Spain is among the European countries most affected by desertification., an environmental challenge that not only affects the landscape of many regions but also compromises the rural economy, water resources, and biodiversity. Seventy-five percent of the country's territory is considered at risk, and experts warn that this process has been accelerated by natural and human causes.
Loss of soil fertility, depletion of water resources and environmental degradation These phenomena are becoming increasingly evident in areas such as Andalusia, Murcia, the Valencian Community, and Castilla-La Mancha. For researchers and environmental organizations, the key lies in combining innovative strategies with traditional knowledge to prevent the earth from reaching irreversible thresholds.
What is desertification and why is it advancing in Spain?
La desertification It is the progressive degradation of soils in arid, semi-arid and dry areas, caused by climatic variations and human activitiesAlthough commonly associated with dunes or extreme droughts, it actually involves processes such as erosion, salinization, vegetation loss, reduced fertility, and alterations in the hydrological cycle of the territory.
Recent studies indicate that overexploitation of water, intensive agriculture and climate change These are determining factors. In regions like Murcia, pressure on aquifers and wetlands has led to the rapid disappearance of springs and the depletion of water sources, leaving the soil drier and more fragile. Rising temperatures and reduced rainfall, along with the intensive use of land for agriculture, have contributed to the loss of organic carbon, essential for maintaining soil fertility and water retention capacity.
Another important problem is the hydrological paradox, where technologically advanced agricultural systems, focused on irrigation efficiency, end up generating greater pressure on aquifers as they free up resources for new crops and agricultural land. This overexploitation even puts underground water sources at risk.
The role of agriculture and the need to recover traditional practices
Agriculture, especially irrigated agriculture, consumes nearly 80% of the water in SpainThe expansion of irrigation and the inappropriate use of agrochemicals have led to erosion, the loss of soil life, and nitrate contamination, exacerbating desertification. The constant pressure on water resources has put many basins, such as the Segura, Júcar, and Guadalquivir, at risk, generating episodes of high or severe water stress.
Therefore, the need arises Recover traditional irrigation systems, manage water in a community-based manner, and adopt agroecological practicesTechniques such as flood irrigation, terracing, and the protection of ditches and banks promote aquifer recharge, maintain fertility, and increase resilience to drought and flooding. Restoring dryland crops, using cover crops, and replacing white fallow land with legumes also improve soil health and its carbon storage capacity.
Organizations such as Greenpeace advocate for a transformation of the agri-food system towards agroecology, aiming for 2050% organic agriculture and livestock farming by 100. This approach promotes the reduction of CO₂ emissions, improved soil health, and the restoration of the agricultural landscape as a carbon sink and biodiversity hotspot.
National strategies and projects to curb desertification
Given the magnitude of the problem, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge has implemented the National Strategy to Combat Desertification, which includes a 2025-2027 action plan focused on sustainable land management, the restoration of degraded areas, and the integration of land degradation neutrality, in line with the United Nations' global objectives. Its measures include forest restoration, the creation of green belts, and artificial wetlands in vulnerable areas, such as the Mar Menor area.
The active participation of autonomous communities, city councils, scientists, and farmers is essential. Participatory governance, technical training, and networking are encouraged to share knowledge and promote restoration initiatives. Examples of good practices include the integration of extensive livestock farming into forest management, the use of organic waste as fertilizer, and the diversification of drought-adapted crops.
The future of soils and the importance of looking long-term
The descent of organic carbon in soils, especially along the Mediterranean coast and in parks such as Cabo de Gata-Níjar, affects fertility and resilience to climate change. Agricultural areas with little vegetation cover are more vulnerable to erosion, fires, and flash floods, which also impacts rural communities and their economies.
Experts agree that Relying solely on technological solutions is not enoughThe key is to balance agricultural and livestock practices with the natural limits of the environment, improve training and awareness, and restore degraded landscapes through sustainable and collaborative projects. It is necessary to address the desertification in a comprehensive manner, aligned with sustainability objectives, to ensure the future viability of the territory and society.
Spain has decades of research and successful examples of soil restoration, as well as social movements that promote a more respectful relationship with the land. The task is to scale these solutions, adapt them to each context, and foster a productive and social model that coexists with the climate without depleting resources. With each restored territory, the possibility of a less arid and more sustainable future for all opens up.