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.
Figura 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)
Landscape improvement actions:
Remodeling of Francisco Montenegro Avenue
- Place: Francisco Montenegro Avenue
- Implementation status in 2021: completed
- Year: 2021-2022
- Investment and expenditure in €: €12 million
Reason
This action has changed the appearance of the previous 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.
Rebuilding the old Fountain of Nations
- Place: Francisco Montenegro Avenue
- Implementation status in 2021: underway
- Year: 2021-2022
- Investment and expenditure in €: €142,650
Reason
The Port of Huelva is continuing to strive to maintain and restore our architectural heritage.
Description
This involves building and restoring the former Fountain of Nations. This sculpture was designed as a resting place 500 metres from the Riotinto loading wharf. Unveiled on 9 July 1917, it was demolished in 1965 for the work to extend the current Avda. Francisco Montenegro.
End of main content