The Water Route of the Inglares River in Álava has received new enhancements aimed at boosting its biodiversity and conservation. These updates include measures to strengthen protection, create new spaces for wildlife, and better manage visitor flow, thereby increasing safety and promoting responsible enjoyment within this protected natural setting between Berganzo and Payueta.

A key focus of the project has been the rehabilitation of the Casa de las Conchas and its surrounding area. This space now serves as a hub for biodiversity and a refuge for wildlife, featuring installed bat and insect nesting boxes, a butterfly oasis, structures for reptiles, and an improved pond for amphibians.

Environmental and usage improvements encompass the removal of waste and invasive vegetation. The building and its plot have been adapted as a wildlife and biodiversity sanctuary, fostering coexistence between public use and conservation. To protect fragile elements, wooden fencing and new viewpoints have been installed, alongside repairs to sections of the main trail to prevent access to sensitive or degraded zones.

Additionally, eroded areas have been closed off to aid natural recovery, and infrastructure such as the staircase at the cascada de las Herrerías has been renovated. The project also includes interpretive panels that inform visitors about the area's values and the actions undertaken, helping them understand the ecological processes being protected.

The Water Route is situated within the ZEC-ZEPA area of the Sierras Meridionales. The implemented actions encourage responsible enjoyment of the space, emphasizing respect for nature and local wildlife.

This initiative exemplifies Álava's Participatory Budgets, a process initiated in 2022 that empowers citizens to propose and decide on projects. The submission period for the 2027 Participatory Budgets has recently closed, with a total of 23 citizen proposals submitted across categories like mobility, accessibility, heritage, natural spaces, and facilities.