Spain leads marine protection in Europe, advancing towards its conservation goals for the year 2030. This effort has transformed the defense of its waters, placing the country at the forefront of the security of European oceans.
Expansion of protected areas in Spanish waters
The LIFE INTEMARES project has been fundamental to this progress, combining research, funding, and citizen participation. Thanks to these initiatives, the protection of key ecosystems has increased, and the conservation of species at risk in the Spanish marine territory has been strengthened.
In the last decade, there has been a notable growth in marine protection, driven by the collaboration of scientists and citizens. Currently, Spain safeguards 22.5% of its waters, approaching the 30% target set for the end of this decade.
The growth in the Natura 2000 Network includes 12 new spaces, protecting areas such as underwater mountains and coral reefs. Additionally, the Cetacean Migration Corridor has been consolidated as a crucial refuge for marine mammals in the Mediterranean.
Since 2017, the protected marine area has increased from 8% to 22.5%, reflecting a commitment to international marine conservation objectives.
This achievement not only expands protected areas but also reinforces a strategy based on science, planning, and collaboration among different sectors.
The incorporation of new spaces into the Natura 2000 Network reinforces the protection of coastal ecologies. Among the benefited ecosystems are underwater mountains and ecological corridors, essential for ocean health.
Furthermore, the Cetacean Migration Corridor is among the most significant projects, protected thanks to recent efforts.
Scientific support has been vital, with more than 63 oceanographic campaigns providing crucial data on Spanish marine biodiversity.
The use of advanced technology, such as underwater vehicles and satellite tracking systems, has improved the monitoring and understanding of the marine ecosystem.
Monitoring programs for cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds have strengthened the scientific basis for effective management.
The impact of LIFE INTEMARES has generated more than 45 million euros additionally, allocated to 337 complementary projects funded by national and European funds.
This investment has fueled new conservation and restoration initiatives on the Spanish coasts, demonstrating that the right strategy can multiply the impact of every euro invested.
More than 15,000 people from various entities have participated in governance processes, building more inclusive management models.
The project has promoted the training of more than 6,300 professionals in sustainable management, improving the conservation of marine biodiversity.
Beyond territorial protection, issues such as marine litter and responsible tourism have been addressed, in addition to developing strategies against invasive species.
The fight against the invasive algae Rugulopteryx okamurae stands out among these initiatives, being one of the main environmental challenges.
The approval of the Master Plan of the Network of Marine Protected Areas of Spain has improved the coordination and management of protected spaces.
The Ministry for the Ecological Transition has strengthened its technical capacity, which will allow it to face future challenges in biodiversity and fishery sustainability.
Spain protects more sea than ever, thanks to a combination of science, innovation, and social participation, achieving significant advances for marine biodiversity.
The country continues to work towards reaching the 30% protection of its waters, fulfilling international biodiversity commitments.
