WP6, specifically the projects Monitoring program at LTSER platform (LWE2103021) and Integration into VRE (LWE2103022) use the Doñana Natural Area as a study area, as a platform for Long Term Socio-Ecological Monitoring and Research (Doñana LTSER) integrated into the European Long Term Ecological Research Network eLTER. This protected area has different ecosystems representative of the Mediterranean climate: temporary marshes, phreatic lagoons, Mediterranean mountains and a dune-coastal system, harbouring an extraordinary biodiversity. As a conservation mandate, up-to-date knowledge of the conservation status of different species, populations, habitats and ecological processes is required. To this end, the Natural Processes Monitoring Team (ESPN) of the EBD has been implementing the Natural Processes Monitoring Programme (NPMP) since 2003, which collects long-term information in a protocolised manner. This programme, together with the implementation of automatic stations of the ICTS-Doñana, has made it possible to highlight and warn of the threats to the hydrological system, the disappearance of species, the reduction of population numbers, the appearance of invasive species, the effects of climate change, the different disturbances, the effects of management and restoration programmes, etc. Among these, the role of extreme events in the functioning of ecosystems (water and carbon flows), the modification of the phenological dynamics of primary producers, the reduction of the hydroperiod of their wetlands or the fragmentation of the surrounding landscape are the main objects of study in tasks 6.2 and 6.3.
In WP8, the isotopic study of atmospheric gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O) and gases dissolved in water (O2, N2 and Ar) will be carried out. Estimates of primary production by GPP18O (photosynthesis/respiration balances) for some key points of the wetland. Collection of lake sediments (approximately 2000 years ago) to reconstruct the paleohydrological evolution and the effects of global change. Isotopic study of tree rings (water use efficiency and effects of Global Change). Isotopic study of nitrates, nitrites and ammonium: denitrification processes and relationship with episodes of anoxia.