During the 60s and 70s, the first and second ridge of dunes in la Devesa de l’Albufera of Valencia were flattened and the malladas were filled with sand. As a result, the land was levelled, and the characteristic dune morphology disappeared.

The purpose of these actions was to prepare the terrain to perform a large urban project in the area. Numerous infrastructures (urban development, roads, carparks, drinking water and sewage networks, etc.) were built throughout the area.

As a result of public pressure, this urban project was paralysed. Even though some areas remained untouched, many infrastructures were carried out. Thus, from an ecological and landscaping point of view, these alterations had serious short and long-term repercussions throughout the area. As a result, the vegetation was badly damaged, especially the most sensitive species such as the maritime juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarp), which almost disappeared.

The Life Duna project (2001-2004) launched the integral regeneration of a sector of la Devesa located south of the Gola de Pujol. To this end, all the infrastructures were eliminated and 2,100 linear meters of the first ridge of moving dunes, as well as 15,000 m2 of mallada were restored.

Likewise, the Life Enebro project (2005-2007) aims to complete the actions undertaken in the Life Duna project. The objective is to recover the undulatory morphology of 55 hectares between the Gola de Pujol and the Parador Nacional (state-owned hotel), in order to cover an area of 216,000 m2 creating a habitat adapted for maritime juniper and 73,000 m2 of malladas.

**** Mallada: Type of lagoon which fills up during the humid season and dries up during the summer.