30 circular lagoons. A unique place in Europe.
The LIFE Ballesteros project brings a karst system on gypsum back to life, just 20 minutes from Cuenca.
+30
circular lagoons
2026 - 2029
January 2026 to June 2029
Natura 2000 Network
protected area
A unique wetland
Cenotes,
in Cuenca.
More than 30 circular lagoons on gypsum, a unique geological system that the LIFE Ballesteros project is bringing back to life.
Few places in Europe allow you to see a landscape in the process of formation.
30+
Karst sinks
Circular land depressions, created by the dissolution of water in gypsum rock, similar to Mexican cenotes.
About 20 minutes
From Cuenca
A natural space almost unknown to the people of Cuenca themselves, waiting to be rediscovered.
Unique
In Europe
An active karst system in gypsum, rare in Europe.
The project in numbers
Full-scale restoration
280 hectares
Surface area of restored natural space
30
Dragonfly and damselfly species. One third of those in Spain.
x10
The area of natural habitats is multiplied by 10
250.000
Planted masiery
What are we doing
Three stocks,
one single objective.
Return the water
We recovered the karst aquifer by reducing water extraction for irrigation and rehabilitating the floodplain, which had been dry for decades.
To know more
Recover life
With the water, invertebrates, aquatic plants, amphibians, and birds return. We are recovering charophytes and cattails, and monitoring biodiversity.
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Benefit the territory
The lagoons have been disconnected from neighboring municipalities for decades. We created an interpretive trail, an educational program, and agreements with farmers.
To know moreGallery
Ballesteros Lagoons
up close.
Latest news
What it is
Passing.
A public-private partnership
The partners who make it possible
Restoration.
Coordinate
Co-finances
Co-finances
Contributes
Contributes
Collaborate
Collaborate
Collaborate
Collaborate
Collaborate
The LIFE Ballesteros project is co-financed by the European Union's LIFE programme within the framework of biodiversity conservation and Natura 2000 network sites.
Come and see what few people know yet?
The lagoons are
waiting for you.
20 minutes from Cuenca, in the municipalities of Arcas, Valdetórtola, and Villar de Olalla. Free and marked access.
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