SEO/BirdLife and Redeia have signed a collaboration agreement to promote the conservation of the Marismas del Odiel Natural Area and Biosphere Reserve (Huelva). The initiative features an ambitious environmental volunteering and public awareness programme in this natural site —home to some of the most important tidal marshes on the Iberian Peninsula and of vital importance for European migratory bird populations.

Like many other wetlands in the Mediterranean basin, the Marismas del Odiel rank among the world’s most threatened ecosystems due to the impact of human intervention and climate change.

Over the next two years, support from Redeia, through its Comprehensive Impact Strategy, will enable SEO/BirdLife to work alongside the reserve’s management. Together, they will focus on removing invasive alien plant species, organising open beach clean-up days, carrying out reforestation efforts, raising public awareness, monitoring birdlife and conducting scientific bird ringing. These actions will actively involve the local community in conserving the Odiel marshes and their biodiversity.

According to Carlos Molina, a technician at SEO/BirdLife, ‘The Marismas del Odiel Biosphere Reserve has unique ecological features that make it a key site for migratory stopovers and for the wintering of thousands of migratory waterbirds. This is especially true in dry years, when Doñana has low flooding levels. It is also one of Spain’s most important breeding areas for the Eurasian spoonbill, the little tern and the greater flamingo.’

Laura Quintana, Sustainability Director at Redeia, emphasised that ‘joining forces between organisations and volunteers is essential to advancing the conservation of this Reserve, a key biodiversity refuge for the preservation of ecosystems in our country. We actively participate in projects like this one led by SEO/BirdLife, which align with the company’s sustainability vision and strengthen our commitment to creating shared value and generating a positive impact on society.’

Environmental volunteering

To carry out these activities, SEO/BirdLife relies on a strong network of volunteers, including residents from towns across Huelva as well as from other Andalusian provinces. The programme officially kicked off on 31 January with a native species planting day, coinciding with the initiatives led by SEO/BirdLife nationwide to mark World Wetlands Day.