
Celebrating World Wetlands Day: The Role of Las Llamas in Sustainable Water Management
Every year, on February 2nd, we celebrate World Wetlands Day, a moment to recognise the critical role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and protecting our environment. Wetlands—whether marshes, swamps, peatlands, or urban green spaces—are among the most productive and ecologically significant ecosystems on our planet. They act as natural water filters, improve climate resilience, and provide vital habitats for diverse species.
Why Are Wetlands So Important?
Wetlands perform several essential environmental functions, including
- Water Purification – Wetlands naturally filter pollutants and improve water quality.
- Flood Control – They absorb excess rainwater, reducing the risk of floods.
- Biodiversity Hotspots – They support a vast range of flora and fauna, serving as breeding grounds for birds, fish, and amphibians.
- Carbon Sequestration – Wetlands store carbon, helping to combat climate change.
Las Llamas: A Key Wetland in D4RUNOFF
One of the case studies in the D4RUNOFF project is Las Llamas Park in Santander, Spain—an urban wetland that plays a vital role in managing stormwater runoff while enhancing local biodiversity.
Las Llamas Wetland is an artificially restored ecosystem, covering approximately 300,000 m² in the city. It serves as a green lung for Santander, helping regulate water flow and mitigate flooding risks. The wetland acts as a natural water treatment system, filtering pollutants before they reach the bay. It also provides an essential habitat for bird species and aquatic life, making it a valuable site for conservation and research.
Additionally, Las Llamas is a valuable space for the residents of Santander, offering opportunities for sports and outdoor activities that enhance well-being and quality of life.
D4RUNOFF’s Work at Las Llamas
As part of D4RUNOFF, Las Llamas is a demonstration site where innovative nature-based solutions (NbS) will be tested to enhance urban water management. The project aims to:
- Improve water filtration capacity to reduce pollution.
- Optimise stormwater management to mitigate urban flooding.
- Enhance biodiversity by preserving the wetland ecosystem.
- Develop data-driven solutions to support sustainable city planning.
Las Llamas park has already been the centre of attention in the project as it has been visited by various international students – tours led by the University of Cantabria and it has been featured in different online and offline events, the last one in collaboration with the European projects Sponge Works and ALFAwetlands.
Moreover, this wetland is a central asset for the Project Santander Capital Natural with special activities related with its wonderful biodiversity, like the visit organised by SEObirdlife to watch the birds expending the winter in Santander.
Protecting Wetlands for a Resilient Future
The Las Llamas case study highlights the urgent need to protect and restore wetlands, especially in urban settings. As Europe faces increasing challenges with urbanisation, climate change, and water pollution, projects like D4RUNOFF demonstrate how integrating natural ecosystems into water management strategies can create more sustainable, climate-resilient cities.
On this World Wetlands Day, let’s celebrate these vital ecosystems and commit to preserving them for future generations. Keep to learn more info about our case study? Download the factsheet and the visit the Santander case study page.