Sustainable Development
Natural areas
Traditional fishing in the Fondó of Elche
Elche has rich and well-conserved natural resources. It has Mediterranean wetlands of a highly biotic nature that makes them places which are highly appreciated by naturalists and fans of bird-watching.
Elche has Mediterranean wetlands of a highly biotic nature The conservation of these areas over the years, means that areas of high biological and environmental value can be enjoyed, such as El Fondó Nature Reserve (2,387 hectares), a former endorheic basin used as a reservoir for irrigation, which is one of the areas in the Valencian Community with the greatest richness in birdlife; las Salinas Nature Reserve (2,496 hectares) is a salt marsh of national importance, with high natural values, a unique landscape and an important protective function against flooding; the Clot de Galvany (180 hectares), is an endorheic basin fed by irrigation channels and is home to numerous plant species of great interest and has a Nature Classroom where educational activities can be carried out.
Flamingos in the Fondó of ElcheThere are also other areas where a great display of nature typical of the district can be seen, as well as unforgettable landscapes such as El Embalse d’Elx (Elche reservoir), Els Carrissars or the dunes of La Marina.
In addition, the city of Elche offers a unique urban landscape defined by The Palmeral, the biggest palm tree groves in Europe, legacy of the Andalusian agricultural culture, declared World Heritage by UNESCO in the year 2000.
Outside the urban area is the Camp d’Elx, which is made up of 30 rural districts in which important urban centres can also be found. This has evolved into an area of reference for the establishment of secondary homes which share the countryside with high-production agricultural zones.
