Celebrating Environmental Commitment: The Third Edition of the ‘Fuerteventura, te queremos… bonita!!!’ Awards
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura recently hosted an inspiring event on the lush island, celebrating community involvement in environmental stewardship at the third edition of the ‘Fuerteventura, te queremos… bonita!!!’ Awards. This annual initiative recognizes and encourages the efforts of local residents in preserving and enhancing the island’s stunning landscapes and environments.
Honors Bestowed
The awards ceremony took place in the historic Plenary Hall of the Cabildo, presided over by President Marcial Morales. Attendees included regional political figures such as Isaí Blanco, the mayor of La Oliva; Marcelino Cerdeña, the mayor of Betancuria; and Nicolás Gutiérrez, the mayor of Puerto del Rosario. These dignitaries, along with members of the jury, gathered to acknowledge outstanding contributions to Fuerteventura’s natural beauty.
In this edition, the coveted award in the ‘Entornos Biosfera’ category was presented to Reiner Loos for his impressive project at La Casa de Santa María in Betancuria. This century-old country house exemplifies the rich cultural heritage of the island through its offerings of gastronomy, artisan crafts, cinema, and a virtual stable.
La Casa de Santa María: A Cultural Gem
During his acceptance speech, Loos expressed profound gratitude, highlighting the meticulous restoration of Casa Santa María and the Don Antonio restaurant, both teeming with traditional architectural beauty. He emphasized the innovative blend of traditional materials like stone and wood with modern design in the Casa de la Naturaleza exhibition hall.
“The award acknowledges our hard work over recent years and fuels our future projects aimed at uniting culture, tourism, and the environment,” he declared. He further expressed that receiving this honor was a personal milestone he would cherish forever.
Clean Ocean Project: Guardians of the Coast
The award in the ‘Pueblos/Barrios Biosfera’ category was awarded to the Clean Ocean Project, an organization dedicated to cleaning Fuerteventura’s pristine beaches and implementing educational initiatives to combat marine pollution. Founder Wim Geirnaert praised their dedicated team, stating, “Our efforts have created awareness in the population, leading to cleaner coastlines.”
Geirnaert also issued a call to action regarding marine pollution, advocating for a plastic deposit system and urging local governments to take decisive steps without waiting for broader regulations. “Every week, a dead whale washes ashore due to plastic ingestion. We treasure our island with its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, and we must protect it,” he emphasized.
A Unique Landscape and Future Aspirations
President Morales underscored Fuerteventura’s unique landscape, reflecting on the arrivals of the 1970s who recognized the island’s potential beyond just sun and wind. “What unites us all is our desire to make this island the best it can be for families and visitors alike,” he stated, affirming a commitment to developing a model that enhances the island’s beauty while respecting its natural resources.
Morales also pointed to the importance of transforming traditional farms into beautiful landmarks, restoring ancient irrigation systems that showcase the ingenuity of past generations and ensure sustainable agriculture for the future.
Words of Appreciation from Local Leaders
The event featured words of gratitude from local leaders. Mayor Isaí Blanco of La Oliva thanked Clean Ocean Project for their invaluable work and encouraged them to continue their impactful efforts. Marcelino Cerdeña, mayor of Betancuria, praised Reiner Loos for his contributions in a town often regarded as the cradle of the Canary Islands.
Nicolás Gutiérrez highlighted the innate connection that locals have with the land, appreciating how the awardees have transformed Fuerteventura into a supportive community where conservation and economic opportunity coexist.
Celebrating Local Culture Through Performance
Adding a cultural touch to the ceremony, local timple player David de León Vera performed an evocative set featuring songs such as “Nube de hielo,” “Folías,” and “Galopera,” enriching the event’s atmosphere and celebrating Fuerteventura’s rich musical heritage.
Legacy of the ‘Fuerteventura, te queremos… bonita!!!’ Awards
This year’s event continued a legacy of honoring local initiatives focused on environmental beauty and sustainability. Previous editions celebrated locations and organizations that have similarly dedicated their efforts to enhance Fuerteventura, reflecting a growing commitment to preserving the island’s exceptional natural attributes for future generations.
With continued community involvement and recognition of their dedication, Fuerteventura stands poised to remain a beautiful gem in the Canary Islands, inspiring a legacy of environmental care and cultural pride.
