from thriving by occupying all available land.
New dunes and natural defenses
To reconstruct the landscape, they have made use of what the sea naturally provides: the Posidonia seagrass wrack. Thanks to the use of these plant remains, they have been able to create approximately 3.800 square meters of new dune formationsThis method helps the sand stay in place and not be lost due to the action of the wind or waves.
Alongside the new sand mounds, protective elements known as sand traps and soft fencing have been installed. These structures are essential to ensure that the effort is not in vain, since They promote soil consolidation and prevent the passage of people or inclement weather from spoiling the work done in this first phase.
Biodiversity and the future of the coastline
The planting of native flora has been another cornerstone of this initiative, with nearly 11.000 new specimens distributed throughout the area. These plants are the true protagonists in stabilizing the soil, becoming the key to a resilient ecosystemApproximately 5.000 square meters have been covered with species that are perfectly adapted to the salinity and climate of the area.
All this investment has been made possible thanks to the arrival of European funding through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. It is an example of how the well-targeted public funds They can help restore the balance to our coasts. The intention is for these dunes to once again become the protective shield they always were for the San Javier coastline.
This first step in the rehabilitation of La Manga lays the foundation for the coastline to recover its health, lost after years of degradation. By combining the removal of harmful species with the creation of artificial dunes and replanting, the project aims to halt coastal erosion. It demonstrates that nature-based solutions are the most sensible way to protect the future of the Mar Menor environment.