The former passenger terminal at San Javier Airport, which for years served as the arrival point for thousands of tourists, is about to definitively trade airline tickets for top-tier scientific research. The Government of the Region of Murcia continues to make progress in transforming the future Mar Menor Conservation and Recovery Center, technically known as OM2, from a mere sketch on paper into a tangible reality that will serve as a shield for one of the most unique ecosystems in Europe and Spain.
This ambitious project is not just a statement of intent; it already has a well-defined roadmap that seeks to integrate applied science with environmental education so that we can all understand what happens underwater. The technical team in charge of the design has already presented the basic project and is currently finalizing the last details to deliver the definitive construction document before the end of August. The idea is that, once the administrative procedures are completed, the construction will be put out to tender and the former airfield will be filled with scientific activity as soon as possible.
A multi-million dollar investment to protect biodiversity
Setting up this center is no small feat, with a total investment estimated at around €12 million. To achieve such a sum, a mixed funding model has been adopted, with the European Union contributing a significant portion through ERDF funds, covering 60% of the budget, while the remaining 40% comes directly from the regional government's coffers. This deployment of resources has a very clear objective: to create a modern infrastructure capable of guaranteeing the survival of species that currently face considerable challenges in the saltwater lagoon, especially after critical episodes such as when the Mar Menor enters a state of anoxia.
It's not just a fish hospital, but a living laboratory. The center will focus on the care and reproduction of species that are true symbols of the Mar Menor. Among those receiving special attention are:
- La nacra, a critically endangered giant mollusk.
- The charismatic Seahorse.
- El fartet and the goby, small native fish.
- El chirrete and the curious sand dragon.
Smart architecture: reuse rather than destroy
What makes this proposal special is that it doesn't involve erecting a new concrete building in the middle of nowhere, but rather making use of what already exists. The design, by architects José Manuel Chacón and Enrique de Andrés, is committed to pure and simple sustainability. The intention is to reuse the facilities of the old San Javier terminal, following criteria of energy efficiency and integration with the landscape. It's a very sensible approach to public architecture, giving a second life to a space that would otherwise be left to languish.
To ensure that residents of the neighborhood and the entire region understand the project, an exhibition with 24 explanatory panels has been organized, showcasing all the details of the winning design and other proposals submitted to the competition. The Minister of the Environment, Juan MarÃa Vázquez, emphasized that OM2 was created with the aim of making knowledge accessible to the public , allowing citizens to see firsthand how work is being done to protect their natural heritage. Ultimately, it goes without saying that community involvement is essential for these projects to succeed.
In the coming months, once the construction project receives final approval after the summer, the bidding process will begin among construction companies to determine who will carry out the work. This new center promises to become a benchmark not only in the Region of Murcia, but also internationally, bringing together in one space the recovery of marine fauna , cutting-edge scientific research, and a meeting place where citizens can learn to appreciate the environmental treasure they have right next door.