Natural environment
Start of main content
A_26
Natural spaces in the vicinity of the Port of Huelva (A_26)
The Port of Huelva is in a setting of great biological and environmental wealth, and adjacent to which, and even within the Service Area, there are different protected natural spaces with a surface area of approximately 12,000 Ha, 560 of which are in the Port of Huelva’s Service Area.
Those spaces enjoy different protection statuses, including: Natural Site, Natural Reserve, Biosphere Reserve (MAB Programme), Wetlands of International Importance include in the RAMSAR List, Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Sites of Community Interest (SICs) and which are indicated below:
| Name | Type of space10 | Distance to the port11 |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Area - Marismas del Odiel | MAB, RAMSAR, ZEPA, LIC | Partially included |
| Nature Area - Estero Domingo Rubio | ZEPA, LIC | 0 Km |
| Nature Area - Laguna de Palos y las Madres | RAMSAR, LIC | 3.2 Km |
| Nature Reserve - Isla de Enmedio | MAB, RAMSAR, ZEPA, LIC | 1 Km |
| Nature Reserve - Marismas del Burro | MAB, RAMSAR, ZEPA, LIC | 0 Km |
10 LIC, ZEPA, Humedal RAMSAR, Site of Cultural Interest, etc.
11 The distance is taken to be to the physical port, in other words, Shore Zone and Zone 1. When it is partially or fully within, “included” or “partially included” will be indicated as appropriate. When it is adjoining, “0 km” will be indicated.
The Odiel Saltmarshes Natural Site, has been declared a Biosphere Reserve, Special Protection Area (SPA), SIC and included on the RAMSAR List, stands out for its environmental values and area (6,631 Ha) among those spaces.
This Site is partially included in the Service Area of the Port, with a surface area of 562 Ha, specifically, on the right bank of the Odiel estuary where there are practically no port facilities. There is therefore a close link between the management of this natural area and the Port Authority, and is represented on its board.
The ecological value of the Odiel Saltmarsh natural space is that it has continentalised and tidal estuary saltmarsh ecosystems, as well being highly productive coastal sandbank ecosystems, which are a strategic point for migratory birds’ nesting and breeding and are home to a large variety of habitats and landscapes.
Declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1983, the Odiel Saltmarsh Natural Site is home to protected species, including the spoonbill, grey heron, purple heron, marsh harrier, osprey, flamingo, black stork and otter, among others.
Figure 1: Protected natural spaces in the vicinity of the Port of Huelva Source: Prepared by the authors.
A_28
Schematic description projects to regenerate the natural environment undertaken by the Port Authority and value in euros of the cost of those actions (A_28)
Remodelling of the Francisco Montenegro Avenue
- Place: Francisco Montenegro Avenue
- Development status in 2020: underway
- Year: 2020-2021
- Investment and expenditure in €: €9.6 million
Reason
This action is going to change the appearance of the current avenue by turning it into a boulevard, with new parking areas, 1,500 trees and 24,000 plants.
Description
It consists of the landscape and aesthetical remodelling of the avenue, with the creation of large landscaped areas and reducing noise pollution by installing new low noise impact paving as the outcome of an innovation project conducted by Huelva Port Authority.
Refurbishing the Monument to Columbus
- Place: Area around the Monument to the Faith of the Explorer
- Development status in 2020: developed
- Year: 2020
- Investment and expenditure in €: €203,699.98
Reason
The Monument to Columbus, the work of the North-American sculptor Gertrude Vanderbil Whitney, and the iconic symbol of the City, was initially unveiled on 29 April 1029, as a gift from the Columbus Memorial Fund to the Spanish people in memory of the discovery.
The decision was taken to restore the monument, given the great wear and tear to the its outer part, the detection of chipping, along with the worn masonry and rust to the mountings. The restoration work began at the end of 2019.
Description
The project to restore this Asset of Cultural Interest was approved by the Provincial Heritage Committee, which requested that a prior assessment of the stone be included in the restoration project, along with commissioning the work to an accredited restorer. Therefore, inspections were conducted and laboratory tests carried out, followed by the cleaning techniques of various stages and replacing natural stone, along with replacing the mountings, pointing masonry and replacement with restoration mortar. The work concluded with a consolidation and waterproofing treatment for the correct upkeep of the monument. Finally, the surrounding areas was repaved for the use and enjoying of the public.
Huelva estuary river promenade and pedestrian walkway
- Place: Huelva River Estuary
- Development status in 2020: developed
- Year: 2016
- Investment and expenditure in €: the investment is included in the one previously defined
Reason
- Port-City outreach.
Description
- A river walk (1 km long and 80 m wide) has been built near to the city. The city was opened recently and has been warmly welcomed by society. The walk has been a very positive contribution to the Port-City integration as it showcases a zone traditionally used by the citizens of Huelva.
- A pedestrian walkway (3322 m long and 2 m wide) has been built along the left bank of the River Odiel estuary, between the former Pertrechos Wharf and Punta de Sebo. The aim of the project was to facilitate the connection between the city of Huelva and Punta del Sebo using alternative means of transport.
- Furthermore, an environmental route has been set up along the pedestrian pathway along the Avenida Francisco Montenegro.
- In 2020, work was carried out along the whole stretch, including refurbishing the paving and timber walkways, which now have night lighting, along the pedestrian pathway.
End of main content