Valencia’s Albufera nature reserve polluted by tonnes of waste after the devastating floods

Bent over in the rice fields, dozens of volunteers in full protective equipment responded to the call of the Valencian Society for Ornithology (SVO) to collect and sort waste scattered throughout Valencia’s Albufera Natural Park in early December. The Poyo valley, which was flooded by devastating flooding in the southern suburbs of the regional capital on October 29, leads into this wetland on the Mediterranean coast, which is home to migratory birds and has enormous environmental value.

The violence of the wave, which caused the death of 222 people and the disappearance of 4 people in the state, is still visible in the middle of the fields. The waters washed away tons of debris, destroying everything in its path, including Silla’s industrial and commercial district.

Nearly 40 days later, they continue to pollute approximately 1,000 hectares in the northern part of the 21,000-hectare lagoon, which is listed as a Natura 2000 protected area. “We have not detected any increase in fish or bird deaths, but we are concerned. The fields are full of pesticides, hydrocarbons and wastewater are scattered around,” said SVO vice president Pedro Antonio del Baño.

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