Albufera of Gaianes
Spain · Europe
About
The Albufera de Gaianes (Valencian: [albuˈfeɾa ðe ɣaˈjanes]) is a freshwater lagoon in the municipality of Gaianes (Alicante), Valencian Community, in eastern Spain.
It is an endorheic basin lagoon whose waters enter the Serpis river. Its existence is documented from the beginning of 15th century. The former lagoon was desiccated to avoid disease during the Spanish Civil War. In 2004, after a few strong rains, the natural space recovered.
In 2007 the lagoon was included in the natural space landscape protected are of the Serpis river. It became a natural protected space supporting a diversity of flora and fauna.
The lagoon is frequented by migratory birds, nidificantes and invernantes. It supports autochthonous turtles. It is surrounded by dryland fields.
Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.