The OM2 project is launching in the Murcia region and could play a crucial role in the future of the Mar Menor. Authorities have allocated 12 million euros to create a modern center that will combine scientific research with educational programs. This decision is directly linked to the urgent need to respond to the lagoon’s deteriorating condition and the threat faced by unique local species.
The new Center for the Conservation and Restoration of Mar Menor Species will be located on the grounds of the former airport, with a completely reimagined use of space. The project includes not only restoring 15,000 square meters of buildings but also turning up to 30,000 square meters of old asphalt into a natural area. This approach aims to integrate scientific work with the real transformation of the surrounding environment.
The center will feature 21 marine tanks and seven laboratories, four of which will be open to visitors. The facility is designed to conduct research focused on preserving rare and endangered species, as well as analyzing biological and ecological parameters. According to russpain.com, this type of infrastructure could serve as a model for other regions of Spain facing similar environmental challenges.
Science and Society
OM2 is designed as a space where science becomes accessible to a wide audience. Visitors will be able to observe experts at work, participate in educational programs, and learn about complex ecosystem restoration processes. This approach aims to raise environmental awareness and engage local residents in solving the challenges facing Mar Menor.
The project is being implemented with the support of the regional government, universities, and research institutes. Partners include the Universidad de Murcia, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, IMIDA, the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, and the Oceanogràfic Foundation. Funding comes from EU resources (60%) and the Murcia regional budget (40%).
Authorities emphasize that OM2 will serve not just as a scientific hub, but also as a tourist attraction. The center is expected to draw attention from both professionals and the general public, becoming a new landmark for visitors to the region. The architectural concept includes panoramic views of the lagoon and themed pavilions dedicated to various marine ecosystems.
Architecture and innovation
The design of the center is based on principles of sustainability and maximum integration with nature. Restoring part of the old airport terminal and transforming the parking lot into a green space highlights the importance of bringing nature back into the urban environment. Inside, the building will house three themed zones dedicated to the ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and Mar Menor itself.
Visitors can follow a route from the outdoor areas through educational classrooms and zones for schoolchildren to the main pavilions. This approach offers not only an introduction to scientific work but also a chance to see real changes in the environment. The project’s architect notes that the goal was to create a space open and accessible to everyone, rather than limiting it to the building’s walls.
The mayor of San Javier highlights OM2’s potential as a new tourist attraction. According to him, the center will help draw attention to the issues of Mar Menor and show how important environmental care is for future generations.
Long-term prospects
Regional authorities believe that restoring Mar Menor is a task that requires time, consistency, and a scientific approach. OM2 is set to become a permanent source of data and analytics to support fact-based decision-making rather than emotional responses. The center will collect and analyze information on water quality, biodiversity, and the effectiveness of implemented measures.
The OM2 project is not the first initiative to protect Mar Menor. Previously, the region established monitoring centers and rare species banks, but the new center stands out for its scale and comprehensive approach. In recent years, Spain has paid increasing attention to environmental issues, and OM2 could serve as an example of how science and society can work together to tackle complex challenges.
Other regions of the country are also carrying out projects to restore aquatic ecosystems. For example, in Valencia and Catalonia, programs are being implemented to clean lagoons and protect rare fish species. These initiatives demonstrate that integrating science, education, and public involvement is becoming a key factor for success in the fight to preserve nature.
