27 de February de 2026
Dinamización rural
Cambio climático y gestión de recursos naturales
The Association for Rural Development of Andalusia (ARA) coordinates the project, in which three Local Action Groups (LAGs) participate in the area surrounding the Doñana National Park
- The Association for Rural Development of Andalusia (ARA) coordinates the project, in which three Local Action Groups (LAGs) participate in the area surrounding the Doñana National Park
- Its objective is to ensure sustainable development that is compatible with the conservation of the area. To achieve this, it will identify innovative initiatives in the agri-food, tourism, and local public services sectors.
Doñana, recognized worldwide as a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve , and part of the Natura 2000 network , is home to one of Europe's most valuable ecological complexes and faces urgent challenges regarding water management, soil restoration, and adaptation to climate change. To strengthen competitiveness, the local socioeconomic fabric, generate employment, and ensure sustainable development compatible with the conservation of this environment, several organizations have created the NETZERO DOÑANA (Doñana Zero Emissions) project.
The initiative is coordinated by the Association for Rural Development of Andalusia (ARA) and the Local Action Groups (LAGs) Aljarafe-Doñana , Condado de Huelva and Campiña de Jerez and Costa Noroeste de Cádiz are participating , in addition to the University of Cádiz (UCA), the Andalusian Renewable Energy Association (CLANER) and the Considera Group. These entities began their joint activities in January 2026, with an initial meeting, and will continue until 2027.
According to ARA officials, the first meeting was “very satisfactory for the project partnership and the three LAGs”, who have another opportunity “to continue to revitalize these territories socially and economically and at the same time turn this space into a benchmark for sustainability and territorial innovation”.
Goals
To become a benchmark in sustainability and circularity, Doñana Zero Emissions has established the following specific objectives:
Territorial diagnosis : identifying barriers and opportunities for innovation in key sectors such as agri-food, sustainable tourism, and local public services . To this end, they will develop “a portfolio of leading decarbonization projects with demonstrable impact and replicability,” they explain.
Advanced training through a UCA microcredentials program to certify skills in decarbonization and circular economy.
Innovation Hub : create a hybrid space (digital platform and face-to-face meetings) for knowledge exchange and connection with European networks.
Technical support : Directly advising SMEs and municipalities on the preparation of investment projects in energy efficiency and self-consumption.
Local governance, creation of energy communities, inclusion of vulnerable groups and with a gender perspective.
Performances
The project has announced five phases of action:
Management and coordination: establishment of the governance structure and quality and equality plans.
Previous studies and diagnosis of innovation and circularity.
Social training and education through educational materials and sector-specific workshops for businesses and citizens.
Innovation and cooperation hub through the implementation of a collaborative platform and the organization of regional meetings.
Support for SMEs and local councils to define practical measures for reducing emissions and managing waste.
The projected impact includes at least 30 identified decarbonization proposals, with expected results in emissions reductions, the promotion of energy communities, and the strengthening of the socioeconomic resilience of the Doñana area of influence. This area encompasses a population of over 156,000 inhabitants in the municipalities of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Almonte, Bollullos Par del Condado, Bonares, Hinojos, Lucena del Puerto, Moguer, Palos de la Frontera, Rociana del Condado, Aznalcázar, Isla Mayor, La Puebla del Río, Pilas, and Villamanrique de la Condesa.
Participants and funding
ARA is coordinating this project, which involves the Local Action Groups (LAGs) of Aljarafe-Doñana , Condado de Huelva , Campiña de Jerez, and Costa Noroeste de Cádiz . They also have the collaboration of the University of Cádiz (UCA), the Andalusian Renewable Energy Cluster (CLANER), and the Considera Group.
It has a budget of 336,295 euros, financed by the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, as part of the Framework of Actions for the sustainable territorial development of the area of influence of the Doñana natural space .