Artikutza is advancing in the recovery of the Enobieta river ecosystem

19/01/2026

The park’s information panel indicates the actions carried out by Donostia/San Sebastián City Council since 2018, restoring the irrigation channel and the Cantabrian alder grove and improving the habitat of protected species. 

The natural area of Artikutza is advancing in the recovery of its river ecosystems thanks to the naturalisation of the Enobieta reservoir, a strategic action carried out by Donostia/San Sebastián City Council included in the LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project and led by Neiker. After years of planned intervention, the previously flooded area is regaining its natural dynamics and a high level of ecological diversity. 

An information panel at the entrance to the park indicates all of the actions carried out and the results obtained since the start of the recovery project in 2018. The works began with the opening of the spillway floodgates for the controlled emptying of the reservoir. This process was completed in 2019 when it was emptied entirely. Since then, the actions have focused on restoring the original bed of the Enobieta irrigation channel and promoting the natural regeneration of the associated ecosystems. 

Today, the riverbed is evolving towards a more complex structure, with more stable sediments and riverbank vegetation that is recovering without the need for human intervention. This process is leading to the progressive development of the Cantabrian alder grove and a functional riverside woodland, which is key to the ecological resilience of the environment. 

Improved habitat  

The action has also focused on improving the habitat of different species. In the case of amphibians, although their conservation status is good, the scarcity of medium-sized ponds with permanent water led to the construction of three new ponds in the old reservoir in 2021. Furthermore, approximately two hectares of grassland have been created and maintained between 2021 and 2024, having used old photographs to recover the land in order to increase the diversity of the habitat and hence the biodiversity. 

The restoration of the Enobieta irrigation channel is particularly important for sensitive species, such as the desman, a small mammal in a critical situation whose survival depends on well-preserved river courses. Specific measures have also been planned to protect the numerous species of bats in Artikutza, some of which use the dam tunnel as a shelter, ensuring that it remains accessible to these colonies. 

The final milestone of the project is the partial demolition of the main dam, scheduled for 2026 within the framework of the LIFE Kantarubai project, which will complete the integration of the old reservoir into the natural landscape of Artikutza. 

This action is part of Action C4.2.6 of the LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project, focusing on the peri-urban green infrastructure to improve the resilience of the territory. Its aim is to bolster riverbank vegetation, monitor protected fauna and consolidate new natural areas that contribute to climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation.