Biodiversity

The Protection of Biodiversity is a Priority

We protect and foster Biodiversity
 

As a leading organization in water management, we are convinced of the importance of conserving natural resources. For this reason, we especially care for ecosystems within our facilities through an action plan to integrate biodiversity recovery into our environment.

Biodiversity Strategy
  • Restoration of key ecosystems in the water cycle
  • Environmental education and awareness
  • Prevention and control of threats and impacts
  • Enhancement of ecosystem services in urban areas
  • Naturalization of integrated water cycle infrastructures

We collaborate with the Southeast Naturalists’ Association (ANSE) within the framework of our IV Collaboration Agreement (2024-2027) for the "Promotion of Biodiversity to contribute to terrestrial ecosystems within the scope of Aguas de Murcia". In this way, we generate direct synergies for biological conservation and the fulfillment of United Nations SDG 15: Life on Land.

  • Actions to Highlight Carried Out (Balance 2024-2025)

    • Maintenance and consolidation of forest stands at the Contraparada WTP. Technical monitoring of the survival of the COMPENSO project plantations in the area around the Contraparada WTP, progressing in the absorption and compensation of CO₂ emissions.
    • Naturalization of new facilities (Sucina WWTP and Corvera WWTP). Initial biological inventory, design of specific action plans, and first deployments of nest boxes for birds and shelters for bats.
    • Conservation and inspection of wildlife shelters at Murcia Este WWTP and Contraparada WTP. Maintenance and census of nest boxes, bat shelters, and insect hotels, verifying the breeding success of native species such as the great tit (Parus major) and the spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor). 
    • Satellite tracking (GPS) of the booted eagle. Continuous monitoring of the adult specimen tagged in 2023, successfully recording its trans-Saharan migratory routes to Niger (3 outbound and 2 return trips to the area around the La Pinada reservoir).
    • Study of wildlife at drinking troughs and reservoirs. Continuous biological monitoring through camera trapping and scientific bird ringing at the La Pinada drinking trough, recording the presence and use by raptors such as the common buzzard.
    • Corporate and Environmental Volunteering Days. Three participatory sessions were held with Aguas de Murcia staff, exceeding the initial forecast:
    - Planting of elms (Ulmus minor) on the banks of the Segura River next to the Murcia East WWTP
    - Construction and installation of an insect hotel at the Murcia Este WWTP as part of the Biobserva Volunteer program
    - Creation of a butterfly garden and promotion of pollinators at the Contraparada Water Treatment Plant (ETAP)
    • Technical Consulting in Environmental Audits. Ongoing collaboration in drafting technical documentation for the Murcia Este WWTP.

  • Actions to Highlight Planned for 2025-2027

    • Expansion of the Riverside Forest at the Contraparada WTP. Integral ecological restoration over 3,000 m² of newly acquired land, including waste removal, clearing, elimination of invasive reed beds, planting of native riverside trees and shrubs, and installation of an irrigation network.
    • Continuation with the COMPENSO Project. Periodic maintenance of the forest stands already established at the Contraparada WTP and calculation of carbon absorption.
    • Comprehensive implementation of measures in new WWTPs. Completion of the biodiversity promotion measures included in the action plans of the Sucina and Corvera WWTPs.
    • Replacement and maintenance of infrastructures for wildlife. Replacement of nest boxes and refuge islands deteriorated over time at the Murcia Este WWTP and at the Contraparada WTP.
    • Expansion of wildlife telemetry monitoring.
    - Tagging with a GPS transmitter of a new booted eagle at the La Pinada watering hole, reusing the recovered device
    - Incorporation of GPS transmitters to other specimens and species in the vicinity of the facilities with the support of experts and veterinarians
    • Technical and public publication and dissemination.
    - Editing of a wildlife guide for the facilities and surroundings of the La Pinada drinking trough based on censuses and camera trapping
    - Dissemination in the media and press releases about the migratory and biological milestones of the monitored species
    - Periodic maintenance and updating of the website
    • Continuity of the Environmental Volunteer Program. New annual calls for environmental and corporate volunteering with employees for ecosystem care and plant naturalization.
    • Action Plans derived from Sustainability Audits. Ongoing support in environmental assessments and consolidation of the Biodiversity Action Plan at the Murcia Este WWTP.