In a significant environmental initiative, the Government of Asturias has allocated €1.62 million for the restoration of the wetlands and porreos in the Villaviciosa estuary. This project aims to recover a vast area of the estuary that is vital for the conservation of 17 protected species of flora and fauna.
The restoration efforts began in the summer of 2023 and are expected to continue until the end of 2024, carefully timed to align with local tidal cycles and bird nesting periods. The project is set to serve as a national model for interventions in ecosystems vulnerable to climate change.
Key actions include reinforcing and stabilizing the walls of the porreo of Sebrayo, enhancing drainage systems, and creating public observation points for wildlife. The restoration will also improve the ecological health of the region, providing critical habitats for migratory birds and other species.
Additionally, the project is funded by the Next Generation EU initiative and is part of a broader strategy to restore ecosystems across Spain, with over €7 million allocated to similar efforts in the region until mid-2026.
The Villaviciosa estuary is recognized as the second most significant natural estuary in the Cantabrian Sea, featuring crucial geomorphological, botanical, and faunal values. Efforts are ongoing to collaborate with local authorities to further enhance the conservation of this vital natural heritage.