Doñana National Park is located in the South of Spain in the provinces of Huelva and Seville. This nature reserve is considered to be the most important wetland in Europe. With a surface area of 54,000 hectares, it possesses a huge variety of ecosystems which have earned international recognition. Dunes, corrals, reserves and marshlands make up a territory in which the symbiosis between Nature and humanity has resulted in its consideration as a World Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.
Complementary to the creation of the National Park, Andalusia has reinforced Doñana’s emblematic status by extending the area subject to protection through the creation of the Doñana Natural Park. As a result, both the central and regional authorities are involved in the conservation of this natural space.
However, Doñana is everyone’s responsibility and its future requires a commitment on the part of society in general. Agriculture, the main source of employment and income in the area, therefore plays a highly important role in its conservation.
The European agricultural model possesses certain unique characteristics which go far beyond the mere production of goods and foodstuffs. Agriculture plays a fundamental role in the viability of rural areas and the conservation of biodiversity, while at the same time contributing to maintain employment and the promotion of positive environmental actions.
The cultivation of rice in the surroundings of the National Park is a perfect example of this. Not only does it often provide a fundamental food source for the birdlife in Doñana, the entire production is also subject to integrated production criteria, a system which involves compliance with numerous environmental requirements and above all a substantial reduction of inputs.