The Vega Alta of Segura River (Southeast of Spain): A Wetland of International Importance

The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, which establishes nine criteria related to natural values and a cultural one that wetlands must meet to be included in the list of wetlands of international importance. We aim to evaluate if the wetlands of the Vega Alta of the Segura River (southeast of Spain) meet the requirements to fulfil this agreement. Thanks to meticulous fieldwork and a bibliographic review related to the stated objective, we collected information on the existing environmental and cultural values. The results show that this set of wetlands is home to 11 species of threatened vertebrates in Spain, two priority habitats in the European Union, as well as cultural values related to their origin, conservation, and ecological functioning. Likewise, in the area there are archaeological sites, traditional uses of water associated with the cultivation of rice, and religious manifestations. Effective wetland inventories and rigorous analyzes of their ecological and environmental characteristics, as well as their socioeconomic functions, need to be carried out in order to improve their management and protection. This wetland certainly meets three criteria to be included in the Ramsar Convention list of wetlands.

Automated summary

The Ramsar Convention is a treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands, with nine criteria related to natural values and one to cultural values. The wetlands of the Vega Alta of the Segura River in southeast Spain meet these criteria, harboring threatened vertebrate species, priority habitats, and cultural values. Rigorous evaluation and inventory of wetlands are necessary for effective management and protection, with this wetland meeting three criteria for Ramsar Convention listing.