Miteco Invests €110M to Restore Mar Menor Environment
Miteco has allocated €110 million to initiatives aimed at restoring the Mar Menor environment. This investment is part of a broader recovery budget of €675.05 million designated for the Mar Menor lagoon. By the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, Miteco reported that €226.6 million, or approximately 33.56% of the planned investment, has already been committed for the restoration of the ecosystem around the lagoon.
Key Restoration Projects
Sand Dune Restoration in La Manga
One significant project recently undertaken involves the Phase I restoration of dunes in six areas of La Manga del Mar Menor. This initiative aims to preserve the natural characteristics of a highly urbanized zone, with an initial investment of €210,000. The restored dunes will enhance the stability of the coastal ecosystem.
Support for Sustainable Livestock Farming
Miteco is also focusing on agriculture and livestock sectors. It has initiated a funding call, offering €11.5 million through the Fundación Biodiversidad. These funds will support environmentally friendly improvements in intensive livestock operations and promote extensive livestock farming in the Campo de Cartagena. Decisions on this funding are expected in early 2026, complementing previous grants aimed at enhancing sustainable practices.
Infrastructure Improvements
Regarding infrastructure enhancement, Miteco has allocated €20 million for the development of separate stormwater networks and the improvement of sanitation systems in municipalities around the Mar Menor basin. These efforts are targeted at reducing wastewater leaks, thereby minimizing lagoon pollution.
Enhancing Hydrological Infrastructure
The Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS) has launched a recovery project for the rambla of La Pescadería and the flood park in Los Alcázares, with a budget of €35.8 million. This project is expected to go to tender soon, signaling important advancements in hydrological infrastructure in the area.
Mining Area Rehabilitation
Another critical initiative involves environmental remediation of the fourth mining complex in Sierra de Cartagena and La Unión, specifically in the Peña del Águila zone. This includes the restoration of the Llano del Beal and Sancti Spiritu sites, amounting to an investment of €8 million. Miteco has also begun preservation and consolidation works at the old “Los Burros” mine in Brunita, an industrial heritage site in the region.
A Sustainable Future for Mar Menor
These initiatives represent a comprehensive effort to rehabilitate the Mar Menor, one of the most vital natural areas in the Murcia region. Miteco has made significant strides in managing discharges and restoring habitats. Long-term actions in the watershed aim to ensure a more sustainable future for the lagoon and surrounding regions.
Moreover, Miteco’s measures positively impact the local economy, fostering a shift towards an eco-friendlier model in agriculture, livestock, and fishing while preserving essential natural ecosystems.
