Cabo de Gata - Improvement of the management of the SCI and SPA 'Cabo de Gata-Níjar'

The project aimed to restore the priority habitats and increase the capacity of the SCI/SPA of Cabo de Gata-Nijar, in southeast of Almeria province in Spain. The project purchased estate to control of threats of the site's coastal fringe and the restoration of the priority habitat. The project selected seeds in the wild from species of the wetland habitat, tested their germination and vegetative reproduction and planted them in the nursery of the Natural Park. They were then used to repopulate the wetlands. Work was also done to the building of a wall between the salty habitats and the freshwater wetlands in order to prevent freshwater from draining into the saltpans and retain rainwater in the freshwater wetlands. Over 2km of dykes were successfully repaired and three sluice-gates introduced to control the circulation of water. Rubbish was cleared and high fencing was introduced around the saltpans together with five anti-predator systems along some of the dykes. The project constructed four wooden hides for bird observation and pedestrian track to promote didactic activities. Six panels were installed to inform visitors about the project area and its main features, information leaflets were published together with the project website.