Doñana Terra Innova Project to Drive Sustainable Development in Andalusia
A modern initiative, Doñana Terra Innova, is underway to foster sustainable innovation within the municipalities surrounding the Doñana Natural Space in Andalusia, Spain. Subsidized by the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) and supported by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the project aims to position the region as a leader in socioeconomic development whereas preserving its unique natural resources.
Project Goals and Focus Areas
The two-year project will concentrate on identifying, diagnosing, and defining innovative initiatives. Key areas of focus include water management, sustainable agriculture, and improving employment conditions within the agricultural sector. The project will also involve the development of business plans and Public Procurement of Innovation (CPI) actions.
Key Components and Infrastructure
Doñana Terra Innova will support the development and deployment of several key components:
- Doñana 2030 Scientific-Technological Observatory: A center for scientific and technological monitoring.
- UHU Doñana University-Business Chair: A collaborative effort between the University of Huelva and local businesses.
- Living Lab Doñana 2030: A real-world testing ground for innovative solutions.
- Doñana Sustainable Agriculture Experimentation and Advanced Testing Center: A facility dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
- Doñana Sustainable Innovation Incubator and Accelerator: A program to support and grow new businesses focused on sustainability.
Collaboration and Consortium Members
The project is led by CTA (Technological Corporation of Andalusia) and involves a consortium of organizations including Asaja-Huelva, the Huelva Federation of Entrepreneurs (FOE), the EAR, and second-degree cooperatives OnuCoop and Seprocoop. The initiative was publicly launched in Almonte (Huelva) with participation from local authorities and representatives from the consortium.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Elías Atienza, General Director of CTA, emphasized the project’s importance as the first CTA action in 2026 as a strategic ally of the CDTI in Andalusia. He highlighted CTA’s role in supporting public administrations to accelerate research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) processes.1
Francisco Bella Galán, Mayor of Almonte, stated the project aligns with the potential and needs of the territory.1
José Rodríguez Quintero, Rector of the University of Huelva (UHU), underscored the university’s commitment to innovation in agriculture and the Doñana region, noting the expertise of UHU research groups in areas like species modification and agrovoltaics.1
Pilar González Gotor, Head of the Department of Institutional Promotion and Territorial Cooperation of the CDTI, explained the context and objectives of the Doñana revitalization call that supports the project and announced future funding opportunities.
Reforestation Efforts in Doñana
Alongside the launch of Doñana Terra Innova, the Moeve Foundation participated in a tree-planting event in the ‘Las Peñuelas’ area of Doñana Natural Space, led by the President of the Government of Andalusia, Juanma Moreno. This initiative is part of the ‘Doñana Renace’ project, which has seen the reforestation of 1.1 million plants in Moguer following a devastating fire in 2017.1 The Moeve Foundation has contributed 152,300 trees to the project since 2022.
About Doñana Natural Space
Doñana Natural Space encompasses 128,386 hectares and is comprised of two protected areas: the National Park (54,251.65 hectares) and the Natural Park (68,236 hectares).1 The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.2